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Cultivating hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.)

English
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Blaumeise'
Photo: Gilles Murray
 Hydrangea macrophylla 'Blaumeise'

Origin

The genus Hydrangea (family Hydrangeaces) includes twenty species of deciduous and evergreen shrubs and climbers from North and South America and East Asia. Hybridization (crossing and selecting) has given rise to several cultivars with huge, colourful round and elongated corymbs (flower heads).

In the garden

Hydrangeas have a place in all types of landscapes, either as single specimens or in groups, as an informal hedge or creating the backdrop for a flowerbed. There is no need to prune the flowers in the fall; they will enliven the winter garden. You can also pick a bouquet to decorate the house in winter, as the dried flowers will keep for a long time.

For a bouquet of dried flowers

On a sunny day, cut mature flower stems and remove the leaves. Suspend the stems upside down in a cool, dry place or place them in a vase, making sure to leave lots of space between them.