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Hydrangea aspera ‘Hot Chocolate’

Hydrangea 'Hot Chocolate'

Award Winner Hardiness H4

Chocolate-purple young foliage matures to dark green above burgundy undersides on Hydrangea aspera ‘Hot Chocolate’. Large mauve-pink lacecap flowers appear in summer, giving this substantial shrub exceptional foliage and flower interest for sheltered, partially shaded borders.
SKU: HYDR-190-Y
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Plant Details

Flowering Months

January, not a flowering month
February, not a flowering month
March, not a flowering month
April, not a flowering month
May, not a flowering month
June, flowering month
July, flowering month
August, not a flowering month
September, not a flowering month
October, not a flowering month
November, not a flowering month
December, not a flowering month

Size

Max Height
2.5 m — 4.0 m
Max Spread
1.5 m — 2.5 m
Growth Habit
Densely branched plant with compact, leafy, rounded overall shape.

Planting Position

Sunlight Indicates how much direct sunlight the plant needs each day. Full sun means 6+ hours, part shade is filtered or morning sun, and full shade is little to no direct sun.
Full Sun Part Shade
Aspect Aspect refers to the direction the planting spot faces (north, south, east or west). It affects light levels, warmth and exposure.
North South East West
Exposure Exposure describes how sheltered or exposed a plant’s position is, particularly to wind and weather.
Sheltered
Hardiness Hardiness indicates how well a plant tolerates cold conditions outdoors. Higher ratings generally mean greater frost tolerance.
Hardiness H4 (−10 to −5 °C) Hardy in most of Ireland

Ideal Soil Conditions

Soil Type Soil type describes the texture of the soil (clay, sand, loam, chalk). This affects drainage, nutrients and how roots grow.
Clay Loam Sand
Soil Moisture Soil moisture tells you how wet or dry the soil should be for best growth. Match this to your garden conditions for healthier plants.
Moist but permeable / Free draining
Soil pH Soil pH measures how acidic or alkaline the soil is. It affects nutrient availability and can impact plant growth.
Acid Alkaline Neutral

Plant Uses & Merits

Uses
  • Patios / Courtyards
  • Flower Borders
  • Against Wall
Merits
  • RHS | Award Of Garden Merit
Hydrangea aspera ‘Hot Chocolate’

Hydrangea aspera ‘Hot Chocolate’ Description

Hydrangea aspera ‘Hot Chocolate’ is a distinctive deciduous shrub with large velvety leaves that emerge rich chocolate-purple before becoming dark green while retaining burgundy colouring beneath. Broad lacecap flower heads appear from midsummer, combining mauve-purple fertile flowers with larger pink to pale mauve sterile florets. Mature plants generally reach around 2 metres high and wide. Grow in partial shade or gentle morning sun in fertile, humus-rich soil that remains evenly moist but drains freely. Strong midday sun and exposed winds can scorch or tear the broad leaves. It is hardy in sheltered Irish gardens and particularly effective as a foliage specimen. Pruning should be minimal, removing only dead, damaged or badly positioned growth after flowering or in early spring.

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