In The Garden Now…..Pistachio Hydrangea

‘Pistachio’ Mophead Hydrangea

Text and photo by Victoria Gilleland

New hydrangea varieties arrive in the garden centers each year, but they’re not likely to top Hydrangea ‘Pistachio’ for bold flower color. In fact many people don’t recognize this plant as a hydrangea because of the unusual, ever-changing flower color. It’s very different from the old fashioned blue mophead hydrangeas grown in Grandma’s garden.  

Double flowers, 5 inches in diameter, open lime green and gradually develop raspberry centers with a small blue eye. Blossoms in an amazing assortment of colors are displayed on the plant all at the same time.  

This compact shrub typically matures at 3- 4 feet high x 4 feet wide and would prefer morning sun and some afternoon shade. If spent blossoms are removed, flowers will be produced well into fall.   Because it’s a smaller hydrangea, ‘Pistachio’ can be grown successfully in either containers or flower beds….just be sure it gets enough water.    

For a wallop of startling color in your garden try a little ‘Pistachio’… Hydrangea that is!

(Botanical Name: Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Horwack’) 

Victoria Gilleland is the owner of Cottage Garden Designs, a Garden Design company specializing in Redesign of Residential Gardens, Garden Consultation and Coaching. She has been designing gardens in the northwest for over 20 years.

See other articles in this series by clicking on In the Garden Now under the Features section on the main webpage.