Compact, hardy hydrangea with beautiful blooms that change from white to rosy pink
Ever admired a hydrangea, then looked at the space available and thought, “Where would I put it?” This new ‘Living Little Rosy’ deserves a second look. Growing to around 70cm tall and wide, it brings generous summer flowers within reach of smaller gardens, narrow borders and patios.
And there’s plenty to enjoy once it settles in. Its flowers open almost white, gradually deepening to rosy pink as the season progresses. With the display lasting around 100 days, you’ll have time to get acquainted with every shade…
Watch The Pink Develop
The white blooms really freshen up the summer planting, then those warmer pink tones arrive as the garden moves towards autumn.
Put ‘Living Little Rosy’ somewhere you pass regularly and you’ll notice that progression. Beside a garden seat would be lovely, particularly where its flowers can stand out against darker foliage. It gives the same little corner a different feel as the weeks go by, without you changing a thing.
Small Enough To Fit
Its compact, spreading shape opens up some useful possibilities. At the front of a border, you can enjoy the flowerheads without hiding everything behind them. In a generous patio pot, it makes a substantial summer feature while leaving space for your chair.
For a broader sweep, plant three per square metre and allow them to grow together. As the foliage fills out, it shades more of the soil, helping reduce opportunities for weeds. Start with clean ground and keep weeding while the plants establish.
Good Breeding Shows
‘Living Little Rosy’ comes from Dutch breeder Alex Schoemaker’s Living Creations range. The varieties are known for generous flowering, manageable proportions and the toughness to return year after year.
It’s rated hardy to -30C, which is reassuring as we head towards winter. Good drainage still matters, though. Cold tolerance doesn’t mean a plant enjoys sitting in sodden compost, after all!
Find Its Place Now
November is a good month to look at where summer colour was missing. Plant while the ground is workable, choosing sun or partial shade and moisture-retentive, well-drained soil.
Then put pruning on your early-spring list and remember to water during dry spells as it establishes, especially in a pot. A little seasonal attention is a fair exchange for a shrub that spends so much of summer giving you something to admire.
Three More Hydrangeas To Fall For
‘Living Little Rosy’ has company! Three more Living varieties have joined our range, each incredibly stylish. All offer a flowering display of around 100 days and are rated hardy to -30C.
‘Living Summer Snow‘
If you love white flowers against green foliage, this is the one to look at. Its flowerheads retain their bright white colour through the season, making it particularly useful where you want a consistent colour scheme. Try it beside a seating area, where those pale blooms will catch your eye as daylight softens. At around 120cm tall and 110cm wide, it has enough presence to hold a border together yet can also grow in a generous patio container.
‘Living Pinky Promise‘
Dark stems and deep green leaves give this compact variety a lovely contrast before you even consider the changing flowers. White blooms gradually deepen towards pinkish red, with different shades appearing together. Growing to around 70cm tall and wide, it’s a good candidate for smaller beds or pots where you can appreciate that detail. Sturdy branches support the display, and a Gold KVBC Award adds to its credentials.
‘Living Candy Love‘
Have a larger gap to fill? ‘Candy Love’ reaches around 130cm tall and 150cm wide, giving it room to spread and make an impression. Its usual progression runs from white in July through pale pink in August to richer pink in September, with timing influenced by the weather. This Bronze KVBC Award winner is a lovely choice for a generous border.
