Hydrangea macrophylla Double Down® ('Hydrsrpdow') PPTBS

• Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are drawn to the blooms.
• Wildlife Resistant: Somewhat deer-resistant, though young plants may experience occasional browsing.

• Foliage Season: Spring to fall.
• Flowering Season: Early summer through fall (June to October).
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9

• Borders and hedges
• Foundation plantings
• Containers
• Woodland gardens
• Pollinator gardens

• Color: Dark green, glossy, oval leaves with serrated edges.
• Form: Large, smooth leaves that create a dense, bushy appearance, providing an attractive backdrop to the showy blooms.
• Fall Interest: Foliage turns yellow in the fall before dropping for winter dormancy.

• Color: Double-layered, mophead flowers that are deep pink in alkaline soil and vivid blue in acidic soil.
• Form: Large, rounded flower clusters up to 6-8 inches in diameter, with dense, multi-petal florets for a fuller, more textured appearance.
• Bloom Time: Blooms continuously from early summer to fall, reblooming on both old and new wood.
• Fragrance: Not fragrant.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall when temperatures are cooler, though container-grown plants can be planted anytime with proper care.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, organically rich soil. Soil pH affects flower color (blue in acidic soil, pink in alkaline soil).
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as it was in its nursery pot, ensuring the crown is at soil level.
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow for full, mature growth and good air circulation.

• Timing: Prune after flowering to remove spent blooms and shape the plant. Avoid heavy pruning in late fall or early spring, as Double Down® blooms on both old and new wood.
• Method: Light pruning to remove dead or damaged stems and spent flowers is all that is needed. Deadheading promotes continued flowering.

• Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, water deeply as needed, especially during dry periods.
• Soil Moisture: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Double Down® benefits from mulching to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

• Prefers partial shade to full sun. In warmer climates, afternoon shade is recommended to prevent leaf scorch, while in cooler climates, it can tolerate more sun.

💐 For Fresh Cut Flower Arrangements

Best Time to Harvest:

1. When blooms are fully open and firm, usually mid to late summer.
   
2. Since Double Down™ is a rebloomer, you can often get multiple flushes for harvest through the season (June to September).
   

How to Harvest:

1. Cut in the early morning when stems are well-hydrated.
   
2. Use clean, sharp pruners and cut just above a leaf node.
   
3. Place cut stems directly into cool water.
   
4. Use mature blooms for best vase life; avoid cutting too early when florets are still tight.
   

• Pro Tip: Add flower preservative to the vase water to extend bloom life, and change water every few days.
  

🌾 For Drying Blooms

• Best Time to Harvest for Drying:
  
• When blooms begin to age naturally on the plant—look for petals that are slightly papery or have begun to turn soft antique tones (late summer to early fall).
  
• Drying Method:
  
• Remove all leaves from the stem.
  
• Hang stems upside down in a cool, dark, dry place with good airflow, or
  
• Place upright in a dry vase without water to air dry.
  
• Drying typically takes 1–2 weeks, and petals will retain soft, muted pink or greenish hues.
  
  

• Fertilization Time: Apply fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer for optimal growth and flowering.
• Fertilizer Type: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. For color control, aluminum sulfate can be applied to acidic soil for blue flowers, or lime can be added to alkaline soil for pink flowers.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch away from the crown to prevent rot.
• Drought Tolerance: Double Down® prefers consistently moist soil but can tolerate short dry spells once established. Regular watering is recommended during dry periods.
• Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-free, though it may occasionally suffer from aphids or powdery mildew in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

• Pollination Type: Pollinated by bees and butterflies, though Double Down® is primarily grown for its ornamental blooms rather than seed production.

• Hostas
• Astilbe
• Ferns
• Heuchera (Coral Bells)