Hydrangea macrophylla Onyx® 'Flamingo'

Pollinators: The flowers of Flamingo hydrangea attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, providing a valuable food source during the flowering season.

Birds: While hydrangeas do not typically produce ornamental berries, the dense foliage provides shelter for small birds throughout the year.

Spring to Summer: In spring, Flamingo begins its growth cycle with lush green leaves. During the warmer months, it produces beautiful bi-color blooms, offering visual interest from mid-summer to fall.

Fall: The flowers continue to transition in color, deepening from pink to a darker shade of purple as the plant enters fall. The leaves will also begin to take on hues of red or burgundy, enhancing the autumn display.

Winter: In winter, the plant enters dormancy but maintains its structured form, providing visual interest during the colder months.

Leaves: Large, glossy dark green leaves form a lush backdrop to the vibrant flowers. The leaves are broad and ovate, creating a dense and compact shrub.

Fall Color: In fall, the leaves take on a reddish or purple hue, adding another layer of color to your garden before they drop for winter.

Flower Description: The flowers of Flamingo hydrangea are large, mophead-shaped clusters that transition in color as the blooms mature. Initially, the flowers are a deep black-purple that gradually lightens to soft pink as they mature, creating a dramatic two-tone effect. The color contrast provides months of dynamic visual appeal.

Flower Longevity: The flowers remain vibrant and beautiful for several months, from mid-summer until fall, making this hydrangea an excellent choice for extended seasonal color.

• Best Time to Plant: The best time to plant Flamingo hydrangea is in early spring after the last frost or in fall before the first frost. This allows the plant to establish roots before the more extreme temperatures of summer or winter.
  
  
• Planting Instructions: Choose a location with well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the hydrangea in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
  
  
• Spacing: Space plants about 3–4 feet apart for a neat hedge or closer if planting as a specimen plant.
  
  

• Pruning: Flamingo hydrangea blooms on old wood, so prune carefully. The best time to prune is immediately after flowering, typically in late summer or early fall. Remove dead or spent flowers and trim any damaged or diseased branches. If you need to shape the shrub or reduce its size, prune back a little after flowering, but avoid cutting too much as it may reduce next season's blooms.
  
  
• Deadheading: Deadhead faded blooms during the growing season to maintain the plant's neat appearance and help direct energy toward new growth.
  
  

Watering: Hydrangeas require regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist. Water deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. During dry spells, more frequent watering may be necessary.

Drought Tolerance: Once established, Flamingo is moderately drought-tolerant, but consistent moisture will help it thrive and produce more abundant blooms.

Watering Tip: Water at the base of the plant, not on the leaves, to reduce the risk of mildew and other fungal diseases.

Light: Flamingo hydrangea thrives in partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. For best results, provide morning sun and afternoon shade to protect the plant from intense heat, especially in warmer regions. Too much direct afternoon sun can scorch the leaves and cause the flowers to fade prematurely.

Hydrangea flowers can be cut for fresh floral arrangements. For dried arrangements, cut the blooms when they are fully developed but still fresh, then hang them upside down in a dry, cool place to dry naturally.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring, before new growth begins. Avoid fertilizers with too much nitrogen, as they can encourage excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers. If the plant is in a container, consider fertilizing every 6–8 weeks with a liquid fertilizer during the growing season.

Soil Amendments: Hydrangeas thrive in slightly acidic soil. If your soil is alkaline, you can amend it with sulfur or peat moss to lower the pH and encourage vibrant blooms.

• Pollination: Flamingo is self-pollinating, which means it doesn’t require another plant to produce flowers or berries. However, planting multiple hydrangeas nearby can encourage cross-pollination, resulting in more abundant flowers.
  
  

Perennials: Pair with perennials like Astilbe, Hosta, or Heuchera for complementary texture and color.

Shrubs: Combine with other hydrangeas, such as Hydrangea paniculata or Hydrangea quercifolia, for a multi-textured shrub border.

Trees: Works well with flowering trees like Japanese Maple or Magnolia for added height and seasonal interest.