2003 ASCFG Dried Cut Flower of the Year
There are many great cultivars of Hydrangea paniculata. Valued for its vigor and wide range (Zones 3-8), H. paniculata produces large pyramidal clusters of white flowers which lend themselves to preserving and drying quite well.
"P.G. Hydrangea pays my bills in October. My customers start asking for it by early August, and by the time I finally have flowers that are ready for drying, the anticipation has reached a fever pitch." says Susan O'Connell of Fertile Crescent Farm in Hardwick, Vermont.
Joanne Harrison of Harrison Flowers, Hood River, Oregon reports "My customers buy it any way I offer it. Fresh, almost dry, preserved (with supplemental color) or air-dried. I use it fresh in large bouquets and arrangements and save the dried and preserved stems for use in holiday wreaths and winter arrangements."
Contact ASCFG at 440-774-2887 or www.ascfg.org for more information.