Tree Hydrangea

[Bibliobeck]

I saw a beautiful shrub today and was told it was a tree hydrangea. It was absolutely stunning, covered in white flowers and looked like something that belongs in the movies growing in the bayou! A quick search at our local biggest garden centre has drawn a blank and confused faces. Anyone any more info about these, especially if they are available to buy online? (or Somerset/Devon/Dorset area - I'm so in love with it I'll travel )

[sewer rat]

Hi Bibliobeck
Just had a quick look on google and these plants seem to be a USA thing. Ithink that they are standard versions of a variety called PeeGee. Have alook but I couldn't find any in UK - there are 8 on E bay in USA though postage may be prohibitive !

[Bibliobeck]

Thanks for looking Rat. I gave myself a google-headache last night, but I can't find anything that looks right. The plant I saw had a very 'flat' branch system (a bit maple-ish) and the flowers were quite flat as well - not the usual conical/rounded hydrangea flowers. Wish I'd had my camera with me - typical!
Perhaps it's one of those things that will always remain a mystery...still at least I've seen some interesting American specimens

[sewer rat]

Bibliobeck
If it had flat flowers and maple like leaves it could be Hydrangea petiolarus (climbing hydrangea)

[Bibliobeck]

Been googling again and you may be right rat! Thanks so much - I'll be researching this further in the real world (read spending money at the nursery ) once work stops getting in the way