Hydrangea serrata var. angustata ("Amagiamacha")

Japanese name: アマギアマチャ （天城甘茶）
Scientific name: Hydrangea serrata var. angustata

[Overview]
A deciduous shrub 1–2 m tall.
It branches freely from the base, and the branches are thin.
The leaves are simple and opposite, lanceolate, up to 10 cm long, with triangular teeth on the margin.
There is a petiole.
A cyme-like inflorescence is produced at the branch tips.
The inflorescence has white, 4-petaled ornamental flowers around the edge and many bisexual flowers in the center.
The bisexual flowers are white with 5 petals that fall easily, and 10 stamens of the same color as the petals.
The fruit is a capsule.

[Uses]
The leaves are used as a substitute for amacha (sweet hydrangea tea).

[Cultivation]
Propagate by division or cuttings.
It prefers partial shade and moist, fertile soil with good drainage and good water retention.
It tolerates shade, but flowers poorly.
It is unsuitable for places where the soil becomes extremely dry or where strong afternoon sun falls.
It absorbs a lot of water, so for potted plants take care that they do not dry out, and water thoroughly when the soil surface dries.
Watering is not particularly necessary for plants in the ground, but in the high temperatures of summer water in the morning or evening when the temperature is lower.
Apply organic fertilizer twice a year, in winter and before flowering.
Pests and diseases include powdery mildew, anthracnose, mosaic disease, leaf spot, scale insects and aphids.

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