‘Shooting Star’ Hydrangeas

Forced into flower for the holidays, the snow-white blooms of the ‘Shooting Star’ lace cap hydrangeas make perfect companions for poinsettias and evergreens strung with lights.  This hydrangea was named for its double flowers that are shaped like a star within a star. The blooms, or stars, appear to be shooting out from the center of the lace cap.

 

The ‘Shooting Star’ hydrangea will hold its white color for four to six weeks before maturing into a greenish hue, which lasts another four to six weeks. Unlike most other lace caps, its sterile blooms don’t sprinkle pollen onto the furniture or floor below.

During the holidays, keep these plants in a cool spot that receives plenty of light. Water whenever the top half-inch of soil dries out. As flowers fade, snip them off.   

In the spring, you can place the hydrangeas outdoors after the threat of frost is past. This is typically in May.  Like most hydrangeas, the ‘Shoot Star’ hydrangea prefers afternoon shade, regular water, and an acidic fertilizer when new growth starts. These hydrangeas can become good garden shrubs that grow about 5-6 feet tall and wide.

Look for blooming ‘Shooting Star’ hydrangeas in our houseplant department in mid-November and December.