Hydrangea (Dichroa) ‘Long March’

Found in Guizhou, SW China in 2011, this is possibly a new, undescribed species. It has proven hardier than other Dichroa in cultivation and the foliage is textured like no other I know, with impressed veins on the upper surface and a pale underside. White flower buds open to bright-blue flowers on acid soils (pink on alkaline) in late summer, followed by splendid intense-blue (or purple) berries. Makes a low growing small evergreen shrub 30 to 50cm tall. Best placed in a sheltered position in case of rare extreme cold, but actually really quite tough.