A BRIEF HISTORY OF HYDRANGEA MACROPHYLLA

 

H = Hortensis = Mop Head

L = Lace Cap

USP: = Unique Selling Point

 

 

The original macrophyllas introduced from Japan & China

1788 : macrophylla (H) Introduced from Japan as Hortensia by Sir Joseph Banks, renamed macrophylla in 1830

1853: Nigra (H) Black stemmed -imported to the USA from China by EH Wilson

1862: Otaska (L) Introduced by Philip Franz von Siebold from Japan

1879: Mariesii (L) introduced from China by Maries for the English nurseryman Veitch

1879: Rosea (H) introduced from China by Maries for English nurseryman Veitch

1881: Veitchii (L) Imported by Charles Maries from Japan

1885: Curtis Legacy (L) Discovered by Joseph Dalton in Japan

 

A selection of some important macrophylla cultivars either bred or introduced

1904: Mariesii Perfecta (Blue Wave)  (L) Bred by Victor Lemoine, France, plus several other Marisii based cultivars

USP: Large lacecap flowers, Purple fertile & Pink Sterile florets

 

1908: Beaute Vendomoise (L) Bred by Emille Mouiller, France

USP: Large Lacecap flowers, Sepals with very narrow base so little overlap

 

1909: General Vicomtesse de Vibraye (H) A hybrid bred by Emille Mouillere

USP: Large Vigorous & Free flowering

 

1909: Madam Emile Mouillere (H) Bred by Emile Mouillere, France

USP: First good white mophead, sepals turn slightly pink at maturity

 

1921: Deautschland (H) Bred by D.Baardse in Holland

USP: Large flowers, Dished serated sepals

 

1922: Parzifal (L) Bred by J. Wintergalen, Germany

USP: Deep purple on Acid soil

 

1923: Gertrude Glahn (H) Bred by F.Matthes, Germany

USP: Free flowering and upright habit

 

1930: Ami Pasquier (H) Bred by Emille Mouillere, France

USP: Deep pink to red flowers that resist turning blue on acid soils

 

1931: Altona (H) Bred by H.Schadendorf, Germany

USP: Deep blue on acid soil, Old flower heads colour well as they age

 

1931: Europa (H) Bred by H.Schadendorf, Germany

USP: Very free flowering, re flowering on old wood, medium blur on acid soil

 

1931: Hamburg (H) Bred by H.Schadendorf, Germany

USP: Large plant with clear pink or blue flowers

 

1934: Regula (H) Bred by Moll Brothers, Germany

USP: Compact Habit and clear white flowers

 

1935: Miss Belgium (H) E. Draps of Belgium

USP: Compact plant with pink or purple flowers

 

1938: Amethyst (H) Bred by Michael Haworth Booth, UK

USP: Flowers start green before turning pink or violet

 

1938: King George (H) E. Draps of Belgium

USP: Strong vigorous plant that is late flowering

 

1938: Sensation (H) Bred by Henri Cayeux, France

USP: Semi Dwarf, Sepals red with a white edge

 

1938: Tokyo Delight (L) – Imported by L. de Rothschild from Japan

USP: A lacecap with white fertile sepals surrounded by soft pink sterile sepals

 

1946: Mathilde Gutes  (H) Steiniger Germany

USP: Purple on acid soil, medium size

 

1947: Soer Therese (H) Bred by Gaigne, France

USP: Good clear white that doen not fade pink

 

1949: Lanarth White: (L) Bred by M.Williams Lanarth UK

USP Large vigorous white Lacecap

 

1952: Horli (H) Bred by Federal Research Institute for Horticulture, Wadensvil, Swizerland

USP: Dwarf size small red flowers

 

1957: Adria (H) Bred by August Steiniger, Gernamy

USP: Of compact with pink or blue flowers with pointed entire sepals that are slightly wavy at their tips

 

1957: Harequin (H) Bred by August Steiniger, Gernamy

USP: Dwarf plant, Two-tone flowers – pink with white edge

 

1964: Libelle (L) Bred by Federal Research Institute for Horticulture, Wadensvil, Swizerland

USP: Free Flowering lace-cap, Fertil florets blue and sterile florets white

 

1979: Blaumeise (L) Bred by Federal Research Institute for Horticulture, Wadensvil, Swizerland

USP: Robust lace-cap with blue fertile florets and pink or blue sterile florets

 

1979: Nightingale (Nachtigall) (L) Fereral Rearch Institute for Horticulture, Wadenswil, Switzerland

USP: Upright growth, Vigorous, Flwers Deep pink or Royal blue

 

1980: Lady Series (not European Lady or Japanese Lady series) – Bred by Mototeru Yatabe, Japan

USP: ?

