RESEARCH / 13 HYDRANGEA X. FRENCH BOLERO NEW COMPACT VARIETY THAT FLOWERS ALONG ITS STEMS. PHOTO: DÓNALL FLANAGAN
HUMBLE HYDRANGEA Dónall Flanagan, Teagasc Nursery Stock / Ornamentals Specialised Advisor explains how Hydrangea producers are adapting to increasing demand for novelty colours and long flowering periods
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arge flowers in subtle and brilliant colours; Hydrangeas have become a must-have for landscapers, gardeners and florists. Hydrangea plants have proven to be hugely popular in the last 20 years. A new market has developed for younger gardeners and Hydrangeas are now one of the most popular plants sold across Ireland, Europe and North America. For
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example, Hydrangea ‘Endless Summer’ has sold almost 40 million plants since its introduction. Their future looks positive as they are hardy, suffer few pests and diseases and are innovating at a fast pace. For many years, Hydrangeas were seen as old-fashioned plants. Introductions of remontant (repeat flowering) plants such as ‘Endless Summer’, with long flowering seasons and
HORTICULTURECONNECTED / www.horticultureconnected.ie / Winter 2020
