Hydrangea plant named `Frau Kinue`

This invention relates to a new and distinct cultivar of Hydrangea macrophylla (Thunb.) named `Frau Knue` which originated as a seedling from the inventor\'s controlled hybridization of the Hydrangea macrophylla cultivars `Crystal` and `Silver-Edge` and is distinguished from its parents by the unique pigmentation pattern which gives a fleur-de-lis-like appearance to its florets. Sepal color of `Frau Kinue` is approximately one half white with blue or pink pigmentation beginning at the base of the sepal and fading to white as it progresses across the length and width of the sepals. Color is deepest at the base of the sepals. The sepals of `Crystal` are uniformly blue and the sepals of `Silver-Edge` are uniformly red with a white edge. The new variety `Frau Ki nue` further possesses the favorable charactertistics of a compact growth habit, long lasting large flowers on a sturdy peduncle, and ability to be easily forced in a greenhouse for flowering in the spring.