Hydrangea macrophylla Purple Ball

Common Name: Hydrangea ‘Purple Ball’

Description:
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Purple Ball’ is a striking deciduous shrub admired for its large, rounded clusters of rich purple blooms that appear from late spring through autumn. The lush, dark green foliage provides a beautiful contrast to the vibrant flower heads, making it an excellent choice for garden beds, borders, and pots. Like other mophead hydrangeas, the intensity of the flower colour depends on soil pH, with more acidic soils producing deeper purple tones, while neutral to slightly alkaline soils may shift the blooms towards pinkish hues. Thriving in Melbourne’s climate, ‘Purple Ball’ prefers part shade, rich, well-drained soil, and regular watering, particularly in dry periods. Light pruning after flowering helps maintain a compact, healthy shape.

Form:

• Shrub - Medium

Mature Size:

• Height: 1.5m
• Width: 1.5m

Aspect:

• Part Shade
• Full Shade

Flowering:

• Flowers in Spring
• Flowers in Summer
• Flowers in Autumn

Flower Colour:

• Purple (in acidic soil)
• Mauve to Pink (in neutral to alkaline soil)

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots
• Bee Attracting
• Perennial
• Shade Tolerant

Toxicity:

• Toxic to humans and pets if ingested

Companion Plants:

• Ferns (various species)
• Hosta (Hosta spp.)
• Azaleas (Azalea spp.)
• Camellias (Camellia spp.)
• Heuchera (Heuchera spp.)

For more information and photos of this species, Warners Nursery has detailed information available to the public via the following link. 

Hydrangea macrophylla Purple Ball