Bigleaf Hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla Magical Amethyst = 'Hokomathyst' (PBR) (Magical Series) (H)
![hydrangea [Magical Amethyst]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b58fc4502e.png&w=3840&q=75)
ABOUT
The Hydrangea Magical Amethyst is a beautiful flowering shrub with striking features. Its blooms are particularly showy and can easily draw attention in any garden setting. The flowers develop on large, rounded clusters often referred to as mopheads due to their plush, dense appearance. Each cluster is an assembly of tiny flowers that can change colors through the growing season, often starting with a deep pink or blue tone and gradually maturing to a rich amethyst hue, hence its name. The leaves of the Hydrangea Magical Amethyst provide a lush backdrop for the bright blooms. They are typically broad, with a deep green color and a somewhat glossy finish that adds to the plant's overall aesthetic. The leaves have a slightly serrated edge, giving them a textured look that contrasts nicely with the softness of the flower heads. The branches and stems are sturdy, supporting the weight of the blooms, and they can lend the shrub a pleasing, rounded form as it matures. This hydrangea's overall appearance is one of robustness and classic beauty, making it a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers seeking a splash of color and elegance. Its changing flower colors throughout the season offer visual interest that can complement a variety of garden designs and color schemes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Hydrangeaceae.
Synonyms
Bigleaf Hydrangea, French Hydrangea, Lacecap Hydrangea, Mophead Hydrangea, Penny Mac, Hortensia.
Common names
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Hokomathyst'
ToxicityTo humans
The common name of Hydrangea macrophylla Magical Amethyst is Hydrangea. All parts of the Hydrangea plant contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when chewed or digested. Ingesting Hydrangea can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, it could cause dizziness, confusion, increased heart rate, and respiratory issues due to the cyanide's potential to inhibit oxygen utilization.
To pets
The common name of Hydrangea macrophylla Magical Amethyst is Hydrangea. Like in humans, Hydrangea plants are toxic to pets due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides. If a pet ingests any part of a Hydrangea, potential symptoms could include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and depression. The severity of symptoms can vary based on the amount consumed. In extreme cases, ingestion can lead to cyanide poisoning, which could result in more serious effects on the heart and breathing, sometimes fatal if not treated promptly.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.91-1.22 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Vibrant Color: Produces large, vibrant blooms that can range from pink to blue depending on soil pH, adding a burst of color to gardens.
- Long Blooming Season: Offers an extended blooming period from early summer to late fall, providing long-lasting visual interest.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers attract bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems and pollinator populations.
- Easy to Grow: Adapts to a wide range of soil types, though it prefers moist, well-drained conditions, and is relatively easy to care for.
- Multipurpose Use: Suitable for use in outdoor landscapes, as a container plant, or as a cut flower in arrangements due to its sturdy stems and large blooms.
- Durable: Shows a good resistance to many pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Seasonal Interest: Features attractive foliage that adds texture and interest to the garden even when not in bloom.
- Versatile: Can be used as a specimen plant, in borders, or mass plantings, providing versatility in landscape design.
- Cold Hardy: Relatively cold-tolerant, making it suitable for growing in a variety of climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hydrangea macrophylla 'Magical Amethyst' can be used in pressed flower art, as the robust blooms hold their color and shape well when dried and pressed.
- The plant's vibrant flowers provide a natural dye for fabrics or paper, yielding shades of blue, purple, or pink depending on the pH of the water used during the dyeing process.
- Its leaves and blooms can be used in botanical printmaking, where they can be pressed onto paper to create unique, plant-based designs and patterns.
- Skeletonized hydrangea leaves, where the fleshy part is removed to leave a fine network of leaf veins, can be used in crafting, such as for decorative bookmaking or card making.
- As a subject for macro photography, the intricate patterns of the petals and the progression of bloom colors offer photographers fascinating close-up details to capture.
- Culinary presentations can benefit from the aesthetic appeal of hydrangea petals, although it's critical to note that they are not edible and must be removed before consumption.
- Hydrangea macrophylla 'Magical Amethyst' can be incorporated into a biodegradable flower confetti, perfect for eco-friendly celebrations where traditional confetti may be prohibited.
