Sunday, June 6, 2010

'Light O' Day'...

So, here's a gorgeous plant! I found out about this Hydrangea several years ago when it was shown on an episode of "In the Garden with Bryce Lane." And I knew it was something I wanted to grow. Of course, wanting a plant and finding the plant aren't always the same thing. Some months later, I did see it at my favorite local nursery, but it was a larger size than I needed (read: it cost more than I wanted to pay.)




A while later, I found it in a gallon container at a price I was willing to pay, so I brought home my lovely beauty. Even though I have had it for 3 springs now, this is the first time it has bloomed. Even without the blooms, though, I think it is an absolutely stunning plant.




It grows in a container near where I park my van, at the junction of two paths. One path leads to the back door and the other path leads to the front door. It is sort of the starting point of my garden.




Hydrangea macrophylla 'Light O' Day' is a Lace Cap Hydrangea. I really haven't cared whether a not it bloomed because the variegated leaves are so interesting on their own. But, if it did choose to bloom, I was hoping for blueish flowers. However, these pink ones are just fine.





I think this bush is so striking. I plan to plant other Hydrangeas in this area under the Laurel Oak, but I am undecided about whether to include more of 'Light O' Day,' or to just leave this one as an amazing specimen plant. What do you think?


Have a beautiful day!

9 comments:

Pam's English Garden said...

What a stunning plant! I can see why you like it so much. The acidity of the soil determines the color of the blooms. Blue blooms need a more acidic soil. Mix coffee grounds into the soil at the base of the hydrangea to make the soil more acid, and in time, the blooms will turn blue.

Ruth said...

Hi, Pam, Thanks for stopping by! :) I have used soil sulfur to turn hydrangeas blue, but I've never heard of using coffee grounds. It is also harder to turn the colors when they are in a container. Even though I've worked at changing the color on other bushes, I haven't bothered with this one. I'll have to give the coffee grounds a try. :)

Anonymous said...

I had an old friend who had a huge lace cap many years ago. Every time he cut flowers, or trimmed it back, he would stick some in the ground...and some of them would invariably root. He would give me flowers but I never had any luck getting them to root...I am wondering if it was because I used city water (chlorinated) while enjoying the blooms?
Nevertheless, thank you for sharing yours and reminding me a Mr. Brooks and his beautiful lace caps.

Anonymous said...

ack, forgot to sign "jw"
;-)

Ruth said...

jw - I root Hydrangeas in Perlite and have pretty good success with that. I think the time of the year has something to do with it. Late summer, maybe?

sweetbay said...

That is a beautiful hydrangea. I'd keep that one as a specimen.

Anonymous said...

Perfectly lovely!! I'd love to have a bush like that in my yard!

~ K ~

Diane at My Cottage Garden said...

I've never seen a hydrangia with bi-coloured leaves before. It's very pretty!

Ruth said...

Hi, sweet bay, I think I am going to keep it as a specimen. I might have to propagate a couple, though, just in case I loose this one. Which I REALLY hope I don't.

K - It is a great bush!

Diane - It truly is one of my favorites! Thanks for stopping by!