A Dreamy Hydrangea
If you’re looking for a dreamy shrub that will make your garden feel like a fairytale, the Fairytrail® series of Cascade Hydrangeas® add that whimsical feel to any space. You may have seen Fairytrail Bride®, which was the first-ever Cascade Hydrangea® available in North America, but today I want to tell you about an elegant new addition to the series, Fairytrail® White Cascade Hydrangea® (Hydrangea x).
As the name Cascade Hydrangea® suggests, these hydrangeas have a lovely horizontal habit with arching, cascading branches that have flower buds at every node. Fairytrail® White boasts an abundance of snowball-like mophead blooms in late spring; that’s right, spring! This beauty is perfect for kickstarting the hydrangea season. Due to its interesting habit, there are so many ways you can use this hydrangea in the garden: in a container, cascading over retaining walls, at the edge of a garden bed, or even in a hanging basket.
Fairytrail® White is suited for USDA zones 5-9. If you’re at the cooler end of the hardiness range, it’s best to plant it in an area with morning shade to avoid bud damage during spring frosts and freezes. It grows to 4’ tall and 4-5’ wide and thrives in part sun conditions (though it will grow well in full sun as well).
Pruning is not recommended for Fairytrail® hydrangeas, as any cuts will remove flowering potential. You can remove dead or damaged wood at any time, cutting back to a set of leaves.
Shrubs for Mass Planting
A mass planting is a simple way to make a big impact in the garden. They give a space that wow factor, create a backdrop, or fill space between existing plants or structures. But what makes a shrub suitable for mass planting and how do you space a mass planting? Check out my “11 Shrubs for Mass Planting” blog to learn about mass plantings and get some inspiration for shrubs that are great for mass plantings.