What Type of Hydrangeas Do I Have?

Question:

I have two hydrangeas I bought from Frank's Nursery and Crafts two years ago and I cannot remember the name. Is there a hydrangea (big leaf) that begins with "Van" or "Von". I thought it was a nikko blue but the name seemed to begin with a V. Can you help?

Hardiness Zone: 6a

Mary from Maryland

Answer:

Hi Mary,

I did a little research into Big Leaf hydrangea varieties starting with "Von" or "Van." I checked several books and websites, including resources from the American Hydrangea society and several nurseries that specialize in hydrangeas. I'm afraid I couldn't find any. You don't mention whether or not it has flowered yet or what the flowers look like, but I'm going to assume that they are either blue or pink. I did find some varieties of Big Leaf hydrangea that start with the letter "V." Here they are:

• 'Variegata'
• 'Vindool' (Dooley TM)
• 'General Vicomtesse de Vibraye'
• 'Veitchii'
• 'Vendomoise'
• 'Venice' ='Venice Raven' ppaf
• 'Vienna' ppaf
• 'Vulcain'

Do you think it's possible that the label on your hydrangea read Var. Nikko Blue (Var. meaning variety) and your remember it as Von or Van? Hopefully someone that you know or someone that works at Frank's Nursery and Crafts also bought one and can tell you what it is. Otherwise check back with them next year. If it's a popular variety they are likely to restock it next season.

Ellen