Hydrangea macrophylla

Taxobox
name = "Hydrangea macrophylla"

---

image_width = 250px
image_caption = "H. macrophylla"
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Cornales
familia = Hydrangeaceae
genus = Hydrangea
species = "H. macrophylla"
binomial = "Hydrangea macrophylla"
binomial_authority = (Thunb.) Ser.

"Hydrangea macrophylla" is a species of "Hydrangea" native to Japan. Common names include Bigleaf Hydrangea, French Hydrangea, Lacecap Hydrangea, Mophead Hydrangea, Penny Mac and Hortensia. It is widely cultivated in many parts of the world in many climates.

Description

This deciduous shrub usually grows up to 1-3 m tall. The leaves are opposite, simple ovoid-acute, 7-20 cm long, with a coarsely toothed margin. Its flowers can be white, or range from blue to purple to pink depending on soil pH; in more acidic soils the flowers will be blue, whereas alkaline soils yield a pinkish bloom. White flowered varieties do not change colour regardless of the soil pH. [http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC1067.htm] .

Cultivation and uses

"Hydrangea macrophylla" has been cultivated for many years as an ornamental plant in Japan, and in the last 150 years, also extensively in other areas of the world with a temperate climate. Over 600 cultivars have been selected for garden use, varying in flower colour. Gardeners can often control the flower colour by adding lime or aluminium sulfate to alter the acidity level around the plant. These flowers can also be rainbow colored when Na₂CO₃ is carefully poured into the soil.

"Hydrangeas" like loose, rich, moist but well drained soil in partial shade to sun.Hardiness: USDA Zones 6-10.Propagation is by cuttings.

Lace-cap hydrangea

The flat-topped inflorescence of the lace-cap "Hydrangea macrophylla" is especially attractive."Hydrangeas" make beautiful foliage in warm months. Flowering is best in areas with mild winters, since the plant blooms on previous year’s growth. The plant may be evergreen in very mild winter areas. In its northernmost range, "hydrangea" is a foliage shrub, since flower buds are killed in hard winters. [ [http://www.floridata.com/ref/H/hydran_m.cfm Floridata: Hydrangea macrophylla ] ]

Landscaping

In climates where "hydrangea" flowers, place in a mixed shrub border or at the back of a flower bed. Its rich foliage and large size make it a wonderful background for white or light colored flowers, even tall growing perennials and annuals. In warm climates "H. macrophylla" is good for adding a splash of springtime color to shady areas and woodland gardens. Minimal pruning is recommended for most prolific flowering. Flowers are easily air dried and are long lasting.

Cultivars

Some popular "Hydrangea" cultivars include:
*'Beaute Vendomoise' (giant lacecap)
*'Big Smile' macrophylla x serrata hybrid (lacecap)
*'Blue Bonnet'
*'Blue Wave'
*'Bluebird'
*'Endless Summer' (perpetual bloomer)
*'Forever Pink'
*'Lilicana'
*'Nikko Blue' (perpetual bloomer)
*'Pia' (dwarf)
*'Red Star' (very deep blue or red depending on ph)
*'Sister Theresa'
*'Taube' (highly prized Swiss bred lacecap)
*'Veitchii'

Hydrangea tea, called "ama-cha" in Japan, is an infusion beverage made from tea leaves and hydrangea petals.

aluminium sulfate solution

References

External links

* [http://www.heronswood.com/Hydrangea_Pruning_and_Care Hydrangeas- Their Pruning and Care] (Heronswood Nursery)
*http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/
*http://www.floridata.com/ref/h/hydran_m.cfm
*http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC1067.htm
* [http://lakecounty.typepad.com/life_in_lake_county/2007/07/hydrangea-thoug.html Hydrangea Thoughts I] - Informative but non-scholarly essay on Hydrangea (Culture, History and Etymology).