Hydrangea at Digging Dog | Hydrangea serrata, Hydrangea quercifolia, Hydrangea paniculata, & Hydrangea macrophylla

Don’t be put off by the name; this climbing Hydrangea features broad white flower heads, reddish bark, and the glossiest leaves. It produces self-clinging, aerial roots that easily attach to just about anything: pergola, wall, fence or tree, and may need 10 years to reach its full height, but patience pays off with this spectacular deciduous specimen. Meanwhile, enjoy it on a north wall with an understory of Corydalis ‘Blue Panda’ and Geranium ‘Ann Folkard’. Large Band.

Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris ‘Skylands Giant’

This sterling cultivar's lustrous, toothed greenery is dappled with choice cream-colored lacy blooms. A luminous standout amid eastward shadows, ‘Skylands Giant’ was selected at the New Jersey Botanical Garden in Skylands for its exceptionally large showy lacecaps, which feature soft-looking centers of tiny fertile flowers ringed by loosely arranged, larger white sterile florets. Large Band

Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris Skylands Giant (T-0250)
Each $14.50
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Hydrangea integrifolia

Climbing Evergreen Hydrangea

Hailing from the Philippines and Taiwan, this climbing evergreen Hydrangea is seldom seen in cultivation. Rambling, red-hued, hairy stems sport pairs of lustrous elongated leaves, which are so exquisite, it’s easy to wait for the vine to establish itself and produce its intriguing rounded buds and pretty lacy white flowers. A stellar choice for a mild maritime climate or a sheltered wall.

Hydrangea (shrubs)

The name Hydrangea, means “water vessel,” given for its cup-shaped seed vessels. A genus of diverse forms, Hydrangeas are commonly found throughout Asia, from the Himalayas to Taiwan and Japan, with the exception of two species, Hydrangea arborescens and Hydrangea quercifolia, which are native to North America.

Easily grown, this shrub’s lush deciduous leaves are best suited to loose, moist soil in the shade of tall trees or on the north side of the house. If, like us, you’ve tired of the commoner sort, these delicacies will be a welcome surprise.

Hydrangea arborescens ‘White Dome’

Grounded by a tidy mass of sturdy stems that won’t flop, even after a downpour, and dark green serrated leaves, this elegant Hydrangea’s large, dome-shaped floral heads are wreathed in sterile, white blossoms.

Sharing the same hardiness and vigor as the species, which is an east coast native, ‘White Dome’s lavish lacecaps are borne on new wood, ensuring more flowers for colder climates. It brings lush, invigorating accents to a shrubby border, and the Victorian-esque blooms are ideal fresh or dried in arrangements. (PP#14,168)

Hydrangea aspera ‘Rocklon’

Large pink clouds of buds and pinkish bronze, downy new growth bring a soft look to this noble, rarely cultivated Hydrangea. Mounted on stout fuzzy stems, wide, hairy serrated foliage, with red-hued petioles, provides a graceful deep green foil for the enormous mauve lacecaps ringed by white bracts. Adequate water and bright shade will ensure ‘Rocklon’s prosperity, while Corydalis and Stylophorum diphyllum offer contrasting texture beneath.

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Blue Wave’

This choice lacecap Hydrangea deserves center stage, where its lovely broad flowers, in shades of lilac to bright blue, can create a colorful splash. Brushed with streaks of claret as they mature, the blossoms are still alluring in November, and if picked at the right time will dry to an exquisite silvery blue.

Handsome and robust, the glossy foliage often displays burgundy-hued margins as it cloaks green branches speckled in red. ‘Blue Wave’ is irresistible next to Philadelphus ‘Manteau d’Hermine, while golden-leafed Carex skirts below.

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Enziandom’

Bred nearly 70 years ago, this vivid, bright cobalt blue mophead is coveted by both florists and landscapers. Overlapping, white-eyed cupped florets mature to pure blue, taking on a flatter appearance, while the large gorgeous blooms later exhibit rich plum hues dappled with smoky blue tinges.

