We grow many varieties of Hydrangea Macrophylla, H. Arborescens, H. Serrata and H. Paniculata. Here is a sampling of the plants we grow:
(scroll to the bottom for pics from the farm 3/1/07 and 6/20/07)
Hydrangea Arborescens 'Annabelle'. H. Arborescens produce flowers on new growth. In fact, many gardners cut 'Annabelle' back severely each spring to encourage dense growth and increase flowering. Giant white flowers measure up to 10" across. Can be grown in zones 3 and 4 where H. Macrophylla will not reliably flower. Grows to 6-7' tall.
Hydrangea Macrophylla 'All Summer Beauty'. A very reliable hydrangea here in southeastern Massachusetts. Sky-blue flowers are produced on a vigorously growing shrub that will reach about 6 feet in height. This hydrangea shows some ability to produce flowers on new wood, so some repeat flowering occurs all summer long!
Hydrangea Macrophylla 'Alpenglow'. One of the best and most reliable varieties we grow. Shiny deep green foliage on a compact full plant. Produces abundant red mophead blooms. Flowers will be purple in acid soils or if aluminum sulfate is added. Grows to 3-4' tall and wide.
Hydrangea Macrophylla 'Ayesha'. Sometimes called tha popcorn hydrangea because the open blooms resemble partially open popcorn kernels. A vigorous grower with glossy green foliage. A bit on the tender side as flowers are produced only on the terminal buds and these can be damaged by frosts. Plant in warmer protected areas.
Hydrangea Macrophylla 'Blue Wave' . A classic cool blue lacecap hydrangea with glossy green foliage. A vigorous grower to about 5' tall. Will grow quite wide if given space.
Hydrangea Serrata 'Coreula Lace'. This is also known locally as the 'Nantucket Lacecap' hydrangea. A common sight on Cape Cod and the Islands, this vigorous grower blooms prolifically from summer through fall. Flowers may be pink but are usually blue in acid New England soils. Upright habit to 6' tall.
Hydrangea Macrophylla 'David Ramsey'. A remontant, (reblooming) cultivar very similar to 'Endless Summer', 'Penny Mac', and 'Oak Hill'. Great for colder climates thru zone 4 as this hydrangea continuously produces flowers on new growth. Flat green foliage on a somewhat compact plant up to 4' tall.
Hydrangea Macrophylla 'Dooley'. This hydrangea was discovered in the back yard of coach Vince Dooley. It is purported to be a very reliable bloomer regardless of late frosts or die back. While some may compare this to 'Endless Summer', we do not think it is really capable of producing flowers on new wood. Rather it produces flower buds all along the stem so even if the tips are killed it still produces flowers. Mophead blooms are pink to blue.
Hydrangea Macrophylla Bailmer 'Endless Summer' Plant Pat. # 15298. This is the plant that revolutionized the hydrangea world. Discovered by plantsman Michael Dirr it has the ability to continuously produce blooms on new growth. Regardless of severe winters or late frosts it will always produce flowers. Several other hydrangeas have since been discovered that share this reblooming trait. We carry the original 'Endless Summer' as well as a few other very similar varieties, ('David Ramsey', Oak Hill' and 'Penny Mac') While the performance is very similar, the retail demand for 'Endless Summer' remains strong due to an agressive marketing campaign.
Hydrangea Macrophylla 'Forever Pink'. This is a compact growing hydrangea with nice shiny dark green foliage. Bright pink mophead flowers adorn the plant from early summer through fall. Mature size about 3' tall by 3' wide.
Hydrangea Macrophylla 'Masja'. A very reliable variety with nice deep green foliage and deep pinkish red mophead blooms. One of our best performers. Grows to 4' tall.
Hydrangea Macrophylla 'Nikko Blue'. A time tested favorite here in souteastern Massachusett. Sky blue mophead flowers on a vigorous plant with pale green foliage. Great at the seashore. A very reliable bloomer.
Hydrangea Macrophylla 'Penny Mac'. Discovered by Penny MacHenry who was the founder of the American Hydrangea Society. Penny passed away last year but she left us this wonderful hydrangea. Very similar to 'Endless Summer' in habit. Hydrangea breeders are having good luck with Penny Mac crosses and we will be seeing some great new hydrangeas introduced from Penny Mac parentage in the coming years. We are looking forward to being part of the release of Hydrangea Mini-Penny ppaf. in 2008.
Hydrangea Paniculata 'Limelight' ppaf. Lime-green flowers produced aplenty on a very vigorous shrub growing to 6-8' Very easy to grow even in zone 3 and 4. Trim in spring for fuller growth.
Farm pics from 3/1/07 (top), and 6/20/07 (bottom) Click on thumbnail for larger pic!
