Botanical Name: Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Bichon’
Hydrangea ‘Bichon’ is a beautiful compact hydrangea prized for its elegant white flower clusters that bring a fresh, timeless look to the garden. Its lush green foliage and abundant seasonal blooms make it a lovely choice for cottage-style, classic and contemporary landscapes.
Key Features
• Produces beautiful clusters of crisp white flowers
• Compact growth habit, ideal for smaller garden spaces
• Excellent for garden beds, borders and feature planting
• Suitable for growing in decorative pots and containers
• Flowers during the warmer months
• Deciduous – naturally loses its leaves in the cooler months before producing fresh new growth
Pet-friendly: No. Hydrangeas are considered toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. Please keep the plant out of reach of pets that may chew or eat plant material.
Size Available
• Height: Approximately 30–40cm
• Pot Size: 140mm
• Mature Size: Approximately 80cm–1.2m tall × 80cm–1.2m wide
Care Guide
1. Lighting: Best grown in part shade with gentle morning sun and protection from strong afternoon sun. In Melbourne, avoid exposed positions with intense summer afternoon heat, which can scorch the foliage and cause flowers to wilt quickly.
2. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, particularly during spring and summer. Water deeply around 2–3 times per week during warmer weather, increasing during hot or dry periods. Hydrangeas may wilt quickly when thirsty. Reduce watering during winter when the plant is dormant, but do not allow the soil to remain completely dry for extended periods.
3. Soil: Prefers fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Adding compost or well-rotted organic matter before planting can help improve soil quality and moisture retention. Mulching around the base will also help keep the roots cool and moist.
4. Fertilising: Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring as new growth begins. A second light application during the growing season can support healthy foliage and flowering. Avoid excessive fertilising, which may encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
5. Pruning: Lightly prune after flowering to maintain a neat shape and remove spent flower heads. Remove dead, damaged or weak stems as needed. Avoid heavy pruning at the wrong time, as many Hydrangea macrophylla varieties flower on older wood and excessive pruning may reduce the following season’s blooms.
