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Background

​​​Native to the Himalayas and northern/western China. Introduced to Europe around 1821, making it one of the earliest Asiatic hydrangeas in western collections. The 'Bretschneideri' group (introduced to Europe in the 1880s) is the most historically recognized form.

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H. heteromalla is a high-altitude mountain species typically growing between 1,900m and 3,400m above seal level. It is a large under-storey shrub or small tree growing along the edges of forests, mountain thickets and stream valleys.

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Cultivation

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• Position & Soil: Extremely tough, cold-hardy, and wind-tolerant. Grows well in full sun or partial shade across most soil types

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• Pruning: Requires little to no pruning; clear out old stems lightly in early spring if needed.

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• Colour Note: Soil pH does not alter bloom colour.

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• Propagation: Propagated via semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or hardwood stem cuttings in late autumn.​​​​