Hydrangea macrophylla Geoffrey Chadbund is described as having florets that vary in color from violet and fuchsia across the spectrum to rose red.
This diversity in reported flower colors was a relief, as the photographs I took years ago in the Atlanta Botanical Garden revealed flowers that were lavender. Comparisons online revealed lots of rose-colored and pink versions of Geoffrey Chadbund. I have long experience with mophead hydrangeas and their changeable nature according to pH. I just didn’t immediately draw the parallel with Geoffrey Chadbund, a lacecap hydrangea.
Hydrangeas have variable flower colors according to the pH of the soil (acidic=blue, alkaline=pink). Geoffrey Chadbund follows this trend, and the flower color will be heavily influenced by soil pH.
Notes about the cultivation of Hydrangea macrophylla Geoffrey Chadbund:
Geoffrey Chadbund is a lacecap hydrangea and many of the lacecaps are fairly tender when it comes to winter hardiness. Geoffrey Chadbund, in particular, lacks cold hardiness, limited to zone 6 and warmer.
Growth is to 5′ tall and wide and blooms are fairly large, capable of being 8″ across.
Notes about Hydrangea macrophylla:
Hydrangea macrophylla are deciduous shrubs native to Japan and China. Macrophylla means large-leaved. Common names for Hydrangea macrophylla include mophead and penny mac.
Avoid planting macrophylla hydrangeas in the afternoon sun…there will be plenty of drooping and pouting leaves, lending a thirsty and overall depressed feel to the landscape. Morning sun and afternoon shade are perfect.
I think the most beautiful hydrangeas I have seen were planted in very heavy shade; the result of the shade was a very airy and open feel to the plant. The flower production was lessened but still provided an impressive display in the landscape.
If I had to choose between a site that was a little too shady versus one that was a little too sunny, with the macrophylla hydrangeas I would always choose the shady option.