- Landscape lighting can be designed to highlight hydrangeas at night, using the plant's structure and blooms to create interesting shadows and garden silhouettes.
- Florists may use the flowers in constructing floral crowns or headpieces for weddings, relying on the large, colorful blooms to make a bold statement.
- Hydrangea wood, from pruned branches, can be used in small woodworking projects or as decorative elements in rustic DIY crafts.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe hydrangea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe hydrangea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Heartfelt Emotions: Hydrangeas often signify heartfelt and genuine emotions, especially gratitude for being understood.
- Apology: In some contexts, giving hydrangeas can be a way of asking for forgiveness, making it a symbol of apology.
- Grace and Beauty: The lush blooms of the hydrangea represent grace, beauty, and abundance.
- Vanity: In some cultures, hydrangeas have been associated with vanity or boastfulness due to their showy flowers.
- Perseverance: The hydrangea's ability to change color based on the soil pH is often seen as a symbol of enduring and adapting through different life circumstances.
- Fourth Wedding Anniversary: Hydrangeas are a traditional gift for the fourth wedding anniversary, symbolizing appreciation and enduring love.
WaterThe common Hydrangea should be watered deeply, ensuring that the soil around the roots is kept consistently moist but not saturated. During the growing season, it may need watering once or twice a week, depending on the climate and soil drainage. Be careful to avoid waterlogging as this can lead to root rot. A good rule of thumb is to provide about one gallon of water per week for each plant, making adjustments for rainfall, temperature, and soil conditions.
LightHydrangeas, including Magical Amethyst, thrive in morning sun and afternoon shade, particularly in hotter climates. They do best when they are protected from the intense midday sun. The ideal spot is one that receives dappled sunlight or a few hours of direct morning light followed by partial shade to prevent scorching of the leaves.
TemperatureHydrangeas prefer temperatures between 65°F and 75°F for optimal growth, but can tolerate a wider range, typically from about 50°F to 85°F. They can withstand slightly cooler and warmer temperatures, but prolonged exposure beyond this range may stress the plant. The plant should be protected from frost and extreme heat, which can damage the flowers and foliage.
PruningPrune your Hydrangea annually to maintain shape and encourage vigorous growth. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove old flower heads and cut back about a third of the oldest stems to ground level to promote fresh, healthy stems and abundant blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHydrangeas, including the Magical Amethyst Hydrangea, thrive in well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH that can influence flower color—acidic (pH below 6) for blue flowers, and alkaline (pH above 7) for pink flowers. A good soil mix contains equal parts garden soil, compost, and peat moss or pine bark.
RepottingMagical Amethyst Hydrangeas should generally be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Spring is the best time to repot, just before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingMagical Amethyst Hydrangeas prefer moderate to high humidity levels. Maintaining a level of 50-60% humidity is ideal; this can be facilitated in a home environment by using a humidifier or placing the plant on a pebble tray with water.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with moist soil.
Outdoor
Partial shade, moist, well-drained soil, shelter from wind.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Hydrangea macrophylla commonly known as Bigleaf Hydrangea begins its life cycle with seed germination, which occurs in spring or early summer under moist, warm conditions. Once germinated, the seedling grows, developing a root system and foliage through the summer. The plant transitions into a vegetative stage, where it experiences rapid growth and leaf expansion. As the hydrangea matures, it enters the flowering stage, typically in early to late summer, producing large, showy flower heads that can be blue, pink, or purple, depending on soil pH. After pollination and fertilization, the flowers fade, and the plant sets seed in the form of capsules by late summer or fall. In winter, the hydrangea becomes dormant, dropping its leaves and conserving energy until the cycle begins anew with the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagation for the Hydrangea macrophylla, commonly known as bigleaf hydrangea, including cultivars like Magical Amethyst, is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in late spring to early summer when the plant’s new growth is still tender and flexible. To propagate, a gardener would select healthy, non-flowering stems and cut sections that are about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long, ensuring each cutting has several pairs of leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cuttings are then planted in a potting mix, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged, and placed in a warm area with indirect light. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the cutting can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions.
