Hydrangea arborescens Emerald lace

Hydrangea arborescens 'Emerald Lace' is much less known than its relative 'Annabelle', which it surpasses with its resistance to hot exposures, and by its delightful originality. Its maple or oak foliage is unique, and its flowering in large fluffy pale green panicles becoming white lacks neither elegance nor finesse. Of medium size, perfectly hardy, less demanding in terms of soil than most varieties, this hydrangea is suitable for gardens of all styles, of any size, and it will adapt to many regions.

'Emerald Lace', sometimes marketed under the names 'Riven Lace' or 'Green Dragon', is full of surprises. The plant was discovered in 1990 by Stan Tyson, in Illinois in the United States. Of fairly rapid growth, this cultivar forms a bush of about 1.3m (4ft) in height and 1m (3ft) in width at maturity. Its habit is sometimes irregular, requiring pruning for the first two years. Its unique foliage is almost palmate; the leaves have very cut edges. A beautiful emerald green in summer, they turn yellow in autumn before falling. The flowering spreads from June to August and the inflorescences form on the current year's branches. They are large corymbs that can measure up to 15cm (6in) in diameter. Each is made up of a multitude of tiny fertile flowers surrounded by a crown of more developed sterile florets, with 3 or 4 petals. The inflorescence is slightly washed with green and cream at flowering, it becomes white at maturity. The slightly fragrant flowering is melliferous.

'Emerald Lace' is versatile. It suits natural gardens. It will bring a touch of poetry to romantic styles. It is perfect in simple white and green themes. It illuminates under partial shade, an effect that will be enhanced if it is planted in a group of three. At its base, create a variegated ground cover composed of Caucasian forget-me-nots, small periwinkles, or variegated ground ivy. In a city garden, it brings refinement and distinction. Surround it with hellebores, daffodils, and pansies, which extend the flowering and complete the range of whites.