Hydrangea macrophylla Firefly ('HORCOS') PP2711

• Pollinators: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators.
• Wildlife: Generally deer-resistant, though young plants may need protection from browsing wildlife.

• Season: Spring through Fall
• Flowering Season: Early summer through fall
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9

🏡 Foundation Plantings

• Compact size (typically 3–4 feet tall and wide) makes it ideal for planting under windows, around porches, or along shaded building edges.
  

🌸 Color Accent in Part-Shade Borders

• Its unique bicolored blooms offer visual variety in mixed shrub or perennial beds, especially in dappled light or morning sun.
  

🪴 Container Gardening

• Perfect for large patio containers or decorative pots where its flowers can be enjoyed at close range.
  

💐 Cut Flower Gardens

• With showy blooms and strong stems, it's well-suited for cutting and using in floral arrangements.
  

🌳 Cottage, Woodland, or Japanese-Style Gardens

• Fits beautifully in informal or tranquil garden settings where texture and color variation are key.
  
  

• Color: Rich, glossy dark green foliage that sets off the colorful blooms beautifully.
• Shape: Broad, oval leaves with serrated edges.
• Size: Approximately 4-6 inches long, creating a dense, bushy appearance.

• Color: The mophead blooms of Firefly can range from pink to purple to blue depending on soil pH—pink in neutral to alkaline soils and blue in acidic soils. The flowers may also feature a two-tone effect, adding extra visual interest.
• Bloom Time: Begins flowering in early summer and continues into fall, providing months of vibrant color.
• Size of Blooms: Large, rounded clusters up to 6-8 inches in diameter.
• Fragrance: Lightly fragrant, adding subtle sweetness to the garden.

• Best Time to Plant: Plant in early spring or fall to allow the plant to establish its roots before summer heat or winter frost.

Planting Instructions:

• Soil Requirements: Prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Adjust soil pH to influence flower color—acidic soils for blue flowers and neutral to alkaline soils for pink flowers.
• Spacing: Plant 3-4 feet apart to allow for full growth and spreading.
• Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the crown is level with the soil surface.

• Pruning Needs: Prune lightly in early spring to remove dead or damaged wood and to shape the plant. Avoid heavy pruning, as Hydrangea macrophylla blooms on old wood.
• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers to encourage additional blooming and to maintain a neat appearance.
• Winter Care: Mulch the base of the plant in colder climates to protect the roots from freezing temperatures. In warmer zones, minimal winter care is required.

• Watering Frequency: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first growing season. Water deeply at least once a week, increasing frequency during hot, dry spells.
• Drought Tolerance: Somewhat drought-tolerant once established, but regular watering is essential for healthy growth and vibrant blooms.

• Preferred Light: Partial shade to full sun. In warmer climates, provide afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch.
• Tolerates: Full sun in cooler climates, as long as adequate moisture is provided.

💐 For Fresh Floral Arrangements

• Best Time to Harvest:
  

1. Mid to late summer, once flowers are fully open and mature (firm to the touch with consistent color).
   

• How to Harvest:
  

1. Use clean pruners to cut stems early in the morning for maximum hydration.
   

2. Snip just above a node to encourage regrowth.
   

3. Immediately place in cool water and remove lower leaves.

🌾 For Drying

• When to Harvest:
  

• Late summer to early fall, when blooms begin to age and take on vintage tones or feel slightly papery.
  

• Drying Method:
  

• Strip leaves, then air-dry stems upside down in a cool, dark place with good airflow, or dry upright in a vase with no water.

• When to Fertilize: Fertilize in early spring as new growth appears. A second, light feeding in midsummer can promote healthy growth and abundant blooms.
• Type of Fertilizer: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or one formulated for hydrangeas. Soil pH adjustments can be made with products like aluminum sulfate (for blue flowers) or garden lime (for pink flowers).

• Mulching: Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the base to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
• Pests: Generally pest-resistant, but aphids, spider mites, or slugs may occasionally be an issue. Treat as needed with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Disease: To prevent fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

• Hydrangea macrophylla Firefly is self-pollinating, but its colorful blooms are highly attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, enhancing the overall ecosystem of your garden.

Hydrangea 'Firefly' prefers part sun to part shade and moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soils. It thrives with companions that share these cultural needs while providing seasonal interest and contrasting form.

🌿 Foliage Contrast

• Heuchera 'Plum Pudding' or 'Lime Marmalade' – rich or bright foliage highlights the pastel bicolor blooms.
  
• Hosta spp. – bold leaves and shade tolerance make them excellent companions.
  
• Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum) – silvery foliage softens the structure of Firefly’s rounded blooms.
  

🌸 Blooming Companions

• Astilbe – delicate, upright plumes pair beautifully with Firefly’s rounded heads.
  
• Campanula – bell-shaped blue or purple blooms offer a cool contrast.
  
• Pulmonaria (Lungwort) – speckled foliage and early spring flowers bring early color and texture.
  

🌾 Evergreen or Structural Elements

• Boxwood (Buxus spp.) – provides neat structure year-round.
  
• Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea) – combines well with Firefly for extended seasonal interest.