Re: Hydrangeas (Was: Re: test)

Well, Gerry, you know I can't resist a subject line that says
'Hydrangeas':-)

I grow and love about  7 or 8 different Hydrangeas, but hands down
favorite is H. quercifolia, with, perhaps a leaning toward the
cultivar 'Snowflake' (have it and the species).  Have had these two
for about 19 years.  Why do I love them? Let me count the ways....

Foliage:  The unfolding leaves are covered in white fuzz, crystal
delight in very early spring...the huge mature leaves with their
prominent veins are rather unique, with a grand finale at the end of
the season when those touched by the sun turn shades of crimson,
burgundy and wine.

Form:  When in leaf, graceful arching branches cascading to the
ground...when bare of leaves, gaunt, open form of great interest with
exfoliating cinnamon bark.

Flower:  The species flower is charming - rather blunt and open
trusses of fertile and sterile flowers and my cultivar rather awesome
- huge creamy white trusses packed with sterile florets nearly a foot
long...and they also dry nicely for winter use

This is a shrub that gives to the garden and the gardener all the
year around.  I find them quite undemanding in culture.  If I get
around to trimming off spent flowers....all the better, but if I
don't, they don't care.  They do like an extra drink in hot, dry
summer, but are seldom fed..can't remember when I fed them last.
Good drainage in a reasonable soil that holds moisture is all they
ask.  They do well in part sun or a fair amount of shade - more sun
the farther north you are.  I've never had any disease or insect
problems although bambi has taken the occasional nibble, but has not
harassed them to the ground,  like some of the my other species.
They will sucker mildly, over time, forming a smallish
thicket.....suckers can be dug in early spring and relocated or given
away (bonus plants) if you wish.  My plants have reached about six
feet in height, but they are not fast growers.

You can't ask a whole lot more of a plant, really.  If your climate
permits, grow them.  Even in zone 5, where they may not flower (buds
are formed on old wood), they are worth growing simply for the
foliage.   I have doubts about their survival in zone 4 or
colder...perhaps sited very carefully in a warmer microclimate area
of the garden and given winter protection... just don't know.


Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@clark.net
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----------
> From: Gerry/Bob O'Neill <eoneill@IBM.NET>
> Date: Saturday, January 08, 2000 6:16 AM
>
>  HGTV had a program on a few weeks ago that featured the president
of the
> Amer Hydrangea Soc.
> Those of you who grow them (hydrangeas, not presidents), what is
your
> favorite and why?  (Marge, I expect to hear from you!)
>
> Gerry
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