Hydrangea involucrata var. involucrata f. multiplex ("Yorakutamaajisai")

Japanese name: ヨウラクタマアジサイ （瓔珞球紫陽花）
Scientific name: Hydrangea involucrata var. involucrata f. multiplex

[Overview]
A deciduous shrub.
It branches freely from the base.
Leaves are simple and opposite, oblong to obovate, with many fine, tooth-like serrations on the margins.
Both surfaces of the leaves have stiff hairs and feel rough.
Cyme-like inflorescences are produced at the branch tips; in bud they are spherical and enclosed by several involucres, and the bracts fall off as the inflorescence opens.
The axis of the inflorescence is densely covered with white hairs.
The inflorescence has both bisexual flowers and showy sterile flowers, both of which are double-flowered and, as they open, pile up in many layers like a tower.

[History]
It was discovered on Izu-Oshima in 1948.

[Cultivation]
Propagate by cuttings.
It prefers moist soil that is well drained and retains water, in sun to partial shade.
It tolerates shade, but flowers less.
It is unsuitable for places where the soil becomes extremely dry or that receive strong afternoon sun.
It absorbs a lot of water, so to prevent it from drying out, water thoroughly when the soil surface of the pot dries.
Apply slow-release chemical fertilizer twice a year, in winter and as a thank-you fertilizer after flowering.
There are no particular pests or diseases.

[Notes]
The name compares the long, trailing flowers to yoraku, the ornaments of Buddhist statues and temples.

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