Mojito Hydrangea

Mojito Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Mojito') is a small panicle hydrangea, about 1m tall and 1.2m wide, whose flower heads start vivid lime green. Through summer they fade to cream-white, then turn a soft pink once autumn arrives. The cones grow up to 25cm long, and the plant is frost hardy as well as heat and sun tolerant.

Why you'll love it

• Lime green flowers. It is one of the few hydrangeas to open in a bright lime, a cool, fresh tone that stands out among pinks and blues.
• Three colour stages. Lime green, then cream-white, then blush pink, so the same plant looks different from late spring to early autumn.
• Tough in cold and heat. Frost, hot sun and warm summers are all tolerated, so it suits a wider range of climates than the mophead hydrangeas.
• Petite and tidy. At around 1m by 1.2m it suits a flowerbed or a large pot on a deck.
• Easy pruning. It flowers on new wood, so one prune in late winter covers the year.

Where it works best

Feature planting. Plant 1m apart as a feature, or in a group of three, where the colour changes can be watched from a window.

Pots and containers. Use a pot at least 40cm wide. The green-white flowers look fresh against dark pots, and the container keeps the roots cool.

Cottage and woodland-style beds. It pairs well with darker foliage and sheltered, partly shaded spots with rich soil. The heads also cut well for green-toned arrangements.

Growing Mojito Hydrangea in Australia

Position and climate. Shelter and part shade suit it best, although it handles sun and heat. It suits cool temperate, warm temperate and subtropical gardens; in the hottest sites give it afternoon shade. All parts are toxic if eaten.

Soil. Rich soil with plenty of organic matter. It copes with almost any moist soil, but should never be left to bake dry.

Water and feed. Water regularly while it establishes over 8 to 12 weeks, and again whenever the weather turns dry. Feed once with a slow release fertiliser as growth starts in spring.

Pruning. For a looser shape just clear dead wood and old flower heads. For the most flowers, shorten last year's stems to two buds above the base in late winter, before growth restarts.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Mojito Hydrangea as tube stock only. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once planted. Expect leafy growth first, then a build towards flowering over the first couple of seasons. Pot it on or plant it out 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

• Explore the hydrangea range
• Growing and pruning white hydrangeas
• Other frost hardy plants
• Autumn colour plants

Common questions

Why are my flowers still green in summer?

That is the lime stage, which is normal. The heads open green, turn cream-white as they mature and blush pink as autumn cools down.

Does it change colour with the soil?

No. Panicle hydrangeas colour by season rather than by soil pH, so there is nothing to adjust.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes. Use a pot at least 40cm wide, water regularly and feed in early spring. Prune the stems back in late winter.