Hydrangeas are experiencing a resurgence of interest by both gardeners and breeders. Grandma probably had at least a couple of imposing mop heads in her gardens. In the 1990s, Lacecaps and Oakleafs grabbed most of the attention. The 2000s will probably be known as the year hydrangeas showed their true colors.
Two recent introductions generating a good deal of interest are Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’, from Holland, and H. macrophylla ‘Lady in Red’.
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Lady in Red’
Hardiness: USDA Zone 6-9
Mature Size: 2' H x 3' W
Exposure: Partial Shade
Period of Bloom: Early spring into summer
Bonus: High Mildew Resistance
H. macrophylla ‘Lady in Red’ offers more than exceptional blooms. This lady provides three seasons of interest. The red stems and red veined leaves are the first indication that this is no ordinary hydrangea. The lacecap blooms open in late spring as either a whitewashed pink or blue, depending on the soil’s pH. Either way they will slowly mature to a lush burgundy rose, echoing the colors of the stems and veins. Come fall even the leaves change to a rich purple.
The showy flowers on lacecaps are actually sepals, or sterile decoys, attracting pollinators to the inner circle of less conspicuous true blooms. ‘Lady in Red’s’ blossoms are about 4-5 inches across and as they mature, the sepals will flip downward, displaying their burgundy back-sides.
‘Lady in Red’ was developed by the woody plant guru, Dr. Michael A. Dirr. It is the first patented release from the University’s “Continued Adventures in Plant Improvement in the Department of Horticulture and Center for Applied Nursery Research” program, headed by Dr. Dirr. Other plants being tested in the program include: Viburnum, Abelia, Buddleia and Lagerstroemia.
‘Lady in Red’ makes a wonderful accent plant in a border. Since it is such a compact shrub, it also lends itself to container planting.
‘Lady in Red’ hydrangea was put into a limited pre-release in the Southeast in the fall of 2004. Its official debut will be the spring of 2005. To find out where to get ‘Lady in Red’ hydrangeas check the website.
Both H. macrophylla ‘Lady in Red’ and H. paniculata ‘Limelight’ will need time to prove if they are lasting stars, but they appear worthy of a try in any garden.
Complement the drama of ‘Lady in Red’ with the soft, green blossoms of H. paniculata ‘Limelight’.
