Sister Theresa (Soeur Thérèse) is a classic French bigleaf hydrangea with a distinctly refined character. Named after the beloved French saint, this elegant variety produces large, full mophead flower heads in pure white that age gracefully through the season, developing soft blush-pink tones as the blooms mature — a gentle color evolution that adds warmth and depth to the display without ever losing its essential elegance. The effect is crisp, sophisticated, and quietly beautiful, lending a timeless garden-party charm to borders and partially shaded spots where few other shrubs perform as graciously.
Like all macrophylla hydrangeas, Soeur Thérèse prefers a sheltered spot with morning sun and afternoon shade, and blooms on old wood, so protecting stems through winter is the key to a reliable flower display. In the right location it is a genuinely rewarding shrub — long-lived, increasingly floriferous with age, and capable of producing an exceptionally beautiful late spring and early summer display year after year.
Highlights:
- Pure white blooms with exceptional color clarity that holds well through the season
- Elegant, refined character — a natural fit for cottage, French, and formal garden styles
- Large, showy flower heads make a strong visual impact in partially shaded spots
- Outstanding cut flower — fresh or dried
- Deer resistant
- Long-lived and increasingly floriferous with age
Growing Info:
- Hardiness: USDA Zones 6–9
- Mature Size: 4–5 ft. tall, 4–5 ft. wide
- Sun: Part shade; morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal
- Soil: Moist, humus-rich, well-drained
- Water: Moderate to high; consistent moisture is important
- Tip: Blooms on old wood — protect stems through winter by avoiding hard pruning in fall; remove only dead wood in early spring after new growth emerges