HYDRANGEA
Hydrangea paniculata Sieb. var. grandiflora;
Saxifrage family (Saxifragaceae)

This is the commonest hardy hydrangea in cultivation. It is a treelike shrub 8 to 30 feet high, with 3- to 5 inch long oval leaves. The flowers are whitish, in dense clusters 8 to 15 inches long. The flowers sometimes change to pink and purple with age. Native to China and Japan. A common garden plant in the U.S.

Cultivation and Propagation: Hardy everywhere except north central U.S. (Montana, North Dakota, and Minnesota), but can be grown in sheltered places there. Hydrangeas bloom best in full sun, but will do well in partial shade.

They are best propagated by cuttings of green growth in June. The cuttings should be the ends of nonflowering shoots and should have two to three pairs of leaves. The bottom pair of leaves should be removed and the stem cut just below a joint. They should be placed in moist sand in a shady place.

Seeds are uncommon but when available should be sown in a sandy, peaty soil in spring in a greenhouse or sheltered place.

Hydrangeas can be transplanted easily. The color of the blossoms may be altered by the addition of certain minerals to the soil. Special solutions for this purpose are available at many nurseries.

Harvesting: Leaves can be harvested at any time. A single small bush will provide large quantities of leaves and flowers when pruned in the fall