Culture
Best grown in rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in part shade. Tolerates full sun only if grown with consistently moist soils. Bloom occurs on old wood. Prune after flowering by cutting back flowering stems to a pair of healthy buds. Prune out weak or winter-damaged stems in early spring.
'USHYD0405' performs best in full sun to part shade conditions in Zones 7-9.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Hydrangea is a genus of 80 or more species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs, climbers and rarely trees from East Asia and North and South America. Many have very showy flowers.
The genus name Hydrangea comes from hydor meaning "water" and aggeion meaning "vessel", in reference to the cup-like capsular fruit.
'USHYD0405' is a hybrid hydrangea cultivar that features a cascading growth habit and both terminal and axillary lacecap-type flower clusters. Mature plants will reach up to 4' tall with a similar spread. Deep green, semi-glossy, elliptic shaped leaves reach around 4.75" long and 2.25" wide. The 5" wide inflorescences are made up of showy, white, sterile florets surrounding small, white, fertile florets. Commonly sold at nurseries and garden centers under the name FAIRYTRAIL BRIDE. This plant is protected by patent number PP31120.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to bud blight, bacterial wilt, leaf spot and mildew. Aphids are occasional visitors. Winter hardiness in the St. Louis area can be a significant problem for some hybrids.
Uses
The cascading growth habit of this hydrangea cultivar makes it well suited for large containers, hanging baskets, or for planting above low retaining walls.