 

1984: Tellar Series – Bred by Wandenswill in Swizerland

USP: Large free flowering Lace-caps

 

1985 – 1905: Halo or Japanese Lady (Frau) Series – Bred by: Hiroshi Ebihara, at a nursery in Tochigi-Prefecture, Japan

USP:  Two tone flowers usually Sepals white mixed with another colour

 

1987: Rotdrossel (L) Bred by Federal Research Institute for Horticulture, Wadensvil, Swizerland

USP: Large upright lace-cap with deep pink to purple flowers

 

1994 – 2006: Hovaria Series – Bred by Koos Hofstede and his son Wilko, at Huissen, Arnhem, Germany

USP: An eclectic mix of unusual but exceptionally good cultivars

 

1997: Cityline Series – Bred Franz Xaver Rampp, Bavaria

USP: Dwarf and compact yet with large mop-head flowers

 

2001: Lemmon Daddy: (H) Bred by Ozzie W Johnson Jr. Georgia USA

USP: Golden Yellow leaves and pink flowers

 

2001: Endless Summer Series – Bred by Dr. Michael Dirr USA

USP: The first re-blooming Hydrangea macrophylla’s

 

2002:  Dutch Lady Series– Bred by Daniel van der Spek of the Sidaco Nursery in Nootdorp, The Netherlands

USP: Short, compact, rounded habits with large flower clusters

 

2003: Peace (H) Bred by Ryoji Irie Kyoto, Japan

USP:  Double flowers and re-blooming

 

2004: Lady in Red (L) Bred by Michael Dirr of the Univeristy of Georgia, USA

USP: Bright red lace-cap flowers on a compact pant

 

2004 You & Me (You Me) Series – Bred By Irie in Japan

               USP: Large brightly coloured double flowers on a compact plant flowers star flat then become rounded

 

2005: Let’s Dance series – Bred by Tim Wood of Spring Meadow Nursery USA

USP: Compact Re-blooming cultivars with brighter colours than ‘Endless Summer’

 

2005 – 2008: Forever & Ever Series – Bred by: Arie D Klaveren, Hoofdweg, Holland

USP: Re-blooming flowers in interesting colour forms on sturdy compact plants

 

2007: Wedding Ring (H) Bred by Toyohazu Ichie-san in Japan

USP: Two tone flowers red with white edge

 

2008: Double Delights Series – Bred by Takeoni Yamamoto, Japan

USP: Double flowers on sturdy compact plants

 

2008 The Everlasting Series bred by Kolster, in Holand were rebranded and augmented as the ‘Magical series’

 

2008 Magical series – Bred by Kolster of Holand

USP: Dinamic multicoloured flowers usually including bright greens mixed with other colours

 

2008: Black Steel Series– Bred by: Klaveren, Arie in The Netherlands

USP: Black stems on sturdy plants

 

2009: Dancing Angel (H) – Bred by Shiobara Honjo-shi, Japan

               USP: Randomly bi-coloured flowers with darker pink  streaks and patched on a paler pink backgroud

 

2011 Beutensia series – bred by Bred by: Van Klaveren, at Arie in The Netherlands

USP: Eclectic mix of unusual cultivars

 

2012? Obsidian Series – Bred by ?

USP: Black stems on vigorous plants

 

2013: LA Dreamin Bred by Ball Ornementals

USP: Pink 7 blue flowers at the same time independent of soil ph.

 

2013: Black Together (H) Bred by Ball Ornementals

USP: Black Stems, Double Flowers and compact

 

 

HYDRANGEA MACROPHYLLA SERIES

 

1980: Lady Series (not the European Lady or Japanese Lady series) – Bred by Mototeru Yatabe, Japan

The 6 cultivars prefixed by ‘Lady’ are Etsuko, Mitsuko, Mizuki, Sachiko, Yoshie & Yumi’

 

1984 Tellar Series – Bred by Wandenswill in Swizerland

These are all large flowered Lacecap Hydrangeas, many named after Birds. Somtimes sold as Tella Blue/Pink etc

