Ayesha Popcorn Hydrangea

Ayesha Popcorn Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Ayesha') is a deciduous shrub about 1.5m tall and wide, with softly scented, rounded flower heads in lilac pink. Up close the petals are tiny, slightly curled and spoon shaped, which gives the heads a popcorn look. Soft light green leaves and good cold hardiness make it a woodland and cottage garden plant.

Why you'll love it

• Unusual petals. Tiny, spoon shaped, slightly curled petals give the heads a texture unlike an ordinary mophead.
• Mother-of-pearl colour. Shades of lilac, blush and pale blue shift with your soil: alkaline ground gives pinker flowers, acid ground bluer ones, and a neutral pH keeps them lilac.
• A light perfume. Unusually for a hydrangea, the flowers carry a soft scent.
• Cold hardy. It copes with cold winters, dropping its leaves and returning in spring.
• Shade and pots. It suits shade gardens, woodland planting and large containers.

Where it works best

Woodland and cottage borders. Plant 1.2m apart in dappled shade. At 1.5m wide the shrubs overlap into a soft, fragrant mass.

Shady corners. Use it beside a path or seat, where the light scent can be enjoyed at close range.

Containers. A large pot works on a shaded patio, provided it never dries out in summer.

Growing Ayesha Popcorn Hydrangea in Australia

Position and climate. Part shade suits it best, and as a cold hardy plant it is at home in cool temperate and warm temperate gardens. In subtropical gardens give it deep afternoon shade. Protect it from harsh sunlight.

Soil. Rich, moisture holding soil that drains freely. Dig in compost, then mulch to keep the roots cool. Soil pH steers the colour from pink to blue.

Water and feed. Water regularly for the first two to three months while it establishes, and give plenty of water in dry periods. Apply a slow release fertiliser in early spring.

Pruning. It flowers on old wood, so site it where it has room and avoid hard cutting. Cut off faded flowers just above a pair of healthy leaves. All parts are toxic if eaten.

What to expect when it arrives

Ayesha Popcorn Hydrangea is sold as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tubes suit anyone planting several, and they put on steady growth in the first spring. Expect a small plant on arrival that builds towards flowering over a couple of seasons.

Our grower supplies the tube stock, and supply is not always steady. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it is back.

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

• Our full hydrangea range
• Hydrangea colour and pruning guide
• More fragrant plants
• Plants for partial shade

Common questions

Why is it called popcorn?

The petals are tiny, slightly curled and spoon shaped, so the heads look like clusters of little popped kernels rather than a smooth mophead.

What colour will mine be?

That depends on soil pH. Alkaline soil tends to give pinker shades, acid soil bluer ones, and a neutral pH gives lilac.

Is it safe for pets?

No. Hydrangeas are toxic to dogs and cats if eaten, so plant it where pets cannot chew the leaves or flowers.