Hydrangea Haven

Oakleaf hydrangea 'Harmony' (Hydrangea quercifolia 'Harmony')

The plant: Discovered in a church cemetery near Rainbow City, Alabama, by the father of plantsman Joe McDaniel, 'Harmony' was also introduced to the trade by Eddie Aldridge and his father. 'Harmony' has large, tight blooms that are extremely double. The white panicles can weigh as much as one pound apiece and look a lot like those of the sun-loving peegee hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata). Hardy in USDA Zones 5 or 6 to 8. The foliage on oakleaf hydrangeas starts off as a grayish green as it unfolds in spring. During summer, leaves are deep green and sometimes glossy. Fall foliage ranges from red to orange to purple.
How to use it: The blooms of 'Harmony' are so heavy that they tend to weigh down the branches. Treat this plant as more of a curiosity than an elegant addition to the garden. It is, however, worth growing just for the fascinating blooms. Hydrangea quercifolia 'Roanoke' is said to be similar to 'Harmony', but easier to grow and with better form.
Cultivation: Site in high, filtered shade with some protection from the hot summer sun. All oakleaf hydrangeas need well-drained, moist soil with good organic matter.
Source: Wilkerson Mill Gardens

The plant: Named for Penny McHenry, the energetic founder of the American Hydrangea Society, 'Penny Mac' is a mophead-type hydrangea that re-blooms until frost. Covered with masses of light- to medium-blue balls that measure seven inches across, 'Penny Mac' has a vigorous habit and grows rapidly to five feet tall by equally as broad. The deciduous shrub produces bright blue--and sometimes deep purple--flowers until knocked down by frost. The fall foliage is a mix of purple, burgundy and dark green. Hardy in USDA Zones 5 to 9.
How to use it: Plant in masses at the edge of a woodland garden or line a path on both sides of a stroll garden. This is also a good accent plant and fits well in a cottage garden. 'Penny Mac' is a great cut flower, but before you take cuttings, be sure to wait until hydrangea blooms have been on the bush for a while. The season's first flush of brand-new blossoms will not hold up well when cut.
Cultivation: 'Penny Mac' is an ideal choice for gardeners in colder climates since it sets buds on new wood. Like other hydrangeas, 'Penny Mac' will appreciate well-drained soil, protection from afternoon sun and plenty of good, dark compost. Be sure to apply even moisture to all hydrangeas; they don't tolerate drought. To propagate, simply lower a branch to the ground and secure with a brick. It is advisable to scratch the stem where it makes contact with the soil to encourage faster rooting.
Source: Nantucket Hydrangea & Hydrangea Farm Nursery

Serrated hydrangea 'Shirofugi' (Hydrangea serrata 'Shirofugi')

The plant: This is a Japanese selection with masses of creamy-white double florets that cover smallish plants three to four feet high. The flower arrangement suggests a lacecap form, but the fertile parts aren't present as in the typical lacecap (tight, fertile flowers in the center with rays of wider, sterile florets around the edges). The blooms are reminiscent, instead, of a double mockorange (Philadelphus). The name means "snow-capped Mt. Fuji". Hardy in USDA Zones 6 to 8. Deciduous.
How to use it: This hydrangea shouldn't be lost among larger, showier mophead-type plants. Plant 'Shirofugi' where it can be appreciated for its elegant, more delicate appearance. A place in front of an evergreen hedge would be ideal.
Cultivation: Plant in filtered shade in well-drained soil that has been generously amended with compost. No pruning is necessary.
Source: Nantucket Hydrangea & Hydrangea Farm Nursery

Lacecap hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Lilacina')

The plant: Formerly known as 'Mariesii Lilacina' (after one of the parent plants, H. macrophylla 'Mariesii'), 'Lilacina' was introduced by the famous Lemoine Nursery in France early in the 20th century. The sterile inflorescences of the lacecap are a beautiful mauve color with a darker blue center of fertile flowers. In the 1950s the name was shortened to 'Lilacina' to avoid confusion with other 'Mariesii' cultivars. The leaves of this hydrangea are light green and rather elongated. 'Lilacina' is an extremely long-blooming variety and grows to be about four to five feet tall. Deciduous. Hardy in USDA Zones 6 to 9.
How to use it: Plant as a specimen in a smaller garden or arrange in masses in a large woodland garden.
Cultivation: Plant in a woodland-type soil that is rich in humus and well-drained. Site in part shade. Keep evenly watered.
Source: Nantucket Hydrangea & Hydrangea Farm Nursery