There were apparently 25 cultivars bred in this series and these include: Blauling (Blue Ling),  Blaumeise (Blue Tit), Bullfinch, Chaffinch, Dove, Eisvogel (Kingfisher), Fasan (Phesant), Geofrey Chadbund, Kardinal, Libelle (Dragonfly), Mowe, Mueke (Mosquito), Natchigall, Nightingale, Peacock, Redstart, Robin, Taube, & Zaunkoenig (Wren)

 

1985 – 1905: Halo or Japanese Lady (Frau) Series – Bred by: Hiroshi Ebihara, at a nursery in Tochigi-Prefecture, Japan

The controlled plant led to the development of the plants known as “Halo Hydrangeas™” according to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.  Halo Hydrangeas bear large, snowball-like flower clusters with sepals coloured white, blue, lavender, grape, maroon or pink. What sets this series of hydrangeas apart from other mophead hydrandea varieties is the picotee pattern and bi-coloured combinations. “Picotee” refers flowers that look like bulls-eyes–a dark coloured centre with an edge of contrast lighter colour.  While each variety in the series has a legitimate cultivar name, it is more commonly known and sold using its trademark name:

The 29 cultivars, all prefixed with ‘Frau’ are: Fujiyo, Haruko, ikuko, Iseko, Katsuko, Kinue (Angel Robe™)   Machiko, Mariko, (Angel Wings™),  Megumi, Momoka, New Katsuko, Nobuko, (Angel Smile™)  Ocho, Okimi, Otaki, Oume, Reiko (Angel Lace™),  Sachiko (Angel Eyes™), Sayoko, Sumiko, Taiko (Angel Song™ ) , Toshie, Toshiko, Yoshiko, Yoshimi (Angel Star™ ), Yuka, Yuko, Yuuko & Yûko

 

1994 – 2006: Hovaria Series – Bred by Koos Hofstede and his son Wilko, at Huissen, Arnhem, Germany

A mixed range of outstanding cultivars

The 9 cultivars are: Hobella, Hobergine, Holibel, Homigo, Hopcorn, Hopaline, Love You Kiss, Ripple & Sweet Fantasy

 

1997: Cityline series – Bred Franz Xaver Rampp, Bavaria

A dwarf hydrangea hybrid series is a low compact hydrangea with big “mop-head” flowers.  Developed in Germany, all varieties have large flowers with vivid colours, strong stems and dark glossy foliage. They have excellent mildew resistance and grow to about 2-3′ tall and 3-4′ wide.  Franz-Xaver realized that breeding dwarf, compact plants with strong stems could render the use of plant growth regulators needless in Hydrangea production. “Greenhouse growers waste large amounts of time and money on growth regulators and traditional nursery growers are not allowed to use them. I wanted plants that would be able to display their large flowers without flopping over in production,” states Xavar

The 4 cultivars in this series are: Berlin, Paris, Venice & Vienna

 

2001: Endless Summer Series – Bred by Dr. Michael Dirr USA

The first macrophylla cultivars to flower on new wood (re-bloomers) allowing them to flower continuously throughout the summer.

The 4 cultivars are: Endless Summer (Bailmer or ‘The Original’), Blushing Bride, BloomStruck, & Twist & Shout

 

2002:  Dutch Lady Series– Bred by Daniel van der Spek of the Sidaco Nursery in Nootdorp, The Netherlands.

The Dutch Ladies™ Series was originally developed by for used in greenhouse production of potted florist plants but they make superb garden plants.  They are known for their short, compact, rounded habits with large flower clusters. They grow well in containers at a slow rate, as well as to a size that is dwarf compared to many other macrophylla cultivars.  They produce showy mopheaded clusters of more intensely coloured flowers that range from pink to blue (soil pH dependent), some bicoloured having red-edged sepals.  They all have girls names that start with the letter ‘S’.

The 14 cultivar are:  Sabrina, Salsa, Samantha, Sandra, Sara, Saskia, Selina, Selma, Shakira, Sharona, Sheila, Sonja, Soraya & Stella.

 

2002 Royal Majestic’s – Bred by Michael Dirr at the University of Georgia, Athens

The 5 cultivars are: Lady in red, Midnight Duchess, Mini Penny & Queen of Pearls

 

2004 You & Me (You Me) Series – Bred By Irie in Japan

The You-Me Hydrangea series exhibit new forms of large double flowers, rounded and prolific. Flower colours vary from pastel pink, lilac and blue to deeper, brighter shades. The flowers bloom continuously in spring and summer. When an individual flower first opens, it looks like a ‘lace cap’ type with large sterile flowers on the edge. However, unlike the ‘lace cap’ type Hydrangea, the inflorescence eventually fills out completely creating both a mop head effect with double flowers. These deciduous shrubs exhibit rigid, strong basal branching. They are frost hardy but can also withstand high temperatures. These versatile plants can be grown for use as an indoor floral potted plant and an outdoor ornamental flowering shrub. They are perfect additions to small gardens, patios and courtyards.

