The ‘Elizabeth Ashley’ Hydrangea is a popular garden shrub, chosen for its remarkable flower displays and compact growth habit. Its ability to produce a continuous flush of flowers throughout the growing season contributes to its widespread appeal.
Understanding Elizabeth Ashley Hydrangea
The ‘Elizabeth Ashley’ Hydrangea, scientifically known as Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Hokomarore’ PP 31264, is a distinctive Bigleaf Hydrangea cultivar. It reaches a compact 3 to 4 feet in both height and spread, forming a rounded, bushy shape. It features dense, billowy mophead blooms, often compared to cauliflower heads due to their size.
The flower color of ‘Elizabeth Ashley’ is pH-dependent, ranging from taffy pink to maroon in alkaline soils and vibrant blue to deep blue in acidic conditions. In neutral soil, blooms might display shades of lavender or a mix of colors. Its deep-green foliage, with textural, toothed edges, provides a striking contrast to the colorful flowers and maintains a dense appearance throughout the season. This reblooming variety blooms continuously from late spring or early summer on both old and new wood until fall.
Planting Elizabeth Ashley Hydrangea
Selecting the appropriate planting site is key for ‘Elizabeth Ashley’ Hydrangea health. This shrub thrives in locations that receive morning sun and afternoon shade, particularly in warmer climates, as excessive midday sun can lead to leaf scorch. In cooler regions (USDA Zones 6 and below), it can tolerate more sun exposure. Ensure the chosen spot offers some protection from harsh winds.
It prefers moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter, performing best in evenly moist conditions. For blue blooms, aim for an acidic soil pH between 5.2 and 5.5, while pink blooms develop in soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.2. When planting, dig a hole that is at least 2 feet wider than the plant’s root ball and deep enough so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Carefully place the plant in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
Ongoing Care for Elizabeth Ashley Hydrangea
Water consistently, especially during dry spells and after planting. Provide about one inch of water per week, including any rainfall, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. To check soil moisture, insert a finger about two inches deep; if it feels dry, it is time to water. Applying a 3-4 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant can help retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.
For optimal growth and flowering, fertilize your ‘Elizabeth Ashley’ Hydrangea once annually in the summer, preferably before August. Use a well-balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.
Pruning Elizabeth Ashley Hydrangea
As a reblooming variety, ‘Elizabeth Ashley’ Hydrangea flowers on both old and new wood. This simplifies pruning, ensuring blooms even if old wood is damaged. The best time to prune is after the main flush of blooms in late summer.
To maintain shape and size, or to remove any dead or weak branches, prune in early spring as new growth emerges. Identify any dead branch tips from winter and trim them back to healthy wood. For older plants, removing a few of the oldest, thickest canes down to the ground can rejuvenate the shrub and encourage new, vigorous growth. Deadheading spent blooms throughout the season encourages continued flowering and maintains a tidy appearance.
Winter Protection for Elizabeth Ashley Hydrangea
Prepare ‘Elizabeth Ashley’ Hydrangea for colder temperatures, especially in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 9 where it is hardy. As fall approaches, reduce the frequency of watering and cease fertilization to allow the plant to harden off for winter. This helps prevent tender new growth that could be damaged by frost.
Applying a generous layer of organic mulch, such as shredded leaves or pine needles, around the base of the plant provides insulation for the root system. Apply a 3-4 inch thick layer. In regions with very harsh winters, consider covering the entire plant with burlap or a specialized plant cover to protect the stems and buds from extreme cold and drying winds. This helps ensure the plant’s survival and abundant blooms the following season.
Common Problems and Solutions
Lack of blooms can result from incorrect pruning, especially if too much old wood is removed before bud set. Prune after late summer blooming or only remove dead tips in early spring. Yellowing leaves (chlorosis) often indicate nutrient deficiency or incorrect soil pH, affecting nutrient uptake. Adjust soil pH with aluminum sulfate for bluer blooms or lime for pinker blooms.
Wilting, even after watering, might suggest root problems or overwatering. Check soil drainage and ensure the plant is not sitting in water. While noted for disease and insect resistance, ‘Elizabeth Ashley’ Hydrangea can occasionally get pests like aphids or spider mites. Manage these with a strong water spray or insecticidal soap.