Tokyo Delight Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Tokyo Delight’) is a popular addition to many gardens, known for its beautiful blooms and straightforward care. It enhances landscapes with a consistent floral display.
Distinctive Features of Tokyo Delight Hydrangea
Tokyo Delight Hydrangea stands out with its unique lacecap flower structure. These inflorescences feature a central cluster of small, fertile florets surrounded by a ring of larger, showy sterile florets. Initially, the blooms appear white or pale green, gradually transitioning to shades of rose-pink and eventually deepening to a reddish-pink or light burgundy as they mature through the summer and into early fall. This color progression adds dynamic visual interest.
This deciduous shrub grows to about 3 to 6 feet tall and wide, forming a rounded, multi-stemmed shape. Its glossy, dark green foliage provides a lush backdrop for the evolving flower colors, often turning red-purple in the fall. Blooming from mid-summer through early fall, ‘Tokyo Delight’ offers extended ornamental value.
Planting and General Care
Tokyo Delight Hydrangea thrives in partial shade, ideally morning sun with protection from intense afternoon sun, which can scorch its leaves. A sheltered spot also protects it from harsh conditions. It prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
While adaptable to various soil types and not particular about pH, consistent soil moisture is important. Provide consistent, deep watering, especially during dry periods, aiming for 1-2 inches per week during the growing season. Ensure water penetrates deeply into the root zone, avoiding overwatering to prevent root issues.
For general nourishment, a balanced, slow-release fertilizer with an NPK ratio like 10-10-10 or 12-4-8 is suitable. Fertilization can occur once a year in early spring as new growth emerges, or monthly from spring through late July for younger plants. Applying a thick layer of mulch around the root zone helps conserve soil moisture and provides a steady supply of organic matter.
Pruning Tokyo Delight Hydrangea
Tokyo Delight Hydrangea, a Hydrangea macrophylla type, blooms on old wood. Its flower buds for the following year form on stems from the previous growing season. Therefore, prune immediately after the current season’s flowering concludes, generally in late summer. Pruning too late or in spring removes these developing buds, reducing the next year’s bloom display.
When pruning, focus on removing any dead, weak, or damaged stems. You can also thin out overcrowded branches to improve air circulation within the plant. For shaping or reducing overall size, cut back flowering stems to a pair of healthy buds. Deadheading spent flowers also improves the plant’s appearance and can encourage further blooming.
Winterizing Tokyo Delight Hydrangea
Protecting Tokyo Delight Hydrangea during colder months is necessary, as its old wood blooms mean flower buds can be damaged by severe winter conditions. Hardy in USDA Zones 5 to 9, additional winter protection is advisable in colder ranges.
A 3-inch layer of mulch around the base insulates the root zone from freezing temperatures. In colder zones, wrapping the plant with burlap or creating a cage filled with leaves or straw offers further protection to stems and dormant flower buds. This helps ensure abundant blooms the following season.