Second-to-none for cutting and drying, the lavish flowers can last through October, festooning a medium-sized, coarse textured shrub whose dark green, maroon edged leaves transmute coppery wine autumnal shades. Euphorbia longifolia’s chartreuse floral bracts create a flashy union.

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Hörnli’

Boasting a plethora of late blooming, bold, bright crimson mopheads, this delectable small-sized Hydrangea originated in Wadenswil, Switzerland. The nonoverlapping sepals crowd onto a compact 4 to 5 in. domed cluster, enhanced by fuzzy looking, prominent fertile flowers.

Well-suited for the front of the border, a patio or a container, ‘Hörnli’s handsome, red-rimmed and toothed, matte green leaves cloak a neat vigorous shrub that easily nestles into a tighter spot, never needs pruning and promises to gratify.

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Lemon Wave’

The unusual foliage of this smaller statured Hydrangea will surely bring a “wave” of interest to a shady garden spot. Each leaf is uniquely marked: some are porcelain to cream with lemon yellow margins. Others are green, ranging from emerald through mint to chartreuse. The lacecap flowers can vary in color as well, all the way from white to mauve to blue.

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Madame Emile Mouillère’

Gracing gardens for an entire century, this vintage French glamor queen parades quantities of large, pure white flower clusters. The rounded mopheads include tightly packed serrated florets, which eventually open wide and push up against one another to produce a frilly feminine silhouette.

Blooming on both old and new wood, and appreciating protection from hot sun, the stylish blossoms bounce back after a rain, unfurl until late in the season, and make unparalleled cut flowers, fresh or dried, while showcasing soft pink and lime-green brush strokes as they age.

The tall robust frame, supported by unspotted stems and smooth, notched glossy green foliage, can be situated along a sheltered shady garden wall or the north side of a house.

Hydrangea macrophylla Madame Emile Mouillère (S-0719)
Each $12.00
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Hydrangea macrophylla var. serrata ‘Blue Billow’

This compact lacecap Hydrangea deserves center stage, where its broad, light blue flowers and dense green foliage can create a colorful splash. Handsome and verdant, the glossy leaves, which are narrower than those of the species, display a tasty reddish plum hue in late summer and fall. A drift of ‘Blue Billow’ is irresistible next to Philadelphus ‘Innocence’, while golden-leafed Hakonechloa skirts below.

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’

An awe-inspiring beauty whose blooms first open in creamy white elegance, transition to lime-green until fall, and finally turn deep pink, this vigorous Dutch cultivar deserves to be in the limelight. Strong, upright stems cloaked with handsome greenery shoulder the elegant, cone-shaped trusses, which impart a crisp, refreshing sophistication to the shrubby border or a bouquet. (PP#12,874)

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Tardiva’

Late Panicle Hydrangea

Introduced from Japan, ‘Tardiva’ is the latest flowering Hydrangea we know of. It’s also distinctive for elegant and airy panicles; they’re a lovely, clean white, becoming tinged a creamy pink as the season progresses. ‘Tardiva’s finely tapering heads, whose sterile flowers cluster toward the base of the bloom, are held erect over deep green foliage.

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Unique’

Left to its own designs, this vigorous Hydrangea has a natural upright and arching form, but it also responds well to pruning, making ‘Unique’ an effective choice where space is scarce.

The enormous flower heads are spectacular and abundant, and true to name are unique in shape, being quite broad at the base and bluntly rounded at the tip. They begin the season a creamy white and gradually darken to a buff pink.

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Alice’

We have Mike Dirr to thank for this vigorous selection. Tall and fast growing, ‘Alice’ displays large, very delicate, lacy looking white flower heads, and the show continues when the broad green oak-shaped leaves turn deep carmine in autumn. For contrast, try planting an understory of Persicaria ‘Red Dragon’.

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Little Honey’

With a namesake that pays homage to the honey-gilded new leaves garbing its diminutive close-knit frame, this distinctive new ‘Pee Wee’ sport was discovered by British plantsman, Peter Catt. Handsome, oak mimicking foliage transmutes chartreuse shades as the season progresses and bleeds brilliant scarlet-red tones at the season’s end.

