Raffi at 02:56, 24 January 2008

2008-01-24T02:56:53Z

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{{Taxobox
| color = lightgreen
| name = ''Hydrangea macrophylla''
| image = Hydrangea macrophylla - Bigleaf hydrangea1.jpg
| image_width = 250px
| image_caption = ''H. macrophylla''
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Cornales]]
| familia = [[Hydrangeaceae]]
| genus = [[Hydrangea]]
| species = '''''H. macrophylla'''''
| binomial = ''Hydrangea macrophylla''
| binomial_authority = ([[Carl Peter Thunberg|Thunb.]]) Ser.
}}

[[Image:Hydrangea macrophylla - Hortensia hydrangea.jpg|240px|right|thumb|''H. macrophylla'']]
[[Image:Blue Hydrangea.jpg|240px|right|thumb|''H. macrophylla'']]
[[Image:Gakuajisai6183.jpg|240px|right|thumb|''H. m.'' '''Gakuajisai''', lacecap flowers]]
'''''Hydrangea macrophylla''''' is a species of ''[[Hydrangea]]'' native to [[Japan]]. Common names include '''Bigleaf Hydrangea''', '''French Hydrangea''', '''Lacecap Hydrangea''', '''Mophead Hydrangea''', '''Penny Mac''' and '''Hortensia'''. It is widely cultivated in many parts of the world in many climates.

==Description==
It is a [[deciduous]] [[shrub]], growing 1-3 m tall. The [[leaf|leaves]] are opposite, simple ovoid-acute, 7-20 cm long, with a coarsely toothed margin. Its flowers are [[pink]], [[white]], or [[blue]], depending on soil [[pH]]. In acid soils the flowers will be blue, in alkaline soils the flowers will be pink. In neutral soils plants will be purple. White flowered varieties do not change colour whether soil [[pH]] is [[alkaline]] or [[acid]].[http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC1067.htm].

==Cultivation and uses==
''Hydrangea macrophylla'' has been cultivated for many years as an [[ornamental plant]] in Japan, and in the last 150 years, also extensively in other areas of the world with a temperate climate. Over 600 [[cultivar]]s have been selected for garden use, varying in flower colour. Gardeners can often control the flower colour by adding [[calcium oxide|lime]] or [[aluminium sulfate]] to alter the acidity level around the plant. These flowers can also be rainbow colored when [[sodium carbonate|Na2CO3]] is carefully poured into the soil.

''Hydrangeas'' like loose, rich, moist but well drained soil in partial shade to sun.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 6-10.
Propagation is by cuttings.

=== Lace-cap hydrangea ===
The flat-topped inflorescence of the lace-cap ''Hydrangea macrophylla'' is especially attractive.
''Hydrangeas'' make beautiful foliage in warm months. Flowering is best in areas with mild winters, since the plant blooms on previous year’s growth. The plant may be evergreen in very mild winter areas. In its northernmost range, ''hydrangea'' is a foliage shrub, since flower buds are killed in hard winters.<ref>http://www.floridata.com/ref/H/hydran_m.cfm</ref>

== Landscaping ==
In climates where ''hydrangea'' flowers, place in a mixed shrub border or at the back of a flower bed. Its rich foliage and large size make it a wonderful background for white or light colored flowers, even tall growing perennials and annuals. In warm climates ''H. macrophylla'' is good for adding a splash of springtime color to shady areas and woodland gardens. Minimal pruning is recommended for most prolific flowering. Flowers are easily air dried and are long lasting.

== Cultivars ==
Some popular ''Hydrangea'' cultivars include:
*'Beaute Vendomoise' (giant lacecap)
*'Big Smile' macrophylla x serrata hybrid (lacecap)
*'Blue Bonnet'
*'Blue Wave'
*'Bluebird'
*'Endless Summer' (perpetual bloomer)
*'Forever Pink'
*'Lilicana'
*'Nikko Blue' (perpetual bloomer)
*'Pia' (dwarf)
*'Red Star' (very deep blue or red depending on ph)
*'Sister Theresa'
*'Taube' (highly prized Swiss bred lacecap)
*'Veitchii'

Hydrangea [[tea]], called ''ama-cha'' in Japan, is an infusion beverage made from tea leaves and hydrangea petals.
 
<gallery widths="150px">
Image:Hortensia-1.jpg|Bud and leaves
Image:Bigleaf Hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla 'Tokyo Delight' Pink 3008px.jpg|''H. m.'' 'Tokyo Delight' Pink summertime flowers
Image:Bigleaf Hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla 'Tokyo Delight' Flowers 3008px.jpg|''H. m.'' 'Tokyo Delight' The dried flower heads last well into late winter
Image:Nikko Petals 1.jpg|''H. m.'' 'Nikko Blue' petals exhibiting the 'blueing' effects of [[aluminum sulfate]] solution
</gallery>

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/
*http://www.floridata.com/ref/h/hydran_m.cfm
*http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/HGIC1067.htm
*[http://lakecounty.typepad.com/life_in_lake_county/2007/07/hydrangea-thoug.html Hydrangea Thoughts I] - Informative but non-scholarly essay on Hydrangea (Culture, History and Etymology).

Hydrangea macrophylla - Revision history

Raffi at 02:56, 24 January 2008