Elizabeth Ashley Hydrangea Shrub

Elizabeth Ashley is the trade name for Hydrangea macrophylla 'Hokomarore', a compact, upright-spreading bigleaf hydrangea with sturdy branches and large mophead clusters. Its color can range from pink to blue with soil conditions, while the cultivar patent describes dark red-purple sterile florets. ## Cultivar and Placement The [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/519470/hydrangea-macrophylla-elizabeth-ashley-hokomarore-h/details) identifies Elizabeth Ashley as the trade name for 'Hokomarore'. The [cultivar patent](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP31264P2/en) describes an upright, spreading plant with strong stems and red-purple flowers; it was issued December 24, 2019 as USPP 31,264 P2. A [wholesale nursery profile](https://www.pridescorner.com/plant-name/HYDRANGEA-M--ELIZABETH-ASHLEY) lists a 2–3 ft size, pink or blue flower color, and bloom from May through summer. ## Growing Conditions Site the shrub in partial shade with rich, evenly moist, well-drained soil. Soil pH and available aluminum can affect the pink-to-blue color range of bigleaf hydrangeas, but color is not guaranteed by a single amendment. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hydrangea-macrophylla/) describes the species’ shade preference and old-wood flowering. ## Maintenance Water regularly during establishment and dry weather. Because flower buds form on previous-season stems, remove damaged wood in spring and do any needed shaping soon after flowering, before late-season buds develop.