Hydrangea Involucrata

Hydrangea involucrata are truly amazing shrubs, rarely exceeding 1m (3ft) in height, flowering on the wood of the yea beforer, in the form of peony-like buds opening into flat and airy inflorescences that somewhat resemble those of hydrangeas or Hydrangea aspera. Their summer flowering is abundant and prolonged, it does not suffer from late frosts like those of some Hydrangea macrophylla. The botanical species is native to the humid high-altitude forests of Japan and Taiwan, and it is a hardy shrub down to approximately -18°C (-0.4°F). Its flower heads bloom on deciduous and soft to the touch foliage. Unlike many hydrangeas, Hydrangea involucrata tolerates slightly chalky soils, and requires a shady position and a cool atmosphere. Conditions that will also be appreciated by hostas, ferns, and meadowsweets, with which it forms beautiful associations. Prune quite short at the end of winter or early spring, this will promote the development of new, highly flowering shoots. With their modest growth, Hydrangea involucrata are perfectly suited to small gardens and container cultivation.