Kanmara® Splendour In Lilac Hydrangea
A New Generation of Hydrangea
The Perfect Flowering Plant for Containers, Patios, and Balconies in Full Shade
The Kanmara® Splendor In Lilac hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘H211906’) is a cultivated variety of the bigleaf hydrangea, a deciduous shrub from Asia belonging to the Hydrangeaceae family. This hydrangea is part of the Kanmara® collection, a group of bigleaf hydrangeas bred by the Hydrangea Breeder Association for their large, striking blooms and elegant foliage. The Kanmara® Splendor In Lilac hydrangea has an abundance of huge, sterile, light purple flowers held atop strong stems. Luxurious, dark green leaves contrast beautifully with the stunning mophead flowers - this plant makes a statement!
Kanmara® Splendour hydrangeas are the perfect plant for growing in containers, pots and planters in the partial to full shade of covered porches, balconies, and patios. Their showy flowers bloom abundantly from late spring through early autumn, making a bold statement in shaded locations where many other plants fail to grow and flower. Kanmara® Splendour hydrangeas can also be transplanted into the garden and grown directly in the soil.
Growing Kanmara® Splendour Hydrangeas in Containers, Pots, and Planters
Select a Suitable Container: You can keep your hydrangea in its original plastic container and drop it into a decorative pot, or you can repot it into a larger container. If repotting, choose a container with drainage holes at the bottom and use a rich, well-draining potting mix.
Light: Place the container in a sheltered location with partial to full shade and protection from drying winds. Full sun should be avoided.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially in hot climates. Container-grown plants dry out quickly and need watering more frequently than plants grown in the ground. If you have left the hydrangea in its original plastic container and dropped it into a decorative pot, do not let the plant sit in water and become waterlogged - excess water needs to drain away.
Fertilization: Fertilize your container-grown hydrangea regularly during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates.
Color maintenance: To maintain the flower colour of Kanmara® Splendour In Lilac, treat the plant with aluminum sulfate or garden sulfur to make the soil more acidic. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates.
Pruning: Kanmara® Splendour hydrangeas do not require regular pruning. If the plant becomes too large and pruning is required, whole stems may be removed at the base. After overwintering, snip off the old flower heads by cutting them off just above the newly sprouting leaf buds.
Winter Protection: Protect your container-grown Kanmara® Splendour hydrangea from freezing temperatures by moving it to a sheltered, frost-free location like a garage or sunroom.
Monitoring: Regularly monitor your hydrangea for signs of pests or diseases, such as aphids, spider mites, or powdery mildew. Treat any issues promptly to prevent them from spreading.
Growing Kanmara® Splendour Hydrangeas in the Garden
You may be wondering if you can transplant your Kanmara® Splendour hydrangea into the garden. The good news is yes, you can! Kanmara® Splendour In Lilac is a type of bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘H211906’), and will grow outside in the garden in zones 6 - 9. It prefers partial to full shade, rich and well-draining soil, and a sheltered location. Partial to full shade is important, as these hydrangeas can be sensitive to intense sun exposure, particularly in the afternoon.
Planting: The best time of year to plant a bigleaf hydrangea is in the spring or fall, giving the roots time to establish before the onset of extreme hot or cold weather. Water deeply immediately after planting.
Location: Choose a location with well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Bigleaf hydrangeas prefer soil that retains moisture but does not become waterlogged. Select a spot with partial to full shade and protection from the intense afternoon sun.
Soil: Amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, shredded leaves, or Leaf-gro® to improve drainage and soil fertility. Add garden sulfur or aluminum sulfate to the soil to maintain Kanmara® Splendour In Lilac’s purple-blue flower coloration.
Mulch: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Make sure the mulch does not touch the base of the plant.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during periods of drought. Deep watering is preferable to encourage the development of a strong root system (Are you in a drought? Check the U.S. Drought Monitor).
Fertilization: Each spring, spread a layer of compost, shredded leaves or Leaf-gro® around the base of your hydrangea, being careful to keep it away from the base of the shrub. Apply a balanced fertilizer for acid-loving shrubs, following the manufacturer's instructions for application rates.
Pruning: Kanmara® Splendour hydrangeas flower on old wood and should not be hard pruned. Mature plants may be thinned out by removing old canes at the base. In spring, remove last year’s dried flower heads by snipping them off just above the newly sprouting leaf buds.
Pest and Diseases: Bigleaf hydrangeas are prone to damage from late spring frosts - leaves and buds can appear scorched, black and burnt. Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, cercospora leaf spot and anthracnose can also affect hydrangeas. Cottony camellia scale is an occasional pest problem. Ensure good air circulation around your plants to minimize the risk of disease, and practice good watering habits (see “How to Water your Plants” to brush up on your watering skills).
Deer will eat hydrangea flower buds and leaves, especially the tender young growth. If you would like to grow a flowering shrub that deer tend to leave alone, try Ruby Spice summersweet clethra as a deer resistant alternative to the bigleaf hydrangea.
Do Kanmara® Splendour Hydrangeas like Sun or Shade?
Kanmara® Splendour hydrangeas thrive in partial to full shade (0-4 hours of direct sunlight per day). These hydrangeas were specifically bred to tolerate shade, yet still be able to produce abundant flowers. While they can tolerate some sun, Kanmara® Splendour hydrangeas prefer dappled or filtered light, with protection from the intense hot afternoon sun. In hot climates, providing them with morning sun and afternoon shade can help prevent their flowers and leaves from wilting and scorching. In cooler regions, they may tolerate more sun, but protection from harsh afternoon sunlight is still recommended. Full sun should be avoided.
Are Kanmara® Splendour Hydrangeas Poisonous to Dogs?
Kanmara® Splendor hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘H211906’) contain compounds that can be toxic to dogs if ingested, specifically cyanogenic glycosides. These compounds can release cyanide when broken down in the digestive system. However, the level of toxins in hydrangeas are relatively low, and instances of dogs getting poisoned by consuming these plants are rare.
While the risk of severe poisoning is low, it’s important to monitor your dog's behavior in outdoor spaces. If you suspect your dog has ingested a toxic plant, seek immediate veterinary care or contact the Pet Poison Hotline (read “Which Plants are Toxic to Dogs” for more information on plants poisonous to dogs).