Evergreen Hydrangea

Dichroa versicolor

$28.00

1 Gallon | Hardiness Zones 8-11

The genus name comes from the Greek dichroos, "two-colored," and Dichroa versicolor takes the idea further still — bloom color shifts with soil chemistry the same way it does in hydrangeas, swinging from deep cobalt to soft mauve depending on available aluminum. The species was introduced to Atlanta gardens by way of a seed exchange between Scott McMahan at the Atlanta Botanical Garden and a high-elevation collection from Taiwan, which is part of why it has held up better in southeastern gardens than its tropical reputation suggests.

It's the close cousin of the more familiar Dichroa febrifuga, but with leaves three to four times larger and inflorescences that can stretch up to a foot across — an evergreen hydrangea analog for gardeners who have run out of shade-garden ideas. The dark stems on new growth set off the foliage in a way that reads almost lacquered in winter light. In Hong Kong and parts of southern China the species has a long history as both an ornamental and a hedge plant, and we've found it does the same work here, looped along a path or settled in beside taller camellias where it can borrow some structure.

A plant for the collector who already has the hydrangeas and is ready for something quieter and more peculiar.

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

Schedule Delayed Shipping in your Cart
Hardiness Zones USDA Zones 8-11
Sun Full Sun and Part Shade
Soil Well-drained and Fertile
Mature size Height: 3-4 Feet / Spread: 3-4 Feet
Growth Rate Moderate
Seasonality Evergreen

Flower, Fruit and Foliage

Flowers: Flat-topped corymbs to 12" across, packed with small star-shaped florets. Color is genuinely variable — deep blue to violet in acidic, aluminum-rich soils; lavender to soft pink as pH rises. Peak bloom runs late spring into summer in our climate, with a lighter rebloom flush often appearing into early fall.

Fruit: Iridescent metallic berries in shades from electric turquoise to near-black, held into winter when pollination is successful. Cross-pollination from a second clone (or a nearby D. febrifuga) appears to improve fruit set noticeably — solitary plants often skip the berry show entirely.

Foliage: Glossy, deep green, lance-shaped leaves notably larger than other dichroas — three to four times the leaf area of D. febrifuga. Evergreen above the mid-20s°F; foliage may drop in harder cold but the plant typically returns from the base. New growth emerges on near-black stems, a quiet but striking detail in the off-season.

Read full care instruction manual here.

Light Requirements: Prefers partial shade to full sun. Ideally, provide morning sunlight and afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch, especially in hotter climates. It can tolerate full sun in cooler regions but benefits from some shade during the hottest part of the day.

Soil Requirements: Thrives in well-draining, fertile soil. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0). Incorporating organic matter such as compost or leaf mold can improve soil fertility and structure. It can tolerate various soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay soils, as long as they are well-draining.

Watering: Requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply to ensure the root zone is adequately hydrated. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Temperature and Humidity: Hardy in USDA zones 8-11. Prefers moderate temperatures and high humidity. It is well-suited to tropical and subtropical climates. Protect the plant from frost and freezing temperatures. In cooler regions, it can be grown in containers and brought indoors during the winter.

Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth and abundant flowering. An additional application of compost or well-rotted manure can enhance soil fertility. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering.

Pruning: Prune after flowering to remove dead or damaged branches and to shape the plant. Light pruning helps maintain a tidy appearance and promotes better air circulation. Avoid heavy pruning, as it can reduce the plant’s ornamental value.

Pests and Problems: Generally pest-resistant but can occasionally attract aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. If pests are detected, treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Regularly inspect the plant for any signs of disease or pest infestation.

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Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Grown in Aiken, South Carolina

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Plant Success Tip #1

Unpack Promptly

Carefully unpack your plant as soon as it arrives. Check the roots and soil to ensure they are still moist. If the roots feel dry, lightly mist or water them before proceeding with planting or temporary storage.

Plant Success Tip #2

Acclimate Your Plant

Allow your plant to adjust to its new environment by placing it in a sheltered spot for a day or two before planting, especially if it has traveled a long distance. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures right away.

Plant Success Tip #3

Follow Planting and Care Instructions

Plant your new arrival as soon as possible, following the specific care guidelines provided. If planting outdoors isn’t immediately possible, temporarily pot it in well-draining soil to maintain health until conditions are suitable.

Read Care Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
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Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.