Hydrangea Aspera
Quick Facts about Hydrangea Aspera
Hydrangea aspera is a plant in the Hydrangea family that is endemic to the Himalayan region and found across Taiwan, China and north eastern part of India. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow as high as six feet and it is sensitive to frost. The ornamental flowers of this plant make it a popular choice in many a garden and its distinctive Lacecap flowers make it stand out from other kinds of hydrangeas which have the denser Mophead floral display. The Lacecap flowers are flatter than the more rounded looking Mophead hydrangeas, and the inner core of fertile flowers are usually simpler than the outer ring of striking sterile flowers. The flowers of the Hydrangea aspera tend to be white, pink, purple or pale blue. Hydrangea aspera is available in two variations which are known as sargentiana and villosa. In some regions, the leaves of the Hydrangea aspera are used to prepare tree and there is some belief in the medicinal value of the tea to help with digestive and respiratory functions. It should be stressed that this is when ingested in small quantities as in larger quantities the leaves are considered toxic.
The Hydrangea aspera which can grow as tall as 10 feet in its native climatic conditions tends to have an annual growth of 18 inches. It has a hardiness rating of zone 7 and tends to be in bloom from late summer through fall. These rounded shrubs have gorgeous green foliage which makes the plant very striking when the flowers are in bloom because it offers an interesting contrast of colors. Some plants in the hydrangea genus have flowers which reflect the acidic content of the soil in the color of the flowers - the Hydrangea aspera also exhibits this quality and the flowers are pink in neutral or alkaline soil and acidic soil they are tinged with blue. It is also said that the colors of the blossoms alter with the age of the shrub. It is a very adaptable plant in that it can handle different acidic levels in the soil.
The plant needs well drained soil although it is supposed to be tolerant of various types of soil including the chalky variety. The plant is not good in very dry soil or extremely wet conditions. If being grown in a dry location it needs shade during the sunniest part of the day. Hydrangeas on the whole thrive in locations where there is abundant sunlight and partial shade and the same applies to this variety also.
Young plants have to be grown from seeds for propagation. You can also use 8-10 cm cuttings of the young tree or more mature tree by placing it in a frame in late summer. Once you help the cutting over-winter, you can plant it outside in late spring. You will have to wait a year before the plant starts flowering. Leaf bud cuttings of the current season can be put in a frame and used for immediate propagation also.
Early frost, indiscriminate pruning and honey fungus are three of the things that can negatively impact the Hydrangea aspera. A cautious gardener should keep the plant protected until the last of the spring frost is gone and also watch out for the fall chilliness. While pruning is necessary to keep the hydrangea from becoming leggy, the pruning has to be in the dormant months. Gardeners should use the appropriate pesticide to keep the area around the plant pest and weed free to avoid it being damaged by the fungus. Most varieties of this plant seem to be unattractive to deer.