Hydrangea macrophylla

Hydrangea macrophylla
H. macrophylla
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Asterids
Order:	Cornales
Family:	Hydrangeaceae
Genus:	Hydrangea
Species:	H. macrophylla
Binomial name
Hydrangea macrophylla (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.

Hydrangea macrophylla blossoms are either pink or blue, depending on a pH-dependent mobilization and uptake of soil aluminium into the plants.^[1]

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'

Gallery

H. macrophylla	H. macrophylla	H. m. Gakuajisai, lacecap flowers	H. macrophylla. Venezuela: 9072 ft above sea level
Hydrangea macrophylla	Flowers	Bud and leaves	H. m. 'Tokyo Delight' Pink summertime flowers
H. m. 'Tokyo Delight' The dried flower heads last well into late winter	H. m. 'Nikko Blue' petals exhibiting the 'blueing' effects of aluminium sulfate solution

External links

• Hydrangeas- Their Pruning and Care(Heronswood Nursery)
• http://www.HydrangeasHydrangeas.com/mopheads.html - All About Hydrangeas: Information on Hydrangea macrophylla.
• http://www.floridata.com/ref/h/hydran_m.cfm
• http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC1067.htm
• Hydrangea Thoughts I - Informative but non-scholarly essay on Hydrangea (Culture, History and Etymology).

References

1. ^ http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/fletcher/staff/rbir/hyflowercolor.html

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