Hydrangeas for American Gardens

If you love hydrangeas, look no further because this is THE BOOK to buy. I have become something of a hydrangea enthusiast, but I have a lot to learn when it comes to plant care and varieties. After an exhaustive search for the right guide, I was discussing different hydrangea varieties with the owner of a local nursery. She pulled out her well worn copy of this book, and together we came up with a long list of varieties for me to add to my wish list. I ordered this book the minute I got home, and I haven't been disappointed. My favorite thing about this book is its varieties list in the back. This is incredibly helpful if you're looking for particular colors, types, etc. This book also discusses general care, soil pH, plant division, and pretty much anything else you'd want to know about hydrangeas.

The book arrived quickly. I had no issues with a moldy odor which can affect some used books, Great sales experience in all ways.

I'm a professional gardener with a horticulture background and it was so refreshing to hear Michael Dirr's evaluations of the different hydrangea species and cultivars. The gardens I care for have some dense plantings of hydrangeas and I picked this book up to get me excited about taking care of them again. In alot of ways this book was successful. Its helpful in some general identification of different cultivars and it discusses the pros and cons of different varieties. It was good to read something that had opinions and some science to back it up too.

although out-dated only in that there are always new varieties being introduced annually, there still remains an enormous amount of excellent detailed basic plant structure, growth and performance information that is so very useful whether you are considering a single or multiple hydrangeas. Though there will always be a 'new' color to consider, the basic knowledge within these pages is so beneficial.

I'm a big gardener, and as gardeners know, if you are working with a new genus or group of plants, you really need a specialized book, with good photos. This is when the "Gardening Encyclopedia" simply won't do. I recently moved to the No. Georgia mountains, and this is "Hydrandea Heaven", a group of plants I knew little about. Already, I have several types, and needed information. This book is clear, complete and practical, and has taught me all I need to know. It's now in my gardening shelf and I've not only read it, but refer to it quite often, along with others I have on my other favorites such as one on lilies, another on azaleas, etc. If you're "into" hydrangeas, you need this book.

Book arrived within time frame promised. Seller described it being in "good" condition. I think it is closer to "excellent" condition. No marks, no dents, no bent pages and dust cover is near perfect. My wife is a big fan of Dirr's woody plant texts and hydrangeas so when she found out about this book I started searching for a copy. Sadly, all the bookstore versions were too expensive for us -- even the softcovers were over $40 -- so I was delighted to stumble upon this copy from the Missouri Goodwill Store. Thanks, Goodwill!

Michael A. Dirr has long been the "Go To" reference for professional Arborists & Landscapers. I've been using his books for over 25 years. The color picture books he's doing now are focussing on one plant family each, but getting more in-depth. Good for anyone deciding which plant/shrub/tree to plant, or for anyone wanting to learn more about a favorite. Cheaper to read 1st, than to plant the wrong one & struggle with pruning/insects/diseases all its life!

Thorough review of hydrangeas, by variety, chapters at end cover pruning, fertilizing, care, etc. If you want to learn a lot, this is a good resource. If you want to learn guickly about care, the later chapters will tell you what you want to know.