90 HARDY ORNAMENTAL 



This is an old-fashioned garden shrub that is only hardy 

 in the south and west of theBe islands and in the vicinity 

 of the sea. In some of the forms nearly all the flowers are 

 sterile, the calyx-lobes being greatly expanded, and in 

 others the outer flowers only are sterile. According to the 

 nature of the soil the flowers vary much in colour, some 

 being pure white, others pink, and others of varying 

 shades of blue. There are some very beautiful and 

 distinct varieties, such as H. hortensis japonica; H. 

 hortensis Otaksa, with large panicles of sterile blue 

 flowers ; H. hortensis rosea-alba, with large rosy flowers ; 

 H. hortensis Thomas Hogg, a very free-flowering and 

 welcome form ; H. hortensis Mariesi, with large, soft-blue 

 flowers tinged with pink, and often 3 inches across ; H. 

 hortensis mandschurica, and H. hortensis stellata flore- 

 pleno, with partially double flowers, are worthy of 

 attention. 

 X H. pahiculata. — Japan, 1874. This is one of the most 

 distinct species, in which the flower-heads are elongated, 

 not flat, as in most other species, and from which the 

 finest form in cultivation has been obtained. This is H. 

 paniculata grandiflora, in which the flowers are sterile and 

 pure white, forming large panicles often a foot in length. 

 It is a magnificent variety, and, being perfectly hardy, 

 should be extensively planted for ornament. The flowers 

 are produced in late summer, but remain in good form for 

 fully two months, dying off a rich reddish hue. 

 % H. qdebcifolia. — Oak-leaved Hydrangea. Florida, 

 1803. This species haB neatly-lobed leaves, and terminal 

 panicles of pinky-white, but partially barren, flowers. 



H. scakdbns. — Climbing Hydrangea. Japan, 1879. 

 This is not very hardy, but with the protection of a sunny 

 wall it grows freely. The flowers are white. 



The Hydrangeas require a rich, loamy soil, and, unless 

 in maritime districts, a warm and sheltered situation. 

 They are readily propagated by means of cuttings. 



