Did you know that western gardens have cultivated hydrangeas since the first American species were brought to England in the 1700s? The common, big-leaf hydrangea, macrophylla, has been popular with gardeners in its native land of Japan for hundreds of years. Many gardeners enjoy the beautiful flowers and foliage of the hydrangea as a treasured specimen in the garden… including me!
Recently I spent a few hours at the nursery selecting and tagging plants for my clients. As always, I was instantly drawn to the charming hydrangeas and, once again, stood before them in fascination. The ongoing rows of the various species thoroughly warmed my heart and filled it with joy! I simply NEVER get tired of hydrangeas! As I strolled up and down the rows, I intentionally touched every flower head and leaf that I came in contact with! From ‘Pinky Winky’ to the ‘Twist-N-Shout’ to the ‘Little Lamb’, the ‘Annabelle’ and ‘Limelight’ and ‘Oakleaf’ and all the others that crossed my path! How gorgeous they looked lined up like soldiers and I wanted all of them!
I’m not quite sure what it is about a hydrangea that attracts me like no other. Yes, there are the obvious gardener’s reasons…the paniculata and the arborescens species provide year-round interest, the blooms are outstanding, the colors showing and endearing, and they’re hardy in most zones… but that’s not it. My love for hydrangeas goes much deeper. I adore how the hydrangea never holds back from its full blooming potential. From the time the first bud appears, there is no stopping the exuberant growth as it seemingly strives to celebrate all it was created to be. The abundant, lush blooms boldly and beautifully speaking to the world! I believe that’s how our lives were intended to be lived. Even the smallest hydrangea buds, in time, bloom in unabashed glory and we are no different. I think I’ve learned something new about myself and my beloved Hydrangea. I will always cherish them in my gardens!
The miracle is not to fly in the air, or to walk on the water,
but to walk on the earth.
~Chinese Proverb
8 comments:
I feel the same way. Every year I bring at least one more home and my husband just looks at it and asks, "Where are you putting THAT one?" :)
Love Hydrangeas!! Cannot wait until spring and summer...
It's great to hear others share the same passion!
May all your hydrangeas grow!
You have to love Hydrangeas. I actually have a hydrangea garden with six shrubs so far. Can't get enough of the fabulous blooms!
What's not to love, right Kristin!
May all your gardens grow!
Please keep us posted on the progress of Hydrangeas in your clients' gardens. There is a great deal of enticing hype about new varieties that are offered each spring, but they have no reliable track record and nurseries are reluctant to report on the less predictable ones. Some varieties seem to be more reliable, blooming wise, than others.
Will do, Allan! Thus far, we have had wonderful results in zone 5b. On a personal level, I have great success with all my hydrangeas. I grow many different species in my gardens and love all of them. What zone are you in?
I will keep you posted! ;)
I love hydrangeas too! I just found your website and I'm enjoying it very much. :)
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