Summary
Hydrangea arborescens ‘Bounty’ provides the same ornamental qualities as the mainstay mopheads Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ and Hydrangea arborescens ‘Grandiflora’ but with sturdy, upright stems. Without labels, many of the large, white-flowering mopheads are difficult to differentiate; however, H. arborescens ‘Bounty’ is easily recognizable due to telltale details in its inflorescences. H. arborescens ‘Bounty’ produces distinct, multi-layered flower heads that are evocative of cauliflower or cumulus clouds unlike the more evenly domed inflorescences typical of many mophead cultivars of H. arborescens. In addition to this unique form, the individual sterile flowers were small compared to other mophead flowers in the trial. This resulted in a fine, lacy appearance to the inflorescence. H. arborescens ‘Bounty’ had minor issues with flopping when grown in the shade. However, the shaded plants had higher-rated flowers due to decreased burning. The shaded plants produced attractive olive-green flowers that persisted long after the blooming period ended.
Details
- Rating
4.3 (Top Performer) - Common Name
Bounty wild hydrangea - Bloom Period
late June - mid July - Peak Bloom
early July - Size
5' x 8' - Flower Type
Mophead - Inflorescence Diameter
6.5" - Pollinator Score
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