Of all the hydrangea species, H. macrophylla is the best suited to growing in a container, especially a decorative one whose color and style blend with the charming blossoms of the hydrangea and companion plants. This container-friendliness is a very good thing, as our beloved ‘macs’ are the least cold-hardy of the hydrangea species group, and they appreciate isolation from direct contact with any winter severity. Heritage’s Curator of Hydrangeas Mal Condon has developed superior ways to enhance both plant growth and winter protection attributes through his “Pot-N-Pot” and “Bag-N-Pot” growing techniques that will be explored during this small-group workshop. This method gives the gardener total control over plant growing conditions, particularly during the freezing months. It truly provides the only way you can obtain reliable and repeatable summer blooming – even on Cape Cod!

The blooming beauty of the H. macrophyllas is especially appreciated when plants are located close at hand – like on your deck, patio, or porch. Singly or in groups, you can move them around to achieve varied floral displays and can adjust for changing sun and/or shade conditions as the growing season progresses. They can also become “garden art” within your traditional planting areas. Given reasonable care, this species can remain in the same pot or bag for several years. Interestingly, many H. mac cultivars like being root-constrained, often flowering better in containers than when planted in the ground. Best of all, this container growing arrangement provides an effective mobility factor – this component system makes it comparatively easy to move and protect these cold-sensitive plants.

Mal is especially fond of his time-honed container growing methods and will share full details. He will be joined by expert guest Linda Coven of Strictly Hydrangeas who will demonstrate the fine composition skills she has developed to completely plant your container in an enviable fashion. She will share her favorite “fillers” and “spillers” to compliment the central hydrangea “thriller” in your containers. Following the program, you’ll receive a PDF file including presentation content via email for your reference.

This program will be held indoors at the Heald Center inside the J.K. Lilly III Automobile Gallery. Advance registration is required, and we expect this popular program to sell out quickly.

About the Speakers:

Mal Condon, Curator of Hydrangeas

A lifelong gardener, Mal is locally known as “The Hydrangea Guy” and has been collecting, propagating, and growing hydrangeas for nearly 50 years. He and his wife Mary Kay owned and operated Hydrangea Farm Nursery on Nantucket Island for many years. Early in 2014 they “retired” to Yarmouth Port on Cape Cod and now continue to refine another significant garden, which was featured during the annual Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival for many years. Mal joined the staff at Heritage in 2016, and as the “hydrangea whisperer” on the property, he’s especially devoted to the continuing expansion and evolution of the Hydrangea Display Garden and the North American Hydrangea Test Garden. He currently serves as the Co-President of the Cape Cod Hydrangea Society, an organization dedicated to growing and sharing knowledge about hydrangeas with the Cape Cod community. He also loves to teach and regularly shares his wisdom through a variety of workshops at Heritage.

Linda Coven

Linda Coven is the owner of Strictly Hydrangeas, an upscale hydrangea-focused landscape maintenance business. She is a lifelong gardener, with a special interest in all things hydrangeas. She’s a Master Gardener and former co-president of the Cape Cod Hydrangea Society. Linda’s personal garden has also been a regular star attraction on the Hydrangea Festival Garden Tour for many years.

Program fees fund Heritage’s mission to inspire people of all ages to explore, discover, and learn together. Thank you for your support.