224 FLORA DOMKSTICA. 



HYDRANGEA. 



SAXIFRAGES. DECANDRIA DIGYNIA. 



The name is of Greek origin, and signifies a water-vessel. 



ONE of the most common plants seen in our balconies, 

 windows, &c. is the Shrubby Hydrangea. It is very hand- 

 some ; not only for its great balls of blossom, but perhaps 

 yet more for its large luxuriant leaves. It is a native of 

 North America, and flowers in July, August, and Sep- 

 tember. 



The Garden Hydrangea, or Chinese Guelder-rose, is a 

 much smaller plant. The flower-balls of this are not larger 

 than the European Guelder-rose. They are of a beautiful 

 rose-colour, much deeper than the blossoms of the Shrubby 

 Hydrangea, which are sometimes almost white, faintly 

 tinged with pink, and sometimes as faintly with blue. It 

 is said that the blossoms of this plant will take the colour of 

 any thing by which it is shaded ; but it is more probable 

 that its colour is modified by soil, air, age, health, &c. 

 The Garden Hydrangea is much valued for its profusion 

 of bright rosy clusters. Its birth-place is unknown ; but it 

 is very commonly cultivated in the gardens of China and 

 Japan. If placed where it may enjoy the air, and the light 

 and warmth of the sun, this plant will flower better in a 

 room than in the open air. 



The Shrubby Hydrangea will live through our winters 

 very well. If a severe frost destroys the stalks, the roots 

 will put out new ones in the spring : but if it is desired to 

 preserve the stalks, that the plant may become larger, 

 it will be safer to house it during the severity of the 

 winter. It may be increased by parting the roots, which 

 should be done late in October. When it is not intended 

 to part the roots, and they have outgrown the pot they 



