Hydrangea longifolia is endemic to Taiwan. It occurs in forests in high mountains at low to high elevations. This species is closely related to Hydrangea involucrata. However, the distinctive, 2-branched hairs of Hydrangea longifolia easily differentiate the two species.
Hydrangea longifolia also called as Long leaves hydrangea, is a species of the genus Hydrangea. This species was described by Bunzo Hayata in 1908.
IDENTIFY HYDRANGEA LONGIFOLIA PLANT
Hydrangea longifolia is endemic to Taiwan. It occurs in forests in high mountains at low to high elevations. This species is closely related to Hydrangea involucrata. However, the distinctive, 2-branched hairs of Hydrangea longifolia easily differentiate the two species.
It is an erect shrub with dark brown-red branchlets terete or slightly obtusely angled near apex. The petiole is thin, 1.5-2 cm. The leaves are lanceolate, 10-20 × 3-4.5 cm, papery, adaxially with more 2-branched hairs than simple hairs, abaxially with fewer 2-branched hairs than simple hairs, secondary veins 8-10 on both sides of midvein, slender, abaxially prominent, base obtuse to cuneate, margin aristate serrulate, apex caudate-acuminate.
Long leaves hydrangea blooms in January from the corymbose cymes inflorescences, 9 × 11-14 cm; bracts ovate, 2 × 1.5 cm, densely puberulous and enveloping immature inflorescence before falling. The sterile flowers with 4 sepals, elliptic to broadly ovate, 1.5-1.8 × 1.1-1.5 cm in fruit. The fertile flowers are pink to purple.
The key to identify this species is: ovary completely inferior; capsule apex truncate; petals free; seeds winged at both ends; leaf blade margin serrate, lanceolate, papery or subleathery; bracts not enveloping inflorescence in bud, lanceolate; shrubs or small trees; branchlets with branched hairs; branchlets, petiole, and peduncle without translucent hairs.
HYDRANGEA LONGIFOLIA PLANT CARE AND CULTURE
Cultural information should only be used as a guide, and should be to be adapted to suit you. Your physical location; where you grow your plants, how much time you have to devote to their care, and many other factors, will need to be taken into account. Only then can you decide on the cultural methods that best suit you and your plants.
Light:
Hydrangea longifolia love the warm morning sun, but they dislike the heat of the afternoon (can grow in full sun with adequate soil moisture). The best place to plant this species is in a sheltered location with sunny mornings and shady afternoons. Avoid planting directly underneath trees, which can lead to competition for water and nutrients. Although they can be successfully grown in full shade, they will not bloom well.
Temperature:
Keep the plants in a cool location, from 18° to 24°C. This plant grow well and are reliably winter hardy. Cold winters and late spring frosts can often kill flower buds, preventing plants from blooming in the spring.
Substrate, growing media:
Hydrangea longifolia are best planted in soil that has been amended with adequate amounts of organic matter, such as compost, leaf mold, or well-composted manure. While most hydrangeas grow better in soil that is lower in pH (acidic), they will tolerate higher pH soils (alkaline) quite well.
Watering and humidity:
Long leaves hydrangea prefer consistent moisture but dislike wet feet. Mulch to help conserve moisture and cool the root system. A two- to three-inch layer of mulch will help to conserve moisture.
Fertilizer:
Fertilizing is generally not recommended unless a nutrient deficiency is observed. This plants may need little fertilizer in rich soil with organic matter applied yearly. Avoid using too much nitrogen - this can encourage foliage growth at the expense of blooms.
Pruning:
Hydrangea longifolia can be left unpruned and only blackened winter-injured tips removed in the spring. Dead or diseased branches can be pruned out at any time of the year.
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