Hydrangea angustipetala Golden Crane

The Hydrangea angustipetala Golden Crane, derived from seeds collected in the south of the Chinese province of Sichuan, is a truly different small hydrangea that is expected to make a remarkable entrance in gardens. Firstly, this variety is unique because of the wonderful honey and jasmine scent emitted by its flower heads Secondly, for the earliness and duration of its flowering, in light panicles where cream-white and pale chartreuse yellow blend together. And finally, for the elegance of its glossy willow-like foliage, narrow and toothed. This charming shrub that can perfume an entire area of the garden from June to September, is also accommodating and hardy, down to -10°C (14 °F). Give it a prominent place near a pathway or not far from the house, in partial shade and in rather moist soil.

Originating from Japan, China, and Taiwan, the Hydrangea scandens subsp. chinensis f. angustipetala is a wild hydrangea with variable characteristics in its natural habitat, with some ecotypes showing more or less significant development, deciduous to evergreen foliage in winter with varying colours, and more or less fragrant flowering. What sets this species apart from all others is the more or less yellow colour of the fertile flowers located in the centre of the flower heads. It is a shade or partial shade hydrangea that prefers rather moist but well-drained soil, hardy down to at least -10°C (14 °F). It belongs to the hydrangea family, being closely related to the big-leaved hydrangeas with ball-shaped inflorescences that need no introduction.

The 'MonLongShou' hydrangea, marketed under the name 'Golden Crane', is a magnificent form of this hydrangea selected in 2008 by Dan Hinckley (USA) for its fragrant flowers. Over time, it forms a small shrub with a compact and bushy habit. At maturity, it will reach approximately 1.10m (3 ft 7 in)-1.20m (3 ft 11 in) in height with a spread of 1m. This hydrangea develops rather dark, purplish-black stems. The flowering, early and prolonged, generally begins at the end of May, more or less early depending on the climate, on the previous year's branches. Then it continues until August-September, this time on the current year's shoots. In this species, the flower head, or corymb, is flat and 15 to 20 cm (5.9 to 7.9 in) wide. It consists of large sterile florets with 4 or 5 highly toothed petals in white with a small yellow centre, few in number, surrounding much smaller fertile flowers that range from golden yellow to pale chartreuse. The latter, much more numerous, resemble small buds that open into tiny flowers with prominent stamens. The delicious scent of the flowers attracts numerous pollinating insects as much as it charms the observer. The foliage of this hydrangea is deciduous, disappearing in winter. It is composed of elegant, narrowly lanceolate leaves with a pointed tip, measuring 8-10 cm (3.1-3.9 in) in length and 3-4 cm (1.2-1.6 in) in width, with strongly toothed edges. They are slightly shiny, dark green on the upper side, and marked with fairly deep veins.

Once well-established, this wonderful shrub requires very little care aside from regular watering in dry summers. It enjoys light shade or partial shade conditions and is content with properly prepared garden soil enriched with compost, preferably non-chalky. It will thrive in a bed alongside Sarcococca, Pieris, or Chinese Azaleas for example. The Hydrangea Golden Crane deserves a place not far from the house or a pathway, to fully enjoy its long fragrant flowering with every passing. It can also be placed at the edge of a grove or woodland. Its compact growth is well suited for container cultivation, to adorn the terrace.