The hydrangea (plant)

   The hydrangea is an ornamental shrub of the saxifrage family bearing large clusters of showy flowers. The most interesting species of hydrangea bears flowers in great clusters a foot or more in length, and broader in proportion than the well-known lilac plume. The peculiar thing about them aside from their great size, is that the flowers change color from a greenish white to every shade of lavender, soft brown, and rose; if cut and kept in the house they will retain their beauty throughout the winter.