Agnes Pavelli Hydrangea

Agnes Pavelli Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Agnes Pavelli') is a neat, compact deciduous shrub about 1.5m tall and 1.5m wide, with soft light green leaves and big, rounded white flower heads. It is a reliable white mophead for mixed borders, cottage gardens and large pots. Very cold hardy, it is a natural choice for cool and temperate gardens.

Why you'll love it

• Clean white mopheads. Large, rounded heads of white flowers show up well in shade and at dusk, and sit easily alongside any other colour.
• Neat and compact. At 1.5m by 1.5m it keeps a tidy shape, which makes it easier to fit into a mixed bed than some of the larger hydrangeas.
• Flowers that change with the light. Blooms tint lightly green in deep shade and age to maroon in hot sun, giving a second phase of colour.
• Very cold hardy. It copes with hard winters, losing its leaves and returning in spring.
• Soft foliage. Large leaves in a fresh light green make a lush backdrop to flowers and companion plants.

Where it works best

Mixed beds and borders. Plant 1.2m apart to form a flowering mass at the back or middle of a border. The roots are fibrous and non-invasive, so it can sit close to paths.

Cottage and woodland gardens. Pair it with ferns, hostas and other shade lovers in a partly shaded bed beneath trees.

Large containers. A big pot suits it, provided you can water it often. Hydrangeas are thirsty and pots dry out quickly.

Growing Agnes Pavelli Hydrangea in Australia

Position and climate. A partly shaded position is best, with protection from harsh sunlight, especially hot afternoon sun. It is very cold hardy, so it thrives in cool temperate and warm temperate gardens. In hot, humid areas give it morning sun, afternoon shade and extra water.

Soil. Rich soil with plenty of organic matter. Mulch to keep the roots cool and moist.

Water and feed. Water regularly during the first 8 to 12 weeks until established, and keep watering regularly afterwards, because hydrangeas are thirsty. Apply a slow-release fertiliser in early spring.

Pruning. Macrophylla hydrangeas flower on old wood, so do not cut them back hard. Prune by deadheading spent flowers back to a leaf joint, and site the plant where it has room to grow.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Agnes Pavelli Hydrangea as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tubes are the economical way to plant several shrubs for a border, and they settle in over the first few weeks if kept moist. Expect a small plant on arrival that builds into a full shrub over a few seasons.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our hydrangeas
• White hydrangeas: varieties, growing and pruning
• Hydrangeas: colour and growth
• More deciduous shrubs

Common questions

Will the flowers turn blue or pink?

No. White hydrangeas stay white whatever the soil pH. In deep shade the flowers can tint lightly green, and in hot sun they age to maroon.

Is it toxic to pets?

Yes. Hydrangeas are toxic to dogs, cats and people if eaten, so plant it with care where pets chew plants.

When should I prune it?

Deadhead spent flowers back to a leaf joint. Macrophyllas flower on old wood, so avoid cutting the stems back hard or you will lose next season's flowers.