Hydrangea x versicolor Versicolor Hybrid Hydrangea

A confusing, long recognized yet rarely cultivated interspecific hybrid that was initially introduced to western horticulture from Japan in the mid 1800's by famed plant explorer Robert Fortune. Initially the plant was thought to be an intergeneric hybrid between the genera Dichroa and Hydrangea but recent botanical reclassification has demonstrated that the proper identify is as listed here. Regardless of the botanical naming debate the plant is worthy of a place in the garden, offering a distinct and unique flare. The low, mounded shrubs offer green, semi-evergreen leaves touched with a bit of gloss that remains attractive through the growing season and take on a burgundy overcast in cool weather. In summer, sky blue star-shaped flowers stand above the foliage providing unexpected contrast and a unique look for the genus. The literature indicates that plants can reach as much as 6' in height though our experience suggests that a smaller stature is more common. Ultimate cold hardiness is largely still untested though we've seen plants performing nicely in Zone 7 conditions and expect that they have the ability to stretch into colder zones with protection from late spring frosts and wind exposure.