A true connoisseurs choice, Hydrangea aspera ‘Hot Chocolate’ is a striking deciduous shrub celebrated for its unique, colour-changing foliage. The large, velvety leaves emerge with a rich chocolate-brown flush and vibrant burgundy undersides, later maturing to deep olive-green while retaining their purple reverse.

From mid-summer to autumn, this dramatic backdrop highlights large lacecap flowers featuring a central cluster of violet-blue fertile florets surrounded by soft pink ray florets. This RHS Award of Garden Merit winner is a robust and fully hardy shrub, perfect for adding texture and late-season interest to a woodland garden or mixed border. It thrives in moist, well-drained soil and prefers a sheltered spot in partial shade.

July-September flowering. Grows best in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Height & spread: 4m x 2.5cm (13′ x 8′).