Hydrangea Purple Ball - 20cm Pot

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Purple Ball’ is a beautiful deciduous shrub admired for its large, rounded clusters of vibrant purple flowers and lush green foliage. A traditional garden favourite, this Hydrangea brings rich colour and an attractive, leafy presence to shaded garden beds, cottage gardens and decorative containers.

Flowering from spring into summer, ‘Purple Ball’ produces showy, spherical flower heads that create an impressive display against its broad green leaves. The rich purple colouring adds depth to garden plantings and contrasts beautifully with white, pink and blue flowering varieties.

With its naturally rounded growth habit, ‘Purple Ball’ is well suited to feature planting, mixed shrub borders and traditional garden settings. Its long-lasting blooms are also excellent for cutting and displaying indoors, making it a popular choice for fresh floral arrangements.

Growing up to 2 metres high, this classic Hydrangea works beautifully alongside other shade-loving garden favourites, including Camellias, Magnolias and Azaleas.

Mature size: approximately 2 metres high × 1.5 metres wide

Care & Growing Tips
Plant in part shade, ideally in a sheltered position protected from harsh afternoon sun and strong winds. In Melbourne gardens, morning sunlight with afternoon shade is ideal.

‘Purple Ball’ prefers fertile, well-drained, acidic soil that retains consistent moisture. To help maintain its purple flower colour, aim for a soil pH of approximately 5.5–6.

Hydrangea flower colour can be influenced by soil acidity and aluminium availability. If adjustments are required, elemental sulphur or aluminium sulphate may be used to lower soil pH. Always test the soil first and follow product directions to avoid overcorrecting.

Keep the soil consistently moist during spring and summer, particularly during hot weather and while the plant is flowering. Reduce watering during winter when the plant is dormant.

Apply a slow-release fertiliser in late spring to encourage healthy growth and flowering. An annual application of mulch will help retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature and protect the roots during warmer weather.

Prune after flowering to maintain shape and remove spent blooms. As Hydrangea macrophylla generally flowers on older wood, avoid unnecessarily hard pruning, which can reduce flowering the following season. Remove dead or damaged stems as required.

Monitor for common pests and diseases, including aphids, mites and powdery mildew, and treat if necessary.

Please note: Hydrangeas are harmful to pets if ingested and may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Ideal for
— Cottage-style gardens
— Traditional and formal gardens
— Part-shade garden beds
— Woodland and sheltered gardens
— Feature planting
— Mixed shrub borders
— Large pots and decorative containers
— Courtyards and patios
— Cut flower gardens
— Wedding flowers and floral arrangements
— Purple-themed garden designs
— Planting alongside Camellias, Magnolias and Azaleas
— Adding spring and summer colour