Common Name: hydrangea
Type: Deciduous shrub
Family: Hydrangeaceae
Zone: 6 to 10
Height: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Spread: 2.00 to 3.00 feet
Bloom Time: June to September
Bloom Description: White
Sun: Part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Suggested Use: Rain Garden
Flower: Showy, Fragrant
Tolerate: Rabbit, Drought, Erosion, Clay Soil, Dry Soil, Wet Soil, Shallow-Rocky Soil
Culture
Best grown in rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in part shade. Tolerates full sun only if grown with consistently moist soils. Plants generally need little pruning. Plants bloom on both old and new wood. If needed, prune immediately after flowering to avoid harming the bloom for the following year. Prune out weak or winter-damaged stems in early spring. Winter hardy to Zone 6. If grown in USDA Zone 5, winter protection is important (e.g., mulch and burlap wrap) in order to minimize the risk of loss of flower buds or die back of stems to the ground in harsh winters.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Hydrangea angustipetala is a compact shrub that typically grows to 3' tall and as wide (infrequently to 5' tall). It is native to Japan, China and Taiwan. Narrow willow-like pubescent deeply toothed dark green leaves (to 3-4" long). Lacecap flowers bloom in late spring.
The genus name Hydrangea comes from hydor meaning "water" and aggeion meaning "vessel", in reference to the cup-like capsular fruit.
'MonLongShou', commonly sold under the trade name of GOLDEN CRANE, is noted for producing an extremely fragrant bloom (unusual for hydrangeas) of lacecap flowers in late spring (earliest of the hydrangeas to bloom). Each flattened lacecap inflorescence features scattered showy 4-sepaled sterile florets (age to yellow) surrounding small non-showy creamy yellow fertile florets. Bloom occurs in late spring on old wood, with additional bloom continuing throughout summer on new wood. This hydrangea was developed by Dan Hinkley from seed collected in southern China.
Synonymous with and sometimes listed as Hydrangea scandens subsp. chinensis 'MonLongShou' GOLDEN CRANE.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Some susceptibility to bud blight, bacterial wilt, leaf spot and mildew. Aphids are occasional visitors.
Uses
Group or mass in a sheltered location in the shrub border. Also a good specimen or accent for protected locations near homes or patios. Woodland gardens.