Hydrangea plant named `Frau Taiko`

Abstract

This invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Hydrangea macrophylla (Thunb.) named `Frau Taiko` which originated as a seedling from the inventor's controlled hybridization of the Hydrangea macrophylla cultivars `Crystal` and `Silver Edge` and is distinguished from its parents and all other varieties of Hydrangea macrophylla of which I am aware by the combination of the distinctive pigmentation pattern of its sepals which gives the florets an appearance of being sharply outlined by a tiny white line; its compact growth habit; the ease with which it can be forced in a greenhouse; and its large, dense, long-lasting inflorescence having a strong peduncle which does not require staking for support, making it ideal for pot culture. Sepal pigmentation of individual Hydrangea macrophylla plants depends on the nutrients and pH of the growing medium. The sepals of `Crystal` are uniformly blue and the sepals of `Silver Edge` are uniformly red with a white edge.

I claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct hybrid plant variety of the Saxifragaceae family substantially as herein shown and described.