Appealing nearly year round and perfectly suited for a large terracotta vessel or the frontlines of a shrubby border, ‘Little Honey’ entertains a splendid showing of 6 to 8 in. long, snowy white conical trusses. (pp#15477)

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Sikes Dwarf’

Sikes Dwarf Hydrangea

We have Sarah Sikes to thank for this new low growing Oak Leaf Hydrangea. Hailing from Alabama, it’s half the size of most quercifolias, rendering it a mainstay in the smaller garden. Lobed and closely spaced, the handsome broad foliage shows off abundant ivory-colored conical blooms. Surround with leaves of like shapes such as Anemone and Kirengeshoma to complement ‘Sikes Dwarf’s unparalleled foliar texture.

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snow Queen’

Though its name might make you think otherwise, this shrub is a showcase of earth tones. Its 8 in. long panicles of white flowers, which later take on a pinkish hue, stand out like snow against the beautiful cinnamon-brown, exfoliating bark and the large dark green Oak-like leaves that turn reddish purple in autumn.

Hardy and undemanding, ’Snow Queen’ offers a fantastic fall display full of similar colors and contrasting forms when matched with Panicum ‘Warrior’.

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snowflake’

It was a fortuitous moment when Hydrangea enthusiast Eddie Aldridge and his father happened upon this sumptuous Hydrangea in the woodlands of Jefferson County, Alabama. Premiering enormous 15 in. long white panicles that can extend upward, outward or pendulously, the coarse textured, leathery anchor of large, oaklike foliage burnishes deep burgundy come fall and holds its handsome leaves well into December. The unique, two-toned double flowered effect is created when numerous tiered sepals first emerge white, while older ones below develop dark dusty pink shades with age.

Considered by Michael Dirr to be the most beautiful of the sterile flowering cultivars, ‘Snowflake’s blooms open a little later, seem to last longer than the single quercifolias, and should be showcased in a favored location.

Hydrangea serrata ‘Beni’

Japanese Mountain Hydrangea

Beni translates “red” in Japanese, and red, specifically a darkly imbued red lacecap is what this small rounded shrub delivers. Originally collected from a wild clone, its graceful form cushions dainty flowers that first emerge blushed white and gradually deepen to rubescent shades, the rich, stop-in-your-tracks color persisting on the sepals well into autumn. With cool green leaves and ardent inflorescences, ‘Beni’ is a dynamic choice for a tight space.

Hydrangea serrata ‘Blue Deckle’

Japanese Mountain Hydrangea

A sterling, highly sought after progeny of renown horticulturist and Hydrangea expert Michael Haworth-Booth’s breeding efforts, this low growing Hydrangea lulls us with cool, light blue lacecaps. The central fertile flowers are encompassed and sometimes hidden by prominent serrated sepals that later transmute sea-green and lilac-purple in sumptuous, glimmering shades. Compact and closely set, red-dashed green stems shape its attractive dwarf frame, while launching a fiery autumnal pageant of purple-rimmed, cardinal-colored leaves soon after the prolific blooms begin to fade.

Hydrangea serrata ‘Miranda’

Japanese Mountain Hydrangea

With unmatched delicacy, these exquisite inflorescences are defined by loosely spaced sepals wreathing around several separate, distinctive clusters of light blue, centrally arranged fertile flowers. The lacy, long lasting drama unfolds in varying shades from soft blue and mauve to nearly white to pale pink, sometimes donning streaks and swathes of different colors, depending upon the pH. Yellow-tinged green foliage attires this small-sized Hydrangea, and come autumn tints of claret warm the margins, veins and eventually the entire leaf.

A seedling selected by M. Haworth-Booth, ‘Miranda’s diminutive profile can be spotlighted in a patio vessel or anywhere its elegance is easily appreciated.

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DIGGING DOG NURSERY Specials & Events

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A VALENTINE GIFT THAT GROWS ON YOU!

