Hydrangea plant named `Frau Machiko`

This invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Hydrangea macrophlla (Thunb.) named `Frau Machiko` which originated as a seedling from the inventor\'s controlled hybridization of the Hydrangea macrophylla cultivars `Madam Blumkock` and `Silver-Edge` and is distinguished from its parents by the unique pigmentation pattern which gives a cruciform appearance to its florets. Sepal color of `Frau Machiko` is predominately white with blue or pink pigmentation beginning at the base of the flower and fading to white as it progresses across the length and width of the sepals. Color is deepest in the 5-7 middle veins of the sepals. The sepals of `Madam Blumkock` are uniformly pigmented one color, while the sepals of `Silver-Edge` are also uniformly pigmented except the sepal edges are white. The new variety `Frau Machiko` further possesses the favorable characteristics of a compact growth habit, long lasting large flowers and ability to be easily forced in a greenhouse for flowering in the spring.