Saturn Hydrangea

Saturn Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Saturn') is a compact mophead hydrangea about 1.2m tall and wide, with big flower heads in deep plum pink with a white edge. It comes from the Star Line series, bred by Dutch specialists for large florets and strong colour. It is very cold hardy, and small enough for pots.

Why you'll love it

• A two-tone flower. Deep plum pink petals with a crisp white margin give each head a defined, patterned look.
• Bred for big florets. The Star Line series was developed for large florets and strong, reliable colour.
• Vase-ready. A single stem carries a very large head, so one or two cut stems fill a vase.
• Very cold hardy. It copes with frosts that would stop many flowering shrubs.
• Just the right size. At around a metre to 1.2m it fits planters as easily as a mixed bed.

Where it works best

Shady borders. Plant 1m apart in a row of three or more for a dramatic bed of pink and white heads.

Pots and planters. Use a pot at least 40cm wide. It makes a colourful feature for a terrace or entry.

Cutting garden. Cut stems in the cool of the morning for arrangements indoors.

Growing Saturn Hydrangea in Australia

Position and climate. A partly shaded position with morning sun suits it best. It handles cool temperate and warm temperate gardens well; in subtropical gardens give it deep afternoon shade.

Soil. Rich, moist, well-drained soil with compost worked in. Mulch to keep the roots cool in summer.

Water and feed. Water regularly for the first 8 to 12 weeks, then give plenty of water in dry periods. Top up with a slow release fertiliser as the new leaves appear in spring, and shade the plant from harsh sunlight.

Pruning. It blooms from last year's stems, so avoid cutting it back hard. Remove faded flower heads just above the next pair of leaves and cut out only dead or weak stems. All parts are toxic if eaten.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Saturn Hydrangea as tube stock and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and flowering builds over the first couple of seasons. The 200mm pots give you a larger plant to start with and are the better choice for an instant planter display. Unpack on arrival and water well.

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
• Guide to hydrangea colour and pruning
• More plants for partial shade
• Frost hardy plants

Common questions

Why does Saturn have white edges on its petals?

That is how the Star Line series was bred, with deep pink petals framed in a crisp white margin. The pattern shows on every floret.

Can I grow it in a pot?

Yes. At about a metre to 1.2m it suits a pot at least 40cm wide, with regular watering and shelter from hot afternoon sun.

Will it cope with frost?

Yes. It is very cold hardy when dormant, so winter frosts are not a worry in most gardens.