This is PART ONE of a series I have written about Hydrangeas.
As they are in bloom at the Nursery, I will try to sort out for you all the different species.

The Hydrangea serrata are showing first signs of bloom in early May.
They will be in full bloom May 10 to Early June.

I discovered Hydrangea serrata with the help of my Friends, Greg Touliatos and John Griffin.
I expressed my dissappointment with the Big Blue Mopheads and Lacecaps (Hydrangea macrophylla) that we all think of
when we hear the word Hydrangea. For me, here in zone 7 they had lost their blooms when Lovely Late Delicious
Too Warm Winter Days...turned to Miserable Late Spring Dissapointing Frost. Killing the macrophylla blooms.

Greg had told John about 'Blue Billow' Hydrangea serrata. I bought it, planted it, and watched it bloom every year side by side with my sorry Hydrangea macrophylla. So I have abandoned the use of Hydrangea macrophylla after 20 YEARS! of frequent dissappointment. (Hey I don't give up easily!) (Although this PERFECT Spring will make a fool out of me with the macrophylla.)

Since then I have collected every available Hydrangea serrata.

I have found them to be a curious and delightful addition to the Shade Garden. (I can't help myself.)

Hydrangea serrata are Japanese Mountain Hydrangea and perhaps this is why they do not wake up too early to be fooled by late frost.

They come often as Lacecaps, or as Halos of Stars floating among the foliage. I only know of two
varieties that are Mopheads, 'Little Geisha' and our new Can Can (a Gardensoyvey seedling).
There are some large foliage Hydrangea serrata like 'Veitchii' and 'Blue Deckle.
I suspect there are Macrophylla in their woodpile!!! However 'Veitchii' and 'Blue Deckle never failed to bloom for me.

These Beauties also range in size from 2' to 5'. The smallest at 2 ft. is 'Shirofuji', next come 'Little Geisha' and 'Kurenai' at 3 ft. Followed by 'Blue Billow' and 'Tiara' 3-4 ft. up to 5 ft. with other varieties.

For photos and details click here.

The Bloom Scedule for Hydrangeas here in S.W. Tennessee is serrata first, along with macrophylla,
INCLUDING some and followed by, Oak Leaf Hydrangea and Hydrangea arborescens, (Annabelle
and her cousins). Lastly come the Panicle Hydrangea: Limelight, Quickfire, Pee Gee, Chantilly Lace ect.
By including a few of all of these species you can extend bloom time from Mid May thru July.

These all can be viewed and described on our website. NOTE!!! TO OUR ONLINE CLIENTS!!
Only H. serrata and H. macrophylla will ship well all summer. Oak Leaf Hydrangea and Hydrangea arborescens
and the the Panicle Hydrangeas will only ship Fall, Winter and Early Spring.

Of all of these the Oakleaf, Arborescens and Panicle are the Most Drouth Tolerant. Native populations
can be viewed throughout the Hot Dry Southeast enduring years of Drouth like Steel Magnolias.

The Serrata and Macrophylla could perhaps be as Drouth Tolerant. In the Early 1980's when I moved
to Memphis there were many of these living near abandoned rural homes and in depressed urban neighborhoods
with nairy a drop of water.

It is my own experience that when we water we make plants more dependent on water.
The Serrata and Macrophylla do wilt in the heat of the afternoon, picking up again after the sun moves towards evening.

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Water the first few years. Water to make yourself feel better. Wait to Water
till you have noticed them in the morning light, as this reflects their true need for water.

One more note on Watering. Memphis is a Rain Forest in the Winter and a Desert in the Summer. Whenever possible,
plant the majority of you Landscape in November/December to minimize the necessity for water.

PART TWO will describe the Oakleaf and Arborescens Hydrangea
for your Reading Pleasure.

Also Blooming Now! 'Snow Queen' and 'Ellen Huff' Oak Leaf Hydrangea,
Moser's Hypericum, Deutzia 'Summer Star's','Little Henry' Itea,
'Veilchenblau' Thornless Rose and the Louisiana Iris.
The Perennials are Poised to Pop! For the next Three Weeks!

For Hours and Directions go to our main web site @ 901-867-8367 or 888-617-7390

We look forward to your visit. Diane and Wolfgang GardensOyVey