Choose from a stunning collection of

PINK, PURPLE or WHITE BLOOMING PLANTS

from Digging Dog Nursery!

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GREAT VALENTINE’S DAY GIFTS

~~SPECIAL VALENTINE OFFERS FROM THE DIGGING DOGS~~

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~ 15% Discount on $100 or more worth of plants that

are available now. Orders must be shipped no later than March 2nd

to be eligible for the discount!

~ 10% Discount on Gift Certificates of $100 or more.

$100 worth of plants for only $90!

(don't forget one for yourself--cash it in on your Spring order!)

Use code: ”Valentines2010”

& place in the “comment” box on the online order form.

Sale runs from now through February 27, 2010!

*** Plant orders must be received no later than February 6th

to be delivered by February 14! ***

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Gift Wrapping for Selected Plants

Valentine’s Day Special Gift Wrap:

If you'd like to select 3 or more of the plants mentioned in Deborah’s Diary, below, to be sent as a Valentine's Gift, we'll wrap them in silver paper with red ribbon and pack them with a sprinkling of festive red shredded paper. A gift card by Marsha Mello will also be included. Just put "Valentine 2010" in the “comment“ box on the online mail order form, along with the sentiment you'd like us to include.

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DEBORAH’S DIARY:

FOR A COLORFUL VALENTINE’S HOLIDAY

Valentine’s Day is a great holiday for remembering those we love near and far. We hope you'll peruse our selection of intriguing plants. They can be nurtured indoors and then planted in the garden as soon as the frost has disappeared. Next year on Valentine’s Day, your loved ones will still be enjoying this exquisite gift that will keep on growing.

PERENNIALS

Cyclamen

These versatile, easy to grow perennials make an appearance for Valentine’s Day with marbled foliage and dramatic blossoms. After pointed buds rise from established tubers, glorious blooms, composed of five reflexing petals, emerge. Clusters of lustrous heart-shaped leaves etched with pewter, persist all winter, dying back in late spring. Fanciful, pretty-in-pink flowers dress up Cyclamen hederifolium ‘Rose Pearls’s marbled, glistening greenery. Interplant with white-blooming Cyclamen hederifolium ‘White Pearls’ for a marvelous vignette. Blooms from October through November, grows to eight inches and is hardy to Zone 5.

Pulmonaria

One of the earliest plants to bloom, the urn shaped flowers can be picked in February. Easy-to-grow Pulmonarias prefer cool, moist soil. A refined inspiration for those shady spots, Pulmonaria ‘Roy Davidson’ will make a great Valentine’s gift. Periwinkle blue flowers that fade with shades of pink stand up to 8 inches above handsome, evenly silver-blotched foliage. Planted en masse, it forms a noninvasive ground cover in a shaded rock garden. Blooms mid-February through May and is hardy to Zone 4.

Bergenia

Bergenia’s are known for the fine, firm foliage mass and Saxifrage-like, waxy flowers that justify their presence in the garden. Great, glossy and nearly evergreen leaves are a handsome backdrop for dense heads of lovely spring blooms that rise on stalwart, red-tinted stems. In winter the leaves become tinged with burgundy, perfect for a Valentine’s remembrance. Bergenia endures neglect, poor soil and some drought. We suggest Bergenia ‘Bressingham White’, distinguished for the pure white color of its mature blossoms, its amazing floriferous nature, and leafy robustness. It blooms from April through May and stands 12-15 inches tall and is hardy to Zone 4.

Eucomis

Eucomis belongs to the Lily family and calls tropical southern Africa its home. Pineapple Lily prefers warm, sunny nooks with mulched, well drained soil and protection from excessive winter cold and moisture. In colder areas, Eucomis comosa ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ makes an excellent plant for a favorite container. The burgundy-red, semierect rosette of strapping, waxy leaves appears more green as the weather warms. Crowned by a pineapple-like cluster of leaves, the densely set starry flowers populate thick, cylindrical maroon spikes. The purple blossoms display unique greenish tones adding dramatic highlights to arrangements. It blooms from late July through September, grows over two feet tall and is hardy to Zone 8.

