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Ayesha- to buy or not, zone 7b

16 years ago

I found an Ayesha in a 3 gallon pot at my local Home Depot for $17. The plant itself looks to be in good condition, though it does not have any blooms.

I've been reading through the messages on here and I'm not sure if this is one I want or not. Much of my yard is part shade to a fairly decent amount of shade. I am fairly new to gardening.

Comments or suggestions please.

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Comments (8)

ego45
16 years ago
Ayesha is a one of the few realy distinctive macrophyllas on a market.
Individual florets resemble popcorn (pink or blue depending on soil pH) and a whole flowerhead somewhat similar to lilac's flowers.
Beside very unique flowers it has huge VERY-VERY glossy leaves that shines even in a deep shade.
Potentialy a large shrub, 5x5' at least all being normal.
In 7b you shouldn't be worry about hardiness, so if space allow, go fo it.
razorback33
16 years ago
I would recommend buying it, for the uniqueness of the flower alone, which is different that all other macrophyllas that I grow. It is also rare among the macrophyllas, in that the flowers have a slight fragrance, when examined up close.
It will bloom best if exposed to some sunlight(partial shade) or in dappled shade. Be aware that it is also slightly more tender than most other mac cultivars and may suffer flower bud damage during a late winter-early spring freeze, although mine seemed to bloom normally after the Easter weekend deepfreeze, the foliage was almost decimated on one of the four I have.
If I could grow only one Hydrangea macrophylla, 'Ayesha' would be the one .
Rb
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iechris
Original Author
16 years ago
I did go get the Ayesha. I finished up clearing out some more brush from along my fenceline and have actually moved it (still in its pot) into what I think will be its new home. Seems like like its new neighborhood, much better than under the sprinklers at Home Depot with a bunch of ratty Ladies in Red.
dirtdigger_2006
16 years ago
I found an Ayesha yesterday and purchased it to add to my new hydrangea hedge. I was nursery browsing and lo and behold - there she was - and I had just read all these posts. Brought my new baby home and will plant it tomorrow. Huge 3 gallon pot - very healthy! It looks like a beautiful and unique hydrangea. Thank you all again for your great input!
iechris
Original Author
16 years ago
I got my Ayesha planted today. Here she is along with two hostas that are *supposed* to be Elegens (not buying bare root hostas from Sams again) and a Fire and Ice I bought Ayesha as a friend.
ego45
16 years ago
Looks like a good size plant for the money.
Keep it watered and you'll not regret buying it.
Good luck.
ostrich
16 years ago
Very nice buy, iechris! I love the combo of hostas and hydrangeas too, but I agree that I probably would not buy any hosta without seeing their actual appearance....!

Anyway, if I were in zone 7, I probably would have been buying EVERY beautiful macrophylla that I could get my fingers on!!! LOL
GAAlan
16 years ago
Ayesha is very nice even without flowers. That foliage is very distinctive. I have been most impressed by its ability to handle such a tough year in stride. It is far and away the best looking hydrangea in my garden right now. I have treated them all exactly the same with regards to water, yet it has held up much better. It did not bloom this year, but very few did, but last year was very nice..........

June 4, 2006

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