Hydrangea. n 



that come from China and Japan, though they seem to 

 be about all that can be desired. Nearly all have large 

 and broadly ovate leaves, pointed and slightly serrated, 

 and would prove valuable plants if grown for their foliage 

 alone. The blossoms are disposed in cymes, corymbs, 

 and panicles, and are distinguished for their size as well 

 as beauty. The forms with sterile flowers, with an en- 

 larged calyx, are to be preferred, and these are almost 

 the only ones in use, their propagation being chiefly from 

 cuttings or by division of roots. 



H. hortensia. — This is a species most freely planted 

 in gardens, and popularly known as the changeable hy- 

 drangea. It is a native of eastern Asia, and was intro- 

 duced from China to England late in the last century, 

 where it was mostly cultivated under glass and given 

 special protection, as it was found too tender for that try- 

 ing climate. There are now said to be a few localities 

 where it can be depended upon outside in ordinary 

 winters with proper care, but it is still looked upon as 

 suited chiefly to conservatory cultivation. In the north- 

 ern United States it requires much the same treatment, 

 and for the same reason. And so it is mostly seen in 

 tubs or pots as it appears on the lawns or in borders, 

 where it is always showy, and in readiness, when autumn 

 comes, for removal to the pit or cellar. It is thus grown 

 in New England even more freely than in the South, 

 where less care and attention are required in its use. It 

 has large, ovate leaves, acute at both ends, serrated, and 

 of good substance. The flowers are collected in nearly 

 round balls four to six inches through, appearing in July 



