Greetings from Gardensoyvey.com

For the next few weeks I will be writing about Hydrangeas
as they are in bloom at the Nursery and I will try to sort out for you
all the different species.

This week May 23 thru 30 the Hydrangea serrata will be in full bloom.

I discovered Hydrangea serrata with the help of my Friends, Greg Touliatos and John Griffin.
I expressed my dissappointment with the Big Blue Mopheads and Lacecaps (Hydrangea macrophylla) that we all think of when we hear the word Hydrangea. For me, here in zone 7 they had lost their blooms when Lovely Late Delicious Too Warm Winter Days...turned to Miserable Late Spring Dissapointing Frost. Killing the macrophylla blooms.

Greg had told John about 'Blue Billow' Hydrangea serrata. I bought it, planted it, and watched it bloom
every year side by side with my sorry Hydrangea macrophylla. Since then I have abandoned the use of Hydrangea macrophylla after 20 YEARS! of frequent dissappointment. (Hey I don't give up easily!) (Although this PERFECT Spring will make a fool out of me with the macrophylla.)

Since then I have collected every available Hydrangea serrata.

I have found them to be a curious and delightful addition to the Shade Garden. (I can't help myself.)

Hydrangea serrata are Japanese Mountain Hydrangea and perhaps this is why they do not wake up too early to be fooled by late frost.

They come often as Lacecaps, or as Halos of Stars floating among the foliage. I only know of two
varieties that are Mopheads, 'Little Geisha' and 'Preziosa'.
'Preziosa' has the large foliage of Hydrangea macrophylla as does 'Veitchii' and 'Greyswood'.
I suspect there are Macrophylla in their woodpile!!! However 'Veitchii' and 'Preziosa' never failed to bloom for me.

These Beauties also range in size from 2' to 5'. The smallest at 2 ft. is 'Shirofuji', next come 'Little Geisha' and 'Kurenai' at 3 ft. Followed by 'Blue Billow' and 'Tiara' 3-4 ft. up to 5 ft. with other varieties.

For photos and details click here.

The Bloom Scedule for Hydrangeas here in S.W. Tennessee is serrata first, along with macrophylla,
INCLUDING some and followed by, Oak Leaf Hydrangea and Hydrangea arborescens, (Annabelle
and her cousins). Lastly come the Panicle Hydrangea: Limelight, Pee Gee, Chantilly Lace ect.
By including a few of all of these species you can extend bloom time from Mid May thru July.

These all can be viewed and described on our website. NOTE!!! TO OUR ONLINE CLIENTS!!
Only H. serrata and H. macrophylla will ship well all summer. Oak Leaf Hydrangea and Hydrangea arborescens and the the Panicle Hydrangeas will only ship Fall, Winter and Early Spring.

Of all of these the Oakleaf, Arborescens and Panicle are the Most Drouth Tolerant. Native populations
can be viewed throughout the Hot Dry Southeast enduring years of Drouth like Steel Magnolia.

The Serrata and Macrophylla could perhaps be as Drouth Tolerant. In the Early 1980's when I moved
to Memphis there were many of these living near abandoned rural homes and in depressed urban neighborhoods with nairy a drop of water.

It is my own experience that when we water we make plants more dependent on water.
The Serrata and Macrophylla do wilt in the heat of the afternoon, picking up again after the sun moves towards evening.

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Water the first few years. Water to make yourself feel better. Wait to Water till you have noticed them in the morning light, as this reflects their true need for water.

One more note on Watering. Memphis is a Rain Forest in the Winter and a Desert in the Summer. Whenever possible, plant the majority of you Landscape in November/December to minimize the necessity for water.

Next Week I will describe the Oakleaf and Arborescens Hydrangea for your Reading Pleasure.

Also Blooming Now! See the flash pictures on the right, 'Snow Queen' and 'Ellen Huff' Oak Leaf Hydrangea, Moser's Hypericum, Deutzia 'Summer Star's','Little Henry' Itea,
'Veilchenblau' Thornless Rose and the Louisiana Iris.
The Perennials are Poised to Pop! For the next Three Weeks!

Please Come Visit!

Hours and Directions also available @ 901-867-8367 or 888-617-7390
and www.gardensoyvey.com

We look forward to your visit.
Diane and Wolfgang Gardensoyvey.com

 

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