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Finding the Best Hydrangea
Heritage Museums & Gardens is home to a national hydrangea test garden where new hybrid varieties of hydrangeas are being planted, grown, and studied by professional growing experts from across the country. The North American Hydrangea Test Garden is one of the most comprehensive collections in the United States. Hydrangeas are typically in bloom from Early July – end of September.
Heritage staff and horticulture interns document and collect data on plant performance that enables these growers to perfect new hydrangea varieties and gauge how these varieties perform in New England, one of the country’s largest markets for hydrangeas. The test garden continues Heritage’s collaboration with the Cape Cod Hydrangea Society, begun in 2008 when 150 cultivars and species were planted, and showcases the depth and breadth of these iconic plants for Heritage visitors.
Designed by Horticulture Director Les Lutz and installed in phases beginning in 2016, the expanded garden includes new hydrangeas and other plants, a fountain and cobble-lined shell walkways that will allow visitors to stroll among an unprecedented variety of hydrangeas. The garden affords researchers and growers easy access to test plants while offering home gardeners examples of which plants pair well together.
The North American Hydrangea Test Garden is being led by Dr. Michael Dirr, horticulture professor emeritus at the University of Georgia and author of over 300 scientific and popular publications, in collaboration with expert growers from Bailey Nurseries and Star Roses & Plants, who were inspired by Heritage’s existing Hydrangea Garden. Garden partners include leading professional growers, Bailey Nurseries (creators of Endless Summer® Hydrangeas), Star Roses & Plants, and Proven Winners; renowned plant expert Dr. Michael Dirr and his wife Bonnie; the Cape Cod Hydrangea Society and the American Hydrangea Society.
Hydrangea Research
As of June of 2020, there are 244 hydrangeas being evaluated. They break down as follows:
- Hydrangea arborescens: 8 cultivars (35 plants)
- Hydrangea macrophylla: 21 cultivars (136 plants)
- Hydrangea paniculata: 11 cultivars (67 plants)
- Hydrangea serrata: 1 cultivar (3 plants)
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