Hydrangea plant named `Frau Nobuko`

This invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Hydrangea macrophylla (Thunb.) named `Frau Nobuko` 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 combination of the attractive pigmentation pattern of its sepals which is predominantly colored with narrow, irregular, white edges; its moderately ruffled edges with occasionally serrations; and its dense inflorescence on a strong stem that does not require staking for support. Sepal pigmentation of individual Hydrangea macrophylla plants depends on the nutrients and pH of the growing medium. The sepals of `Madam Blumkock` are uniformly pink and the sepals of `Silver Edge` are uniformly red with a white edge. The new variety `Frau Nobuko` further possesses the favorable characteristics of a compact growth habit, long lasting large flowers an a strong peduncle, and ability to be easily forced in a greenhouse for flowering in the spring.