PlantFiles: Bigleaf Hydrangea, French Hydrangea, Mophead
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Paris'

According to the authors of "Encyclopedia of Hydrangeas" C.J. and D.M. Van Gelderen (2004 - Timber Press) and "Hydrangeas for American Gardens," by Michael A. Dirr (2004) : Fast growing shrub 4' - 6' tall, with thick branches. Flowerheads are very large 8" - 9" wide, individual florets 2 to 2-1/2" wide and curly and serrate. A dried flower head looks like a bouquet all by itself. Flowering time is from July to August. Flowers are deep pink to purple depending on soil. Very free-flowering. Reported to be one of the best cultivars from Mouillere. Bred in France in 1926. In cultivation at Koster's nurseries before 1940 and still available. No hardiness zone noted.

NOTE: A second cultivar with the same name was bred by Rampp Nursery, Germany, before 1999. This compact plant has large rosy red corymbs and is suitable as a pot plant. Member of CITY-LINE series. The two are not the same.