Tuesday 16 August 2011

Hydrangea - Uses and Benefits

Hydrangea - Uses and Benefits
Alternative Names:

Botanical Name is Hydrangea arborescens (LINN.),Hydrangea macrophylla  is a species of hydrangea Common names include Bigleaf Hydrangea ,French Hydrangea ,Lacecap Hydrangea,Penny Mac, Hortensia.Oher names for Hydrangea include Mountain Hydrangea,Hydrangea Arborescens,Seven Barks, Smooth Hydrangea, Wild Hydrangea.
Herb Description

 Hydrangeas are flowering shrubs which are easy to grow and can provide color in the garden from mid-summer through fall. They are used as specimen plants and in shrub borders. Hydrangeas the name comes from the Greek "hydra" meaning "water" and "angeon" meaning "vessel" referring to the plant's preference for moisture and to the shape of the seed capsule. The genus Hydrangea is undergoing a revival of interest which is much deserved, and we hope to be able to contribute by providing clear and accurate information, and drawing attention to the historical connections between hydrangeas and history.

Hydrangeas produce flowers from early spring to late autumn .These are carried in bunches, at the ends of the stems. Each individual hydrangea flower is relatively small.Hydrangeas have large blooms that bring flamboyant colour to the garden in late summer and autumn. They are easy to grow, dependable and improve with time. we can use them in big, bold groups in the border, or even in large containers.One of the simple ways to propagate hydrangea is by layering. This is done by digging a trench near the plant and bending a section of limb down into the trench. Use a knife to remove a small ring of outer bark about one inch wide all the way around the limb where it contacts the soil. Then, cover the limb with soil, leaving six to 12 inches of the tip growth uncovered.

Lady in Red' hydrangea is a wonderful addition to any shade area, adding color interest to perennial borders, groupings or mass plantings. The vibrant autumn color makes it a great container plant for the fall. Best if used in part shade

There are few variety of hydrangea:

 Lacecap hydrangeas,The mountain hydrangea,Panicle hydrangea , The oakleaf hydrangea , Smooth hydrangea
 Lacecap hydrangeas ( H. macrophylla  var. normalis ) have an inner ring of small, fertile flowers surrounded by an outer ring of large, showy flowers.
The mountain hydrangea ( H. macrophylla  subsp. serrata ) is a subspecies of bigleaf hydrangea that has slightly smaller leaves and flowers . Delicate in appearance, mountain hydrangea is particularly well suited for placement at the edge of a wooded area.
Panicle hydrangea ( H. paniculata ) is the most cold hardy member of the genus. It can be reliably grown in USDA cold-hardiness zones 4 to 7. which are borne in 6- to 18-inch long panicles, are produced in mid-summer
The oakleaf hydrangea( H. quercifolia ) is one of two Hydrangea  species that is native to the U.S. It is found growing primarily in moist woodlands in the southeastern U.S. Plants generally grow 6 to 8 feet in height.
 Smooth hydrangea( H. arborescens ) is the other U.S. native. It is grows in the eastern U.S. from New York to Florida and west to Iowa and Louisiana. In cultivation, plants usually reach about 5 feet in height, with a similar or greater spread.

It is a deciduous shrub growing 1-3 m tall. The leaves are opposite, simple ovoid-acute, 7-20 cm long, with a coarsely toothed margin. Its flowers are pink,white & blue depending on soils pH. In acid soils the flowers will be blue, in alkaline soils the flowers will be pink, and in neutral soil the flowers will be white
 
uses and benefits

Hydrangea is an herbal medicine used to treat bladder problems and kidney stones.

 Hydrangeas are susceptible to leaf spots, blights, wilts and powdery mildew. Insect pests on hydrangea include aphids, leaf tiers, rose chafers, oyster scale and red spider mites. Powdery mildew is common on some varieties, but is rarely life threatening. gardeners should make choices based on parietal resistance, and desired traits. A little research goes a long way in making the best selection for your garden.

 Peegee hydrangea is best suited to the far corners of a landscape or in mixed shrub borders where its coarse texture will not stand out. gardeners think peegee hydrangea is more attractive when pruned to tree form. With thoughtful pruning it can be an attractive specimen as a shrub or a tree.

The foliage of the hydrangea is excellent and adds greatly to its ornamental qualities. Flowering occurs on new wood, so out-of-scale plants can be cut to the ground in winter. Other uses of the hydrangea include foundation, border, and specimen plantings.

Hydrangea is well recognized in the treatment of inflamed or enlarged prostate glands. This herb is valued for its solvent properties that help break down and prevent further formation of stones

The flowers of some species can be dried and used in flower arranging and crafts.


side effects

The most common reason for hydrangeas failing to bloom is winter injury. Other reasons may be too much shade, poor fertility and too much nitrogen fertilizer.

Hydrangeas are susceptible leaf spots and powdery mildew. Insect pests on hydrangea include aphids, leaf tiers, rose chafers and red spiders.

Following problem are given below
Breathing problems or tightness in your throat or chest
Chest pain
Skin hives, rash, or itchy or swollen skin



 You may have the following side effects, but this medicine may also cause other side effects. concern the doctor if you have side effects that you think are caused by this medicine.
 Stomach upset
 May cause a rash when used on the skin
 Taking too much may cause you to feel dizzy or have chest tightness

Its better to avoid long term use of HYDRANGEA ROOT (Hydrangea arborescens )

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