Okay, I was patiently waiting for spring, content with a few daffodils starting to show their buttery-yellow petals, until THIS arrived in the mail. It's from an info packet about a new hydrangea called 'Pinky Winky,'and isn't it a beauty?
This is a brand called Proven Winners Color Choice, and it's a new variety of Hydrangea paniculata. Now, it's true that I love old-fashioned heirlooms, whether they're roses, veggies, fruits, or flowers. Heirlooms are usually easy to grow, and because they're passed down from one generation of gardeners to another, they're a rich genetic link to our own past.
But because I'm always frustrated with getting my hydrangeas to bloom--mine get killed back by a late frost almost every year--I want to check this one out. 'Pinky Winky' is supposed to be drought tolerant and happy in partial shade, and --best of all--the growers say it can handle a late cold snap.
Here's a photo of the breeder who developed this variety:
And here's another picture that came with the info on 'Pinky Winky.' To be honest, I'm not quite sure what we're seeing here, but I think it's dried hydrangea stems, mixed in with other flowers. At any rate, don't you think it's beautiful?
Now, you might wonder how I started thinking about hydrangeas this early in the year. Not only did I get the info in the mail, I'm also working on a magazine story right now about the first-ever hydrangea festival in the metro Atlanta area. Named in honor of the late Penny McHenry, who cultivated many gorgeous hydrangeas and inspired other gardeners to grow them, the festival will open with a Hydrangea Ball on Friday, June 6 and run through June 7. It will include garden tours, a "Moonlight and Magnolia" progressive dinner, a standard flower show, a plant sale, and lots more.
During her lifetime, Penny McHenry hosted visitors from all over the country who came to see her gardens, so organizers hope that this first annual festival will draw gardeners--and garden lovers--from across the Southeast. If you'd like more info, visit www.PennyMcHydrangeaFestival.com or call 800-661-0013.
Yes, it's still too early to plant hydrangeas, but I'm going to look for this one when nurseries and plant centers starting getting their stock in. I'll let you know how it grows for me!
Lynn
www.LynnCoulter.com
2 comments:
That "Pinky Winky" Hydrangea does look beautiful. Check out Heronswood Nursery, they may have it in stock.
Thanks--I don't have any pink hydrangeas, and this one, since it tolerates drought, should do well where i live!
Lynn
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