‘Madame Emile Mouillere’ hydrangea is a beloved classic, cherished for its abundant, elegant blooms and graceful presence. Its enduring appeal stems from consistent flowering and adaptable nature. This article guides you through understanding and caring for this exceptional plant.
Understanding Madame Emile Mouillere Hydrangea
‘Madame Emile Mouillere’ is classified as Hydrangea macrophylla, commonly known as bigleaf hydrangea, and is a quintessential mophead variety. Introduced in France in 1909 by horticulturist Emile Louis Mouillère, it has since earned the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit. This shrub typically develops a dense, bushy, and rounded habit, reaching a mature size of 4 to 6 feet in height and 4 to 8 feet in width. Its large, oval, deciduous leaves are a dark green with a distinct serrated edge, providing a lush backdrop for the flowers.
Optimal Growing Conditions and Care
Light Requirements
‘Madame Emile Mouillere’ hydrangeas perform best with morning sunlight followed by afternoon shade. This protects the plant from intense midday and afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates. While it can tolerate more sun in northern USDA Zones 5 and 6, some shade or filtered sun becomes increasingly beneficial further south in Zones 7-9.
Soil Preferences
This hydrangea thrives in moist, well-drained, and rich loamy soil. Ensure the planting site does not become waterlogged, as hydrangeas do not tolerate constantly soggy conditions. Improving heavy clay soils with organic matter, such as compost, can enhance drainage and aeration. Amending sandy soils with organic material will improve their water retention capabilities.
Watering
Consistent and ample watering is important for ‘Madame Emile Mouillere’ hydrangeas, especially during establishment and dry spells. Keep the soil evenly moist but never saturated. Monitor soil moisture by feeling the top few inches. Deep watering encourages a strong, extensive root system, making the plant more resilient.
Fertilization
To support vigorous growth and abundant flowering, ‘Madame Emile Mouillere’ benefits from regular fertilization throughout the growing and flowering seasons. Apply a balanced granular fertilizer for flowering shrubs in early spring as new growth emerges, following product instructions to prevent over-fertilization. Additional applications may be beneficial in mid-summer to sustain blooming.
Pruning for Health and Blooms
‘Madame Emile Mouillere’ is a bigleaf hydrangea that blooms on old wood, meaning its flower buds form on stems from the previous year’s growth. Pruning should occur shortly after the plant finishes flowering in late summer or early fall. This timing allows new growth to mature and set buds for the following year’s blooms. Focus on removing any dead, diseased, or weak branches, and thinning out older, less productive stems to maintain plant vigor and shape.
Winter Protection
In colder climates, particularly the lower end of its hardiness range (USDA Zones 5-9), providing winter protection can help ensure the survival of ‘Madame Emile Mouillere’ hydrangeas. A layer of organic mulch, such as shredded leaves or straw, applied around the base of the plant in late fall helps insulate the roots and protect dormant flower buds from harsh winter conditions.
Bloom Characteristics and Color Management
The flowers of ‘Madame Emile Mouillere’ are large, pure white globular clusters, characteristic of mophead hydrangeas. These abundant blooms emerge from summer into fall. While primarily white, the sterile florets often display a subtle pink, lavender, or blue eye in their center, or a light blush of color on their edges. As the flowers age, they may develop soft pink or green tints, particularly when exposed to more sunlight.
The coloration of the flower’s eye or blush can be influenced by soil pH, though the overall bloom remains predominantly white. In more acidic soils, the subtle tints tend towards bluer or lavender hues, while alkaline conditions can encourage pinker shades. Gardeners can influence these secondary colors by adjusting soil pH with amendments like aluminum sulfate for bluer tints or lime for pinker. This variety is also noted for its reblooming capabilities, producing new flushes of flowers throughout the summer and into autumn.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
A lack of blooms on ‘Madame Emile Mouillere’ hydrangea often stems from incorrect pruning, particularly if old wood that contains next year’s flower buds is removed. Late spring frosts can also damage emerging flower buds, leading to reduced flowering. Yellowing leaves, known as chlorosis, sometimes indicate a nutrient deficiency or an imbalance in soil pH. If the soil is too alkaline, the plant may struggle to absorb iron, leading to yellowing between the veins of the leaves.
Addressing soil pH and providing a balanced fertilizer can often resolve this issue. While ‘Madame Emile Mouillere’ is generally tough and disease-resistant, common hydrangea pests like aphids or spider mites can occasionally appear. A strong spray of water can dislodge many pests, and maintaining good air circulation helps prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew or leaf spot.