Variety of  hydrangea plant named ‘Hormei’

A new and distinct Hydrangea plant having pink flowers, strong vigor and good branching.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a new and distinct cultivar ofHydrangeaplant known by the varietal name ‘Hormei’. The new variety was discovered in 2000 in a planned breeding program in Dresden, Germany. The purpose of the breeding program was to develop compact, blue Hydrangeas. The new variety is the result of mixed pollination between nine different genotypes of proprietaryHydrangeaplants. The new variety was first asexually reproduced in 2000 via propagation by cuttings in Germany. The new variety has been trial and field tested in Germany and has been found to retain its distinctive characteristics and remain true to type through successive propagations.

The following traits distinguish ‘Hormei’ as a new and distinct cultivar from otherHydrangeavarieties known to the breeder:1. Forcing time;2. Branching;3. Number of sterile flowers;4. Vigor; and5. Stem quality.

‘Hormei’ is similar to anotherHydrangeavariety, ‘Blauling’ (unpatented), in color and lacecap. However, ‘Hormei’ differs from ‘Blauling’ in forcing time, branching, and sterile flower number.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PLANT

The following detailed description sets forth characteristics of the new cultivar. The plants were grown in 13 cm. pots in peat substrate at a pH of 5.7 and were 10 months past propagation when described. Measurements and color readings of the plants were taken in Dresden, Germany under natural light with a shadow present. Color references are primarily to The R.H.S. Colour Chart of The Royal Horticultural Society of London.

PLANT

FLOWER