New to Ireland is a specialist grower of ‘old’ hydrangea varieties that have stood the
test of time, some of which have survived for over a century on the west and south
coast of Ireland. Promoters Geraldine and Thomas Martin tell HC that “Heritage is worth
cherishing and merits a place of honour in our gardens”. Aptly named ‘Hydrangea
Heritage’, the small scale family nursery is growing plants with a good root system
that will settle quickly when planted on. Their collection of rare originals counts 150
Hydrangea macrophylla varieties which have been found or created between the years
of 1789 and 1940. Belgian collectors Luc Balemans and Georges Piens, who started
the collection some 20 years ago, are also providing support for introducing panicle
hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata).
From the 50-odd varieties at their disposal, ‘Hydrangea Heritage’ is selecting a range of early flowering varieties which they anticipate will perform well under Irish conditions.
The nursery aims to produce large specimens both for the garden and for tubs and pots, and also offers to propagate extra volume of any particular variety from the collection for specific projects on demand. ‘Hydrangea Heritage’ is based in south Monaghan and welcomes pre-arranged visits to view its outstanding collection.
More at facebook.com/hydrangea.ie
