The Royal Majestics™ hydrangeas are a new, unique series arriving spring, 2007! Developed by one of the world’s foremost horticulturalists and breeders, Dr. Michael A. Dirr, in association with the University of Georgia Research Foundation, these hydrangeas are certain to enthrall, intrigue and delight. As part of the Gardener’s Confidence® Collection, you can rely on the Royal Majestics™ hydrangeas for easy growth, mildew resistance and beautiful blooms.
While the number of species within the genus hydrangea is thought to number two dozen or more, only five species are commonly grown in the United States. Of these, Hydrangea macrophylla, or bigleaf hydrangea, is the most well-known and popular. Originally cultivated in southern Japan, bigleaf hydrangeas thrive in Asia, North America, South America and Europe. As a matter of fact, the species is often referred to as French hydrangea, possibly due to its prominent place in French gardening.
There are two bigleaf hydrangea flower forms: lacecap and mophead (also known as Hortensia). Lacecaps are delicate in appearance, with large, prominent inflorescence (also known as the sepals) encircling many small flowers. Mopheads are arranged in a dense, hemispherical cluster. The Royal Majestics™ series hydrangea selections include two lacecap (Midnight Duchess® and Princess Lace®) and two mophead (Queen of Pearls® and Mini Penny™) varieties.
Dr. Michael A. Dirr developed each of the Royal Majestics™ hydrangea series selections as part of the Woody Plant Introduction Program in the Department of Horticulture at the University of Georgia. In addition to being an innovative and respected developer of cultivars, Dr. Dirr is the author of eleven books including Hydrangeas for American Gardens (Timber Press, 2004).
