Hortensia, or Hyd­ranger.

The Hortensia, so called by Commerson in compliment to Hortense le Pante, is one of the handsomest, as well as most lasting plant. Passing by different shades from white to green, till it becomes the fine bright lilac which takes its name; to this again succeeds the white and green tints. This beautiful plant is originally from China and Japan. Its Botanical name is Hortensia mutabilis, from the variety of its colours.