HYDRANGEA serrata
´Oamacha´

Wide erect branched, up to 1.2 m high shrub; leaves green, pointed, toothed, often brown-red overflow,in autumn purple; flower heads umbrella shaped, light pink to amethyst blue with sterile, white pink to violet blue edge flowers in June-August - an exceptional garden and pot hydrangea; in Japan, where the plant is originated introduced by Makino Yaeyama Sanches 1928) it is used because of the dulcit content of the leaves (200 times sweeter than sugar)as tea and sweetener (Oamacha=Big sweet tea). At Kambutsue celebration (Buddhas birthday at 8th of April) Buddha statues will be baptised with this tea in a religious ceremony. B, K, S, St. Zone 6b.