The 5 cultivars are: Passion, Desire, Forever, Romance & Blue

 

2005: Let’s Dance series – Bred by Tim Wood of Spring Meadow Nursery USA

The Let’s Dance Hydrangea series represents the next generation of re-blooming hydrangeas.  The Let’s Dance series bloom on both new wood and old delivering seasons of flowers and lots of wow. Let’s Dance Starlight is the first re-blooming lace-cap hydrangea, and has exceptionally rich, vibrant flower colour.

Tim Wood says “I am particularly excited about Let’s Dance Hydrangea ‘Moonlight and Let’s Dance ‘Starlight; two new re-bloomers with large mop-head and lace-cap blooms respectively. I had better be excited about these plants, because the Let’s

Dance series comes out of my personal breeding program (full disclosure). My breeding goal was to develop re-bloomers with more intense flower colour and improved foliage quality.

The 6 cultivars in the ‘Let’s Dance’ series are: Blue Jangles, Big Easy, Diva, Moonlight, Starlight, & Rhapsody Blue

 

2005 – 2008: Forever & Ever Series – Bred by: Arie D Klaveren, Hoofdweg, Holland.

A series of cultivars that flower on new wood (Re-blooming and so will flower all through the summer

The 13 cultivars are: Forever & Ever, Forever & Ever Red, Blue Heaven, Double Pink, Early Sensation, Fantasia, Peace, Peppermint, Pistachio, Summer Lace & Together.

 

2008 Everlasting Series bred by Kolster, in Holand were rebranded and augmented as the ‘Magical series’

2008 Magical series – Bred by Kolster of Holand

This re-blooming series have amazingly tough stems, strong, deeply coloured, think leathery foliage and strong, long lasting mop head blooms.  They have blooms that start one colour and take a journey to maturity that may involve three or more colour changes usually involving shades of green mixed in with the sepal colures, and the shiny, dark green foliage that complements the flowers.

The 33 cultivars in the Magical series and usually prefixed  ‘Magical’ are: Amethyst, Black Opal, Black Pearl, Bride, Brilliant, Coral, Crystal, Dani, Danique, Diamond, Emerald, Galaxy, Garnet, Greenfire, Harlekijn, Harmony, Jade, Jewl, Light, Moonstone, Nobless, Ocean, Opal, Peal, Revolution, Robin, Ruby, Ruby Red, Sapphire, Topaz, Topaz Blue, Veronique, & Wings.

 

2008: Black Steel Series– Bred by: Van Klaveren, at Arie in The Netherlands

This series is characterised by their black stems

The 7 cultivars are: Blue Ball, Pink Ball, White Ball, Zambia, Zasa, Zebra & Zorrow.

 

2011 Beutensia Series – Bred by: Van Klaveren, at Arie in The Netherlands

Unique Cultivars with Beautuful flowers

The 3 cultivars are: Coco, Papilon, & Spike,

 

2012? Obsidian Series – Bred by ?

The Obsidian Collection includes stunning varieties of Hydrangeas with beautiful dark stems. The unusual black stem colour provides a strong contrasting effect in a winter garden. In springtime, the gorgeous blooms look attractive when used as cut flowers. These vigorous growing varieties will reward you with gorgeous displays of blooms in late spring, set against fresh green foliage.  The 3 cultivars are: Black Lace, Storm Cloud, & White Knight

 

2012? Vision Series – Bred by?

The 4 cultivars are: Antique Vision, Colour Vision, Duo Vision, Romantic Vision

 

2013 New Generation Series Bred by Ball Ornamentals

Bred for re blooming qualities flowering on both new and old wood.

The 6 cultivars are:  Cotton Candy, Dancing Butterfly, Pistaschio, Red Sensation, Snowstorm & Wedding Ring

 

2013 Double Delights Series Bred by Ball Ornamentals

Bred for their double flowers

The 6 cultivars are:  Freedom, Peace, Perfection, Star Gazer, Wedding Gown & Black Together.

 

2013  Mystical Series bred by ?

The 4 macrophylla cultivars with the prefix ‘Mystical’ are: Emerald, Opal, Ruby & Topaz