Hydrangea heteromalla
Hydrangea heteromalla D.Don
Hydrangea heteromalla is a deciduous shrub or small tree in the Hydrangeaceae family, native to the Himalayas and China. It grows to 10–15 ft (3.0–4.6 m) tall, with elliptical or ovate leaves and inflorescences 5–8 in (13–20 cm) across. It blooms May–June in full sun and is hardy to USDA zones (4)5–7. Common names include woolly hydrangea, Himalayan hydrangea, and Chinese hydrangea. It is found in alpine forests and thickets in its native range.
Description
Hydrangea heteromalla, described by D.Don in 1825, is a species in the Hydrangeaceae family. It is native to the Himalayas and China, with a distribution including Assam, China South-Central, East Himalaya, Nepal, Tibet, and Vietnam. The plant is characterized by its slightly serrated leaf margins and fluffy inflorescences. It is adaptable and can thrive in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 7. Though rarely seen in American gardens, a specimen can be found at the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens. This species is known for its ability to grow in alpine forest and thicket habitats.
Distribution
SE · Global · Assam · China South-Central · East Himalaya · Nepal · New York · Tibet · Vietnam
Synonyms
Hydrangea dumicolaHydrangea sungpanensisHydrangea vestitaHydrangea bretschneideri var. lancifoliaHydrangea mandarinorumHydrangea heteromalla var. parvifloraHydrangea khasianaHydrangea vestitaHeteromalla donianaHeteromalla vestita