Allium

Alliums or ‘Ornamental Onions’ are embellished versions of the common culinary bulbs. Prospering in a sunny, well drained site, these pest resistant Alliums add flair to the garden, a cherished container, or an arrangement and can be attractive either fresh or dried. Allium schubertii evokes the energy of a bursting firecracker as some 200 miniature star-styled florets top stiff pedicels, shooting out in different lengths from the flower's center. Spidery globes--enormous, loosely arranged lilac-pink wonders--measure at least a foot across. Blooming from May through June, it grows to eighteen inches tall and is hardy to Zone 5.

Thymus

Planted in the herb garden or around and between stepping stones, Thymes love sun and well drained soil, and can even tolerate a dose of wind and salt spray. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, delicately textured Thymus ‘Pink Chintz’ fashions a fresh pink blanket of bloom and small grayish green leaves. ‘Pink Chintz’ is one of the first Thymes to flower, blooming from May through July, it grows only 1 to 2 inches tall and is hardy to Zone 5. Another fantastic Thyme is Thymus praecox ssp. arcticus ‘Albus’ commonly known as ‘White Creeping Thyme.’ The elfin-sized army of bright green, rounded leaves and thin, straw-colored stems weave a springy evergreen mass. Petite white flowers form a thick summertime icing when they bloom from July through August. Staying low, only about two inches, it’s hardy to Zone 5. Consider Thymus serpyllum ‘Minor’, whose tiny miniature leaves comprise a snug, carpet-like hummock. Remarkably rugged, the gray-green overlapping foliage can endure some foot traffic and hot, dry conditions. Lavender-pink flowers peek from the fine textured, soft-looking clump. Blooms July through August, grows to three inches and is hardy to Zone 4.

Salvia

Sage, was thought, in ancient times, to perpetuate good health. The following tender cultivars make stellar container candidates in cold winter areas. Salvia involucrata ‘Hidalgo’ loves full sun and is known as the ‘Roseleaf Sage’. Large, rounded, dusky magenta buds cluster at stem tips and open into brilliant pink, fuzzy tubular flowers toned down by deep purple calyxes. Dark green leaves are arranged in pairs and complement red petioles on strong straight stalks. Revered by hummingbirds, this bushy Salvia grows up to four feet, it’s hardy to Zones 8/9 and blooms from August through mid-October. Equally attractive, Salvia microphylla ‘Dennis’ Pink’ is touted as one of the best pink-colored microphyllas. These good-sized flowers are a full-bodied fuchsia pink. Freely borne blooms feature dark charcoal-tinged calyxes, hooded upper petals and prominent lower lips illuminated by singular white splotches. The long lasting display energizes a bushy mass of wiry stems and green finely toothed leaves that remain root-hardy through chilly winters. Hardy to Zone 8.

GRASSES

Carex

Offering a sea of striking blue, Carnation-like foliage, Carex flacca (glauca) is a versatile ornamental grass that can take full sun or partial shade. Narrow blades create a noninvasive, slowly spreading mass. Purple-black spikes appear to float just above the solid, flowering stems. Easy to establish, Carex flacca tolerates drought and adapts to an array of growing conditions. Blooming from May through June and standing up to 15 inches, it’s hardy to Zone 4.

SHRUBS

Erica’s

Also known as ³Heaths², Ericas have fine, short, needle-like evergreen leaves with tiny, urn-shaped flowers. Mos floriferous in winter and early spring, these four Ericas make perfect combination of pinks, purples and whites for Valentine’s Day gift giving. Erica carnea ‘Springwood Pink’ sports clear pink flowers engulfing the forest green foliage, followed by vigorous spring growth that sprouts bright bronze. Erica carnea ‘Vivelli’ brings carmine red flowers covering a low spreading form. Its deep green, summer foliage bronzes after the first frost. The Erica mediterranea ‘W. T. Rackliff’ has pristine white flowers that stand out against the dee green foliage, which clumps to an almost spherical mound. Erica x darleyensis ‘Margaret Porter’s dainty lilac urns embellish attractive mid-green needles that comprise a low spreading form.

