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New Hardy Hydrangea for Landscaping or Flower Arrangements

            Hydrangeas are among the most popular of plants with gardeners.  Their huge, dramatic flower displays in mid-summer can literally stop traffic.  Yet the cold winters in much of North America can make their culture difficult, as extreme cold can kill flower buds and thus prevent blooming.

            Luckily there are a number of cold hardy varieties that can survive, and even thrive in cold climates.  Among them are cultivars of Hydrangea arborescens, which blooms on the current season’s growth.  Even if killed to the ground by winter’s freezing temperatures, these hydrangeas will bloom.  They tolerate most soils, and are not affected by pH, although they prefer somewhat moist conditions.  Hydrangea may be grown in either full sun or partial shade.

            A new variety, WHITE DOME^®, has lots of potential for the northern garden.  Cold hardy like all arborescens, it produces clouds of big, dome shaped white flowers from mid-summer to fall.  The sturdy stems make it a durable plant that will not flop over, even in heavy rains.  This helps it maintain a tidy appearance when other varieties become unkempt.  The sturdy stems also make White Dome a great variety for cutting.  The flowers hold up well as either a fresh cut or for drying.  Hydrangea arborescens WHITE DOME^® will reward gardeners both in the landscape and as a delightful addition to bouquets and other arrangements.

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