Fasan Hydrangea

Fasan Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Fasan') is a big lacecap hydrangea that grows to about 2m tall and 2m wide. Tiny true flowers in the middle are ringed by larger, papery petals in warm pink, opening from early summer. It is a frost hardy, shade-loving shrub for a cool moist spot, and its name is German for pheasant.

Why you'll love it

• Warm pink lacecap blooms. Flat heads with a fine centre and papery petals give a softer look than a heavy mophead.
• Real presence. At 2m by 2m a single plant fills a corner and does the work of several smaller shrubs.
• Frost hardy and happy in shade. It thrives in cool spots where many flowering shrubs sulk.
• A variation with acid soil. In acid soil the pink may shade towards lilac purple, so no two gardens look quite the same.
• Lush foliage. Large soft light green leaves make a generous backdrop for smaller plants in front.

Where it works best

Shaded borders and woodland planting. Plant 1.5m apart towards the back of a border, with camellias and ferns in front, so the arching branches have space to fill out.

A feature shrub. A single plant in a cool courtyard or on the shaded side of a house becomes the centrepiece from early summer.

Cottage and cutting gardens. The papery pink heads suit informal planting and cut well for vases.

Growing Fasan Hydrangea in Australia

Position and climate. Choose a partly shaded, cool position and protect it from harsh sunlight. It suits cool temperate and warm temperate gardens. In subtropical gardens it needs deep afternoon shade and extra water to stay fresh.

Soil. Rich, moist, well-drained soil, with compost dug in and mulch on top. Acid soil may turn the pink to lilac purple.

Water and feed. Water regularly for the first 8 to 12 weeks until established, then keep plenty of water coming in dry periods. Feed once with a slow release fertiliser as growth starts in spring.

Pruning. Next summer's buds sit on last year's stems, so site it where it has room to grow and keep pruning light. Remove faded flower heads just above the next pair of leaves. All parts are toxic if eaten, to people and pets.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Fasan Hydrangea as tube stock only. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once planted. At this size it will not be a 2m shrub for a few seasons, so plan for slow, steady growth with flowers building year by year. Plant it out, or pot it on, within a few days of arrival.

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

• See all our hydrangeas
• Planting and pruning hydrangeas through the year
• Plants for partial shade
• More frost hardy plants

Common questions

How big does Fasan really get?

About 2m tall and 2m wide when mature, which is large for a hydrangea. Give it room, because crowding it means you will end up cutting off the flowering wood.

Will it flower in shade?

Yes, it is a shade-loving shrub and does best in a cool, partly shaded position. Very deep shade will reduce the number of flower heads.

Why has my pink hydrangea turned purple?

Acid soil can shade the flowers to lilac purple. That is normal for bigleaf hydrangeas and not a sign of disease.