The ‘Avant Garde’ Hydrangea is a popular choice for gardeners due to its distinctive characteristics and visual appeal. This cultivar offers a unique and striking presence in garden spaces.
Defining Avant Garde Hydrangea
‘Avant Garde’ Hydrangea is a Hydrangea macrophylla, a mophead type with robust habit and dark green foliage. This variety produces exceptionally large flower heads, often reaching 25 to 30 centimeters, and sometimes up to 50 centimeters, in diameter. Blooms initially appear white or pale pink, transitioning to green, and maturing to a striking red in autumn. Flower color is influenced by soil pH, resulting in pink in alkaline soils and powdery blue in acidic conditions.
The plant typically grows 50 to 100 centimeters (1 to 3 feet) tall with a similar spread, forming a compact shrub. Its dark green, oval to elliptic leaves provide a lush backdrop for the substantial blooms. Its strong stems support the massive flower heads, preventing flopping even after rain. This hydrangea blooms continuously throughout the summer.
Planting and Cultivation
For successful cultivation, ‘Avant Garde’ Hydrangea requires appropriate planting. It thrives in locations that receive morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Protection from intense afternoon sun is beneficial, especially in warmer climates, to prevent foliage scorching. It adapts to various moist, well-drained soil types, including clay, loam, and sand. Incorporating organic matter improves soil structure and fertility, particularly in chalky soils.
Water deeply and regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Check the top inch of soil for dryness to determine watering needs. Early morning watering is recommended to allow foliage to dry before evening. It is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 11 (UK H5, down to -15 to -10 degrees Celsius). While not demanding specific soil fertility, an annual slow-release fertilizer application supports healthy growth and abundant flowering.
Pruning for Abundant Blooms
Correct pruning helps maintain the form of ‘Avant Garde’ Hydrangea and encourages continuous impressive blooms. As a Hydrangea macrophylla, it blooms primarily on old wood, meaning flower buds form on previous year’s stems. Light pruning is generally recommended to preserve these flowering stems. Prune immediately after flowering, typically in late summer or early autumn.
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous new flowers and improve appearance. Trim weak, damaged, or crossing stems to improve air circulation and maintain shape. Avoid hard pruning, as it can reduce subsequent season’s flowers. For larger individual blooms, remove some side branches to concentrate energy into fewer, more prominent flower heads.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Common issues when growing ‘Avant Garde’ Hydrangea are generally manageable. Yellowing leaves often signal overwatering or insufficient drainage, leading to standing water. Ensure well-drained soil and adjust watering. Lack of blooms may stem from improper pruning (removing too much old wood) or insufficient light. Relocate if needed for better light exposure.
Wilting can indicate underwatering (especially in hot, dry periods) or root rot from persistent overwatering. Check soil moisture before watering and ensure adequate drainage. While robust, it can be affected by pests (aphids, mites, scale, slugs) and diseases (powdery mildew, leaf spot, grey molds). Address issues by identifying the problem, applying appropriate controls, and ensuring good air circulation.