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   Blue Bunny   Hydrangea    H. involurrata ‘Wim Rutten’ ppaf, cbraf
 

 

Blue Bunny hydrangea is a drift of blue flowers from mid-summer until frost. Developed the late Wim Rutten, this plant is as special as the man.

It forms its flower buds on new wood and thus blooms reliably every year. You will love that Blue Bunny is a strong growing plant that produces an abundance of blooms in late summer right up until frost. This is the best growing and flowering cultivar we have ever grown

Additionally the big, round flower buds and fuzzy leaves add to its beauty.

Hardiness:  USDA Zone 5

Bloom Time:  Mid-summer-frost

Bloom Color:  A dramatic contrast of blue and white flowers. Soil pH does not change the flower color.

Foliage Color:  Olive green

 

 

Introduction Date: Spring ’09 to growers, Retail in 2010

Size:  2-4 feet

Exposure:  Partial shade or filtered shade is essential

Soil: Well-drained soil that has been amended with peat moss, leaf mold or compost.

Pruning: The best time to prune is in early spring. 

As a young plant it is best to prune or pinch your plant in order to build a full bodied, well branched plant.  If the plant is leggy when you purchased it, shear the plant back hard by 1/3  to 1/2 its original size. Once it puts on an inch or two of growth, pinch the branch tips to remove just the growing tip. This tip controls branching.  Once it is removed the buds below it will turn into stems. Once these new branches grow an inch or two, pinch the tip out again. You can repeat this throughout the first growing season as you are tending your garden.  Although you will sacrifice one year of bloom, this technique results in a well branched, full bodied plant that will have more flowers in subsequent years.

Watering: High moisture. Moisture is a necessity of this plant.

Wildlife: None

Type: Deciduous

Fertilizing: Fertilize in early spring by applying a slow release fertilizer specialized for trees & shrubs. Follow the label for recommended rate of application.

Uses: Groupings or masses, perennial or shrub borders, specimen, woodland garden, mixed container.

Breeder:  Wim Rutten of the Netherlands

Available: Currently available through Garden Crossings and at better garden centers in spring 2010. Garden Centers can book finished plants from a Proven Winner ColorChoice Gold Key Grower. 

 

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