Madame Emile Mouillere Hydrangea

Madame Emile Mouillere Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Madame Emile Mouillere') is a large deciduous shrub, about 1.8m tall and wide, with big round flower heads that keep coming from early summer until the first frosts. The flowers open from green to white with a faint blush of blue and age to pink. Planted in a row it makes an impressive hedge.

Why you'll love it

• A very long flowering season. Flowers run from early summer until frosts, a far longer show than many hydrangeas once the plant is established.
• Flowers that change. Blooms begin green, turn white with a faint tinge of blue, then age to pink, so one plant carries several tones.
• Big and blousy. Large rounded heads against soft light green leaves give a generous, old fashioned look.
• Hedge material. At 1.8m by 1.8m it builds a soft flowering hedge in partial shade.

Where it works best

Flowering hedge. Plant 1.5m apart in a single row. At 1.8m wide the shrubs overlap and form a soft deciduous hedge about 1.8m high.

Shady borders and woodland gardens. Give a specimen plant 1.8m of width, with moist soil and shelter from hot afternoon sun.

Cottage gardens. Its white to pink heads suit an informal, cottage style planting beside paths and fences.

Growing Madame Emile Mouillere Hydrangea in Australia

Position and climate. Partial shade or shade suits it, and it does best in cool temperate and warm temperate gardens. In subtropical gardens give it deep afternoon shade. Protect it from harsh sunlight. Like other mophead hydrangeas it is hardy through winter when dormant, though a late frost can nip soft new growth.

Soil. Rich soil with plenty of organic matter that stays moist but drains. Mulch the roots to keep them cool in summer.

Water and feed. Water regularly while it establishes over the first two to three months, and keep watering regularly afterwards, because these are thirsty plants. Add a slow release fertiliser in early spring.

Pruning. It flowers on old wood, so site it where it has room and avoid hard cutting. Remove faded heads just above the next healthy leaves. All parts of the plant are toxic if eaten.

What to expect when it arrives

Madame Emile Mouillere Hydrangea is sold as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tubes are the economical way to plant a hedge. Expect a small plant on arrival, with flowering building over the first couple of seasons.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. 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
• Best hedging plants
• White hydrangeas: varieties, growing and pruning

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

Plant 1.5m apart in a single row. With a mature width of about 1.8m the plants overlap into a continuous hedge.

What colour are the flowers?

They begin green, turn white with a faint tinge of blue and age to pink. One plant often shows several tones at once.

Does it need a lot of water?

Yes. Hydrangeas are thirsty, so water regularly even once established, and mulch to hold moisture.