Fog and hydrangeas get along together very well. These deciduous Chinese shrubs of the saxifrage family have been blooming for most of the summer and are still ornaments of the garden in shade.
Before they stop flowering – probably early in the winter – do look into some of the newer forms, as some uncommonly fine varieties and color forms have come into use in recent years. When you have seen the new named French hybrids, and realize the possibility of getting still other novel shades and shapes, you will consider the hydrangea one of the coming plants for the Fog Belt.
Sandy loam with the addition of humus (peat is good) is the soil for your hydrangeas. Give them plenty of water during the flowering period and cut them back soon after blooming. This cutting back leaves a gap in the planting, so it is well to use hydrangeas in combination with evergreen ferns and shrubs. The empty spaces will not be so conspicuous.
They make splendid tub plants, for then they can be moved behind the scene during their rest period, If your hydrangeas begin to look seedy and the leaves get yellow, remake the soil and add a little gypsum. A mulch of well-rotted manure is helpful; some growers give doses of epsom salts.
by R Lester – 62840
