Hydrangeas for American Gardens

The sheer number of choices among Hydrangea species, hybrids, and cultivated varieties can be overwhelming even for the most advanced gardeners. How to choose from among the hundreds of mopheads, climbers, lacecaps, and oakleafs, to name just a few? And how to care for hydrangeas in American gardens, when nearly all the books offering advice about them come from England and Europe? Respected plantsman Michael A. Dirr comes to the rescue in this refreshingly forthright and practical guide to these distinctive shrubs and climbers.

Media reviews of this book:

"Top honors for talent-spotting go to horticulturalist Michael A. Dirr, author of the invaluable Hydrangeas for American Gardens."

—Douglas Brenner, Martha Stewart Living, August 2007

"The book is filled with information and color images of hydrangeas taken by this accomplished plant photographer, augumented by beautiful botanical illustrations crafted by Dirr's wife, Bonnie. This book is a must for Dirr fans, and for those not yet exposed to his writing and photography, now is the time."

—Richard Churchill, People Places Plants, Summer 2005

"Dirr and his overstated opinions are always a pleasure to read, and this book does not deviate far from those expectations."

—Dan Hinkley, Pacific Horticulture, Spring 2005

"Hydrangeas for American Gardens totally seduced me. It is attractive enough to pick up, deep enough to take home, enthralling enough to take to bed, and by the morning light I wanted it to be mine forever."

—R. William Thomas, American Gardener, September/October 2004

"For Dirr fans, there is no question that this book is a must-read. For those not yet exposed to his writing and photography, now is the time."

—Richard Churchill, People Places Plants, Fall 2004

Customer reviews of this book:

"Very nice book, helps me to understand hydrangeas. I work in a garden center, and people are always asking about hydrangeas. Now I have the answers!"

—Gregory B. from Minshawaka, Indiana, October 24, 2007

"Great book! I have been in the industry for years, and didn't realize how many varieties are available!"

—Kaaren B. from Jonesboro, Arkansas, March 22, 2007

"Very informative — excellent selection of illustrations."

—Beverly T. from Roswell, California, May 15, 2006

"Love it!"

—Rhonda P. from Forest Park, Georgia, February 19, 2006

"The best book on hydrangeas I've seen."

—Victoria R. from Pawleys Island, South Carolina, December 8, 2005

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An excerpt from this book:

Blue or pink colors are predicated on the amount of aluminum in the soil solution which can be absorbed by the roots. Although pH is often listed as the agent of color change, it is actually an instigator of (a precursor to) the process. If soils are acid, aluminum is available; if more alkaline, then aluminum is tied up in insoluble forms and not readily available for uptake. So the true story is that high acidity, i.e., low pH, solubilizes (or makes available) aluminum; the reverse occurs at low acidity (high alkalinity), i.e., high pH. Excess phosphorus in the soil will also tie up the aluminum in insoluble precipitates, even in acid soils ...

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