New Test Garden: Hydrangeas

photo: Star Roses & Plants

Hydrangea macrophylla 'L.A. Dreamin' (Star Roses & Plants)

A new North American Hydrangea Test Garden has recently opened at Heritage Museums & Gardens in Sandwich, MA. Heritage President & CEO Ellen Spear said the organization is "proud to collaborate with the major hydrangea growers and developers to create a home for a National Hydrangea Test Garden where new hydrangea varieties will be planted, grown, and studied by our staff and garden interns."

photo: Julie Mikush & Heritage Museums & Gardens

Hydrangea paniculata 'Vanilla Strawberry' (Tree Form) - Bailey Nurseries

For the next five years, new kinds of hydrangeas will be evaluated by experts from across the country.  The test garden is led by Dr. Michael Dirr, author and professor at the University of Georgia, in collaboration with growers from Bailey Nurseries and Ball.

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Cherry Explosion' (Star Roses & Plants)

Partners in the project include Bailey, Star, and Proven Winners, the Cape Cod Hydrangea Society and the American Hydrangea Society.

To see all of the hydrangeas currently in the test garden, see the Heritage website here.