Dichroa 'Long March'

Chinese Quinine Hydrangeaceae

A superb and unusually hardy Dichroa, ‘Long March’ is a compact, semi-evergreen shrub with handsome, heavily textured foliage—deeply impressed veins give the leaves a character quite unlike the more familiar Dichroa febrifuga. White buds open to soft blue flowers on acid soils, becoming pinker in alkaline conditions, followed by spectacular violet-blue berries which can persist well into winter.

This remarkable plant was collected in 2011 at Loushan Pass in northern Guizhou, south-west China, at approximately 1,250m altitude. It was subsequently introduced into British horticulture by Edulis. The name ‘Long March’ was coined by Paul Barney, referring to the historic Long March battle fought at Loushan Pass in 1935.

Its precise botanical identity remains intriguing. Although long grown as Dichroa febrifuga, modern examination suggests that the Long March plants do not fit comfortably within H. febrifuga or any of the currently recognised segregate species. The most appropriate treatment is therefore Hydrangea (Dichroa) aff. febrifuga ‘Long March’ Group until the taxonomy of the section is properly resolved. (Trees and Shrubs Online⁠)

Grow in moist, fertile, humus-rich soil in partial shade, preferably in a sheltered position. It is notably hardier than many cultivated Dichroas and has proved capable of thriving outdoors in southern Britain, although protection from severe winter exposure is sensible.

Collection: Loushan Pass, northern Guizhou, China, c. 1,250m, 2011
Introduction: Edulis
Botanical status: Hydrangea (Dichroa) aff. febrifuga ‘Long March’ Group — species unresolved
Flowering: July–September
Growing conditions: Moist, fertile, humus-rich soil; partial shade; sheltered
Hardiness: H4 — approximately -10 to -5°C
Height: 80–120cm
Spread: 80–120cm