Nikko Hydrangea aka Margo

Most all plants in my gardens have a story and are given a 'pet' name, if I can find an appropriate name for them.. and this one is named for Ron's (husband to baby sister, Patsy) mother, Margaret (known to family/friends as Margo).

The story of this particular hydrangea is a bittersweet episode. Ron's mother was diagnosed with cancer in April of 2000 and went to live with Ron and Patsy for the short time she had to remain on this earth. Margo was not an active gardener but she did have one or two plants of which she was extremely fond. One being her hydrangea. As summer rolled around, Margo commented that she sure did miss looking out her kitchen window and seeing that big old hydrangea bush in bloom out in the back yard. Knowing that it was now impossible for Margo to go to the bush, Patsy and Ron decided to bring the bush to her (well at least the blooms!). Ron and/or Patsy would drive to Atlanta every one or two weeks to gather blooms from the bush and bring them back for Margo to enjoy. Patsy said they always came away with armloads of blooms, enough to have bouquets in Margo's bedroom, in the living room, in the dining room, and sometimes even on the kitchen table. That was the last summer that Margo was able to enjoy her beloved hydrangea.

While visiting in the area, I went with Patsy to check on the property early one spring morning. Patsy pointed out this bush and told me how Margo had so enjoyed those beautiful blue blooms. She asked me to look at the bush and see if it could be cut down and transplanted to her yard! It was gorgeous - and huge. I have no idea how long it had been there, but it had definitely been a long time. I told Patsy that I did not think the bush would survive the cutting back and the transplanting (it's roots had grown into a bed of rock). Not one to take no for an answer and knowing that I often propagate plants, Patsy asked me to take some cuttings and root a new bush for her.

Now I knew that it was the inappropriate time of year to take cuttings - but also knowing that Patsy does not understand the meaning of the word 'no' or 'can't', I took a few cuttings - never thinking for a moment they would 'take'. I  wrapped a damp paper towel around the cuttings and tossed them in the back of Patsy's SUV. At  some point I placed the cuttings in water and brought them on home with me the next day.

I reluctantly went through the rooting process so that I could at least tell Patsy, "I tried." Well, lo and behold, I checked them a few weeks later and found that some had actually rooted. I put two beside my backdoor - and gave one to Patsy. I've since rooted many more and have them in various areas around my yard 'babysitting' them until Patsy's two grown children are in a position to want one and be able to care for it. I've also sent several to my internet gardening friends throughout the U.S. But the happiest recipient of a bush is a first-cousin of Margo's residing in Orlando, Florida. I'm not positive it will survive there . . but then again, I didn't think those initial cutting would root either!

Margo is actually a Nikko Blue Hydrangea. As most gardeners are aware, the color of the blooms depends on the acidity/alkalinity of the soil. Evidently my soil was somewhat alkaline to get those gorgeous pink blooms . .but I'm in the process of increasing the acidity so I can get those Azure blue blooms.She's a mophead hydrangea and gets approx 5' high and wide - with blooms completely covering the plant.

Margo is a great bloom for drying as well. Simply cut the blooms as early as possible in the morning, but after dew has dried. Hang it upside down in a cool, dark, dry area and in a few weeks it will be ready to display in your home. It makes a great winter decoration.