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Press Release from Taoyuan District Agricultural Research and Extension  Station, Ministry of Agriculture

Hydrangea "Taoyuan No. 1 - Dancing Butterfly" Makes a Stunning Debut

May 30, 2024

　　The first hydrangea variety in Taiwan bred through hybridization with native species has made its grand debut! "Taoyuan No. 1 - Dancing Butterfly," developed by the Taoyuan District Agricultural Research and Extension Station of the Ministry of Agriculture (hereinafter TYDARES), took nine years to cultivate. This new variety, selected from hybrids of commercial hydrangea species and Taiwan's native Hydrangea chinensis, stands out from typical commercial hydrangeas. It is an evergreen plant that blooms even when planted in lowland areas, making it ideal for potted plants and landscape use, with great developmental potential. Moreover, its outstanding feature is its excellent flowering ability, with double-petaled and elegantly shaped flowers, offering consumers a new choice when purchasing hydrangeas.

　　TYDARES states that hydrangeas are known for their lush, large flower clusters that are eye-catching and vibrant. Most hydrangea varieties are bred in temperate regions such as the United States, Europe, or Japan. However, Taiwan's subtropical and tropical climate, with hot and humid summers, often leads to frequent pest and disease issues in hydrangeas. Consequently, many hydrangea varieties require cold treatment to maintain their ornamental value.

　　To increase the diversity of high-quality hydrangeas in Taiwan and offer more varieties suitable for subtropical cultivation, TYDARES began research in 2014, using the native Hydrangea chinensis as a parent plant for breeding. The new variety "Taoyuan No. 1 - Dancing Butterfly" is an evergreen plant that does not shed leaves in winter and has strong growth vigor. Its inflorescences range from lacecap to semi-spherical shapes, with double-petaled flowers that can be adjusted to light pink or light blue. Naturally, its blooming season is from March to April. Additionally, this variety has a striking appearance and can bloom without cold treatment when cultivated in lowland areas. When planted in semi-shaded areas, its ornamental quality is high, making it suitable for potted plant use.

　　TYDARES notes that the hydrangea "Taoyuan No. 1 - Dancing Butterfly" was officially named in 2023 and is expected to apply for plant variety rights in 2024. Once the plant variety rights are obtained, they will be licensed to interested seedling companies, which will then supply seedlings to flower growers. This initiative aims to provide consumers with more new hydrangea variety choices in the flower market, increasing the diversity of hydrangea varieties in Taiwan and promoting the vigorous development of the industry.

Contact Information：

Spokesperson and Deputy Director: Yang-Jen Fu, Tel: 03-4768216 ext. 101, Mobile: 0919872010

Crop Improvement Section, Associate Researcher: Ya-Ting Hsu, Tel: 03-4768216 ext. 231

Fig. 1. Ground-Planted Status of Hydrangea "Taoyuan No. 1 - Dancing Butterfly.

Fig. 2. Potted Hydrangea "Taoyuan No. 1 - Dancing Butterfly.