Dichroa febrifuga (blue evergreen hydrangea or Chinese quinine)

Dichroa is weirdly similar, but wonderfully different than bigleaf hydrangea.

Even though it's called "blue evergreen hydrangea" the flowers turn pink in alkaline soil and purple in neutral - this trait is the main floral similarity to bigleaf hydrangea.

Texture and shape of Chinese quinine leaves are similar to bigleaf hydrangea, but the color is darker green and the leaves are thinner. The rounded form is also similar.

The first noticeable weird difference is the showy flower buds. They are plump and, in my opinion, more eye-catching than the open flowers

When the flowers open, they have reflexed petals, in a very un-hydrangea-like position. Take a gander at the photo and you'll see immediately. 

Then the showy blue fruit arrive. Show fruit is a trait that's very different than our diva hydrangea's bland brown capsules. Dichroa fruit are standouts! It's been years since I've seen a fruit, so I don't have a picture. I am on high alert to get one this year.

Dichroa is marginally hardy in 7b where I have seen it growing near a house. It is more comfortable in zones 8a and warmer.

Cultural conditions are similar to bigleaf hydrangea: dappled shade or morning sun, moist soil, rich soil, and climates with mild winters.

• "something different"
• single specimen and accent use
• large container use
• grouping and massing - large swaths
• flower and shrub borders
• heat tolerant