Monrovia : Learn

Large, rounded clusters of deep-blue, mophead flowers bloom repeatedly. Flowers throughout the warm months on new growth for beautiful cut flower arrangements. Lush, dark green leaves ensure good looks all season. Perfect choice for protected foundation plantings and around outdoor living areas. Add to a border for size and interest. A problem solver for homes beneath huge old shade or street trees. Deciduous shrub. .Partial sun. Moderate-growing to 4 to 6 ft. tall, 3 to 4 ft. wide.

Performance and Requirements

Light needs: Partial sun

Watering Needs: Needs regular watering - weekly, or more often in extreme heat.

Pruning Time: Summer after flowering

Growth Rate: Fast Growing

Growth Habit: Round

Soil conditions: Acidic

Design Information

Companion Plants

PRELUDE LILY OF THE VALLEY
Pieris japonica 'Prelude' (P. taiwanensis 'Prelude')

NUCCIO`S GEM CAMELLIA
Camellia japonica 'Nuccio`s Gem'

BLUE LIGHT^® CLEMATIS
Clematis x 'Vanso' P.P.# 15953

BIG BLUE LILYTURF
Liriope muscari 'Big Blue'

SUNSET POTENTILLA
Potentilla fruticosa 'Sunset'

MARMALADE CORAL BELLS
Heuchera x 'Marmalade' P.P.# 15945

ORANGE FLAME OREGON GRAPE HOLLY
Mahonia aquifolium 'Orange Flame' P.P.# 2544

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Companion Plants (Description): Plant with white and blue blooming Pieris, Camellia, Astilbe, Clematis and Lilyturf for a moonlight garden effect or brighten a woodland setting and offset the beautiful blue blooms with yellow tinted Potentilla, Coral Bells, and Oregon Grape Holly.

Design Styles: Plant in dappled shade with other acid loving plants.  Great for borders, foundation plantings and in mass.  Place at the edge of a woodland area with low growing perennials planted in the foreground.  A beautiful addition to an Asian garden or container planting.

Display Uses: Border Plant, Container Gardening, Cut flower

Garden Styles: Cottage, Woodland, Zen

Special Features: Flowers for Cutting, Showy Flowers, Prolific Flowering

Care Information

Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Provide well-drained soil, rich in organic matter. Feed with an acid fertilizer before spring growth. Prune to shape after flowering.

Background Information

History: Macrophyllas are the most widely planted of the 80 species of genus Hydrangea. It originated in Japan, although it is believed that plants first introduced to the west were gathered in China. The species was named by Nicolas Seringe of France, but was also known by Viburnum and a more generalized Hydrangea hortensis due to the variations between lacecap and mophead flower types.  Penny Mac was first introduced by Mrs. Penny McHenry of Atlanta, Georgia, founder of the American Hydrangea Society. She received the original plant as a gift in 1975 and in 2000 gave specimens to Dr. Michael A. Dirr at the University of Georgia, Dept. of Horticulture.  He in turn , brought this cultivar to the attention of the home gardener.

Botanical Pronunciation: hye-DRAYN-jee-uh mak-ro-FIL-la

Catalog Description: Large, rounded clusters of deep-blue, mophead flowers bloom repeatedly. Flowers throughout the warm months on new growth for beautiful cut flower arrangements. Lush, dark green leaves ensure good looks all season. Perfect choice for protected foundation plantings and around outdoor living areas. Add to a border for size and interest. A problem solver for homes beneath huge old shade or street trees. Deciduous shrub. .Partial sun. Moderate-growing to 4 to 6 ft. tall, 3 to 4 ft. wide.