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    • Photo of Dichroa febrifuga flower, foliage by Cistus Nursery

    Photo by Cistus Nursery

    Used with permission, all rights reserved

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    Dichroa febrifuga

    Also Known As

    • Blue Bead

    Plant type

    shrub

    size

    • H: 4'-8'
    • W: 4'-8'

    planting zones

    • 8a-10b

    More Options

    Dichroa febrifuga plant details

    A fantastic unexpected evergreen shrub. Related to the more familiar hydrangea, Dichroa febrifuga is a wonderful medium-small shrub with year round interest. Covered with clusters of unique blue flowers in summer, the show continues with intense metallic berries lasting throughout the winter alongside the glossy leaves. Growers recommend a sheltered spot for protection from the coldest winters where temperatures dip into the teens, where it may die back to the ground, usually re-sprouting if well mulched. It naturally likes to grow at forest edges, so it thrives with some dappled shade, rich soil, and regular water.

    Dichroa febrifuga is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with green foliage. In summer blue flowers emerge followed by blue fruit. Features glossy texture. Grows well with mostly sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in rich and well-drained soil.

    CHARACTERISTICS OF Dichroa febrifuga

    Plant type: shrub
    Plant family: hydrangeaceae
    Foliage: evergreen green
    Mature size: 4 FT - 8 FT - wide, 4 FT - 8 FT - tall
    Flowers: blue blooms in summer
    Uses: border plant, container plant, foundation plant, medicinal, rare, unique, winter interest, woodland garden, year round interest

    GROWING CONDITIONS for Dichroa febrifuga

    USDA Zones: 8a - 10b
    Sun exposure: mostly sun - mostly shade
    Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
    Soil needs: rich and well-drained

    Nursery contributed plant descriptions

    The handsome glossy foliage of this uncommon hydrangea-relative is graced not only with white-to-blue lacecap flowers but later with showy indigo blue fruit, as well... spectacular! PSh/M/GDr

    By: Forestfarm

    Clusters of showy blue flowers bear bright blue fruit in late fall on this 5' x 5' evergreen shrub, a Hydrangea cousin. Protect from cold, drying winds in winter.Minimum temperature: 10°F

    By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

    Essentially a hydrangea with fruit, this Chinese species has blue fertile flowers in early summer. The tender plant (15 °F) looks like a hydrangea, but in fall it is covered with blue, purple fruit. Great for Oregon and California coasts.

    By: Gossler Farms

    This uncommon shrub has long, dark, semi-evergreen leaves that resemble the foliage of hydrangea with prominent veins and small serrations. At the terminal end of the branches clusters of white buds open to bright blue or pink hydrangea-like flowers in spring and summer. These are followed by metallic blue berries that last for months all winter long. Dichroa can die back in unusually cold winters but will usually resprout from the base, especially if it was mulched with fallen leaves.

    By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

    Dichroa febrifolia [BSWJ 2367] - A rare Hydrangea relative with large glossy evergreen foliage and terminal clusters of blue lacecap flowers followed by spectacular iridescent indigo blue fruits this clone is from a high altitude Sikkim collection by Bleddyn and Sue Wynn-Jones.

    By: Arrowhead Alpines

    Evergreen, 2' tall x 5' wide, a Hydrangea look alike in leaf resembles only itself in flower; pink or pale blue small round flowers in clusters give way to deep blue berries. Best in light shade with overhead protection, it is a great foundation plant and very unusual. Zone 7

    By: Heritage Seedlings

    Hydrangea-like foliage that stays green all year long I acquired this specimen from our wonderful Portland Classical Chinese Garden. It's been a vigorous healthy grower in part sun with blue blooms in the early summer and blue fruit in the later months. I am surprised that the bloom color is pH sensitive but lovely no matter what the aluminum availability may be in your soil. Research indicates that leaves were used for medical purposes in China and other parts of Asia. Strong stems and foliage will add color to your hydrangea garden all year long!

    By: Hydrangeas Plus

    An ever-green hydrangea like shrub with deep green quilted foliage which is topped by clusters of blue blooms in summer. A good choice for shaded gardens. The Chinese herb, Chang Shan, is made from the root and is considered as one of the fifty Fundamental Chinese Herbs.

    By: Almost Eden

    Blooms: spring, starry blue flowers/ blue fruit in fall/ Hydrangea relative, semi-evergreen, Rare in cultivation Zone 7-9. 6', China, part shade, moist, humus rich, well drained

    By: Keeping it Green Nursery

    Clusters of sky-blue flowers adorn this evergreen hydrangea relative in late summer followed by metallic turquoise berries that linger through winter. To 4 ft tall and wide, this is a plant from the edges of forests, so best in part sun with adequate water. Happy in a container as well. Plant in a protected spot for frost hardiness in USDA zone 8.

    By: Cistus Nursery

    Gardening facts about Dichroa febrifuga plant

    How to Grow Dichroa febrifuga

    • Sun Exposure

      • mostly sun - mostly shade

    • Water Needs

      • even moisture - regular

    • Soil Needs

      • well-drained
      • rich

    Features

    • Foliage Color

      • green

    • Flower Color

      • blue

    • Fruit

      • blue

    • Flower Season

      • summer

    • Foliage Season

      • evergreen

    • Texture

      • glossy

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