Like a pop star in the music industry, Pop Star® The large leaf hydrangea is sure to attract attention for its showy features and exceptional performance. This shrub is part of the very popular Endless Summer® series Since this group of plants was first introduced in 2001, each subsequent addition has improved, with Pop Star® now tops the charts.
This hydrangea was bred with a large order of specific goals: be compact, disease resistant and easy to grow, and have re-emergent flowers (bloom more than once per season) that appear earlier. I am delighted to report that Bailey Nurseries certainly achieved the desired result. This large leaf hydrangea is truly compact and cold hardy, with the ability to bloom on old wood, even in Zone 4. It features disease resistant foliage, vibrant electric blue or pink flower color (depending on the pH) and a faster reflow. speed than other hydrangeas that bloom repeatedly.
pop star® is a real standout. Among all the big leaf hydrangeas I've grown, including all the members of Endless Summer® series, this selection produces more flowers for its size at the fastest rate. Since it's a lace cap, it could be compared to Endless Summer® Twist-n-Shout® (H. macrophylla 'PIIHM-I'), but they are quite different. Twist-n-Shout® it is a large plant, reaching 4 to 6 feet tall and wide in a few years. It belongs deeper in a bed or along a larger foundation planting. Reaching 18 to 36 inches tall and wide, Pop Star® fits best on the front of an edge. Because of its compact size and strength, it also works well in pots.
In my garden, as well as in the gardens of the University of Tennessee, Jackson, Pop Star® it never stops blooming. Even after being frozen to the ground during the arctic blast of Christmas Vacation 2022, Pop Star® he met It was actually the first hydrangea in my garden to form flowers on new growth after the freeze.
Lacecap hydrangeas are often overlooked at nursery and garden centers because they lack the huge cluster of more sterile flowers known as sepals. Lace caps like Pop Star®however, they have true flowers in the center of the head, which provide a food source for pollinators. They should be considered more regularly as a superior landscaping choice for their elegance and reliability.
As with all large leaf hydrangeas from warmer regions, Pop Star® Grows best in morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled shade throughout the day, but will tolerate more sun in cooler climates. It is happiest in moist, well-drained soils amended with organic matter.
|
pop star® large leaf hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla 'BAILMAXIX' Areas: 4–9 Conditions: partial shade; average, Native range: Japan |
 |
SOURCES
Fieldstone Gardens, Vassalboro, ME; 207-923-3836; fieldstonegardens.com
Spring Hill Nursery, Harrison, OH; 513-354-1509; springhillnusery.com
Jason Reeves has been testing plants at the University of Tennessee at Jackson since 2002 and can be followed on Facebook at “Jason Reeves – in the garden”.
Recommended fine gardening products
Combo of floor knife and leather sheath AM Leonard Deluxe
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
MULTIPLE DUAL EDGES: A deep serrated edge and a sharp cutting edge ideal for tough or delicate cuts. DURABLE 6-inch stainless steel blade withstands 300 pounds of pressure. ROPE CUTTING NOTCH, DEPTH GANGLE MARKS, AND SPEAR POINT – No need to change tools when using this garden knife. LEATHER SHEATH: Protective, durable, clip-on sheath to keep your knife comfortable and safe. LIFETIME WARRANTY.
DeWalt Variable Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw with 6 Piece Saw Blade Set
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
You can attach a variety of blades to this saw to cut down fallen branches or prune larger tree limbs in a pinch. It is fast, durable, easy to use and extremely versatile. – 18.31 x 6.13 x 4 inches – 1-1/8 inch stroke length – Variable speed trigger with 0-3000 spm – DW4856 Wood/Metal Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blade Set, 6 Piece
DeWalt Variable Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
You can attach a variety of blades to this saw to cut down fallen branches or prune larger tree limbs in a pinch. It is fast, durable, easy to use and extremely versatile. – 18.31 x 6.13 x 4 inches – 1-1/8 inch stroke length – Variable speed trigger with 0-3000 spm