HYDRANGEA. 197 



native of North America, and flowers in July, August, 

 and September. 



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 blossom 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 root 

 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 

 have been lodged in, this is the best time to remove them 

 to a larger. The Hydrangea likes a rich soil, and is one 

 of the most thirsty of plants : to which circumstance, no 

 doubt, it owes its name. It is not, however, to be called 

 intemperate, since its thirst is entirely constitutional ; and 

 it desires no richer draught than pure water. This must 

 be given liberally. In winter, when there are no leaves to 

 nourish, a small quantity thrice a week will be sufficient ; 

 but in the summer it must be lavishly watered every 