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HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY FROM THE DIGGING DOGS

Can you even believe it?! It’s almost Valentine’s Day and we’re expected to welcome our new sisters. There are now THREE cats running around our beautiful nursery! How could they? It wasn’t bad enough that “Clause” showed up last Christmas for ‘mouse patrol’, but Zoe had to go out and find two kittens. Clause is none too happy about the situation, either. Guess we’ll just have to get out to the gardens and do some more digging…that’ll remind Deborah & Gary who’s really top dog around this place. Oh, by the way, Happy Valentine’s Day!

Happy Diggings!

Neptune, Briella & Maya, The Digging Dogs & Clause, Olivia & Parker (the annoying cats!)

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~ ~ DIGGING DOG NURSERY'S 2010 CATALOG is in the mail!

(If you are on our mailing list and don't receive it soon, or you want to

order our catalog ($4), you can do so at this web site or call 707-937-1130)

~ ~ SUMMER & FALL PLANT SALES 2010 ~ ~

July 9, 10 & 11 and

October 8, 9 & 10

Friday, Saturday, Sunday - 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

~ ~ SATURDAY STROLLS 2010 ~ ~

Informative walks through the Nursery & Nursery gardens

with Gary Ratway, Deborah Whigham and/or Nursery staff

twice a month on alternate Saturdays - June through October.

- dates to be announced -

GARDEN CLUB NEWS

We are now offering special accommodations for garden clubs, master gardeners and any other educational groups.

Set against a majestic backdrop of towering redwoods, our 1.5 acre, family-owned Nursery includes

9 greenhouses, a large outdoor growing area, exquisitely planted borders, hedgerows, a new kitchen garden and more.

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~~We'll provide tea, coffee and water and an inspired setting for a luncheon.

Bring your own lunch, or we can arrange for a catered meal.

~~If you would like to spend more time on our beautiful coast,

we'll assist you in selecting your lodging.

~~We'll be happy to give your group a guided tour of the Nursery and

surrounding plantings that is tailored to your specific interests and needs.

LECTURES BY DEBORAH WHIGHAM

Horticurturalist and Digging Dog co-owner, Deborah Whigham,

is available to travel to your club meeting

for a talk and slide show on garden topics such as

drought resistant plants and “Off Season Interest in Your Garden.”

Deborah has lectured at the Luther Burbank Garden Center, Livermore Gardening Club,

the Garden Club of Palo Alto, Marin Master Gardeners,

the Shepherd Garden & Art Center, the Modesto Garden Club and others.

To inquire about fees and arrangements, call Deborah at (707) 937-1235.

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Catalog

Digging Dog Nursery

Hydrangeaat Digging Dog

Including Hydrangea serrata, Hydrangea quercifolia, Hydrangea paniculata, & Hydrangea macrophylla

Hydrangea (trees and vines)

Climbing Hydrangea

Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris

Climbing Hydrangea

Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris ‘Skylands Giant’

Hydrangea integrifolia

Climbing Evergreen Hydrangea

Hydrangea (shrubs)

Hydrangea arborescens ‘White Dome’

Hydrangea aspera ‘Rocklon’

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Blue Wave’

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Enziandom’

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Hörnli’

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Lemon Wave’

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Madame Emile Mouillère’

Hydrangea macrophylla var. serrata ‘Blue Billow’

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Tardiva’

Late Panicle Hydrangea

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Unique’

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Alice’

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Little Honey’

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Sikes Dwarf’

Sikes Dwarf Hydrangea

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snow Queen’

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snowflake’

Hydrangea serrata ‘Beni’

Japanese Mountain Hydrangea

Hydrangea serrata ‘Blue Deckle’

Japanese Mountain Hydrangea

Hydrangea serrata ‘Miranda’

Japanese Mountain Hydrangea

Further reading about Hydrangea:

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DIGGING DOG NURSERY ***Specials & Events***

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DIGGING DOG NURSERY Specials & Events