BLUE EVERGREEN HYDRANGEA, QUININE Dichroa febrifuga

An attractive shrub with large clusters of blue and white flowers. The flowers are hydrangea-like, and are followed by gentian-colored metallic-blue fruits (generally formed in clusters) which remain into winter. The leaves are large and glossy, creating an attractive shrub year-round.

Type: Evergreen shrub

Height: 3-7 feet tall

Hardiness zones: 8-10

Bloom time: Summer, over many weeks

Seeds per pack: 10

Germination: Obtain a planting container that has holes in the bottom for excess water to drain. Place the seeds just under the surface of your growing medium, and water. Keep the container at room temperature for 4 weeks. There might not be growth yet, and if so, then place the container in a cold area (but not freezing, perhaps a refrigerator) for 4-6 weeks. Once the cold period is completed, place the container at room temperature again for them to germinate. Be sure to keep the soil moist during this entire germination period. Seedlings will sprout a few weeks, or occasionally several months, after the warming period.