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Hydrangea macrophylla 'Mariesii'
Mariesii Hydrangea
Species native to Japan; 'Mariesii' collected by Charles Maries in the 1870s and introduced via Veitch Nurseries, England
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Overview
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Mariesii' is a spreading, deciduous shrub reaching 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) tall and 5–6 feet (1.5–1.8 m) wide, with a habit wider than tall and horizontal branching that forms distinct tiers. This historic lacecap cultivar was collected by Charles Maries in Japan in the 1870s and introduced to Western cultivation through Veitch Nurseries, England; it is the parent of the Mariesii group of later selections. The flat-topped flower heads are 5–8 inches (13–20 cm) across, carrying single sterile ray florets in soft blue in acidic soil and pale pink in alkaline soil, surrounding a central cluster of small fertile florets. The horizontal layered branching displays the flower heads flat across each tier. Glossy, dark green, broadly ovate leaves are 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) long. Flower buds form on old wood. Growth rate is moderate. Hardy in USDA zones 6–9. The spreading habit requires wider spacing than upright cultivars, the old-wood bloom is vulnerable to late spring frost, and the cultivar is not a good fit for narrow or vertical spaces.
Native Range
The species Hydrangea macrophylla is native to Japan. 'Mariesii' was collected by Charles Maries in Japan in the 1870s and introduced to Western cultivation by Veitch Nurseries of England.Suggested Uses
Planted as a specimen or in partial-shade borders at 5–6 foot (1.5–1.8 m) spacing. The horizontal tiered branching displays the lacecap heads flat across the shrub, giving a layered appearance distinct from rounded mophead cultivars. The parent of the Mariesii group suits historical and botanical garden plantings. Late spring frost can reduce or eliminate the flower display for a season, and the cultivar is not suited to full sun, dry soils, narrow planting spaces, or USDA zones below 6.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4' - 6'
Width/Spread5' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
Produces flat-topped lacecap flower heads 5–8 inches (13–20 cm) across from June through August, with single sterile ray florets in soft blue in acidic soil and pale pink in alkaline soil, surrounding small fertile florets. Flower heads sit flat along the tiered horizontal branches. Flower buds form on old wood. Bloom duration is 6–8 weeks.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Lacecap: single sterile rays in soft blue (acid) to pale pink (alkaline) surrounding small fertile florets; head 5–8 inches (13–20 cm) across; held horizontally on tiered branchesFoliage Description
Glossy dark green, broadly ovate; 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) long; plain green without variegationGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-5 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant in partial shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained loam or clay soil. Hardy in USDA zones 6–9. The spreading horizontal habit requires 5–6 feet (1.5–1.8 m) of lateral room, more than upright cultivars of similar height. Soil pH controls ray color: aluminum sulfate or sulfur in fall and spring shifts rays toward blue; garden lime shifts them toward pink. Flower buds form on old wood, so a sheltered position away from morning sun and exposed frost pockets protects overwintered stems. Consistent moisture through the growing season supports bloom quality.Pruning
Prune immediately after flowering in August by cutting spent heads back to the next pair of healthy buds. Remove only dead wood and crossing branches from within the canopy in order to preserve the horizontal tiered structure; hard cutbacks disrupt the branching pattern and remove flower buds for the following year.Pruning Schedule
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