PLANT OF THE MONTH

Latin Name:  Dichroa ferbifuga

Common Name:  Blue evergreen hydrangea, Chinese quinine

Family:  Hydrangeaceae

Type:  Broadleaf evergreen

Origin:  Southeastern Asia

Location at Bloedel Reserve:  Camellia Trail

Garden Uses:  Border planting, winter interest

Fun Fact:  This hydrangea relative’s June display of bi-colored white and blue flowers may be attractive, but the metallic “gentian blue” berries followed shortly after are perhaps even more attention grabbing!  The genus name comes from the Greek words dis meaning twice and chroa meaning color. The specific epithet comes from the Latin words febris meaning fever, and fugare meaning expel. Don’t be tempted, the berries are not edible, though the plant is an important herb in traditional Chinese medicine.