The development of landscaping and horticultural species of the genus Hydrangea is based on the exploitation of their phenotypic diversity, particularly associated with architectural forms and colours. The collection of genetic resources, located in Angers (France) is composed of 13 species which were introduced in Europe in the 18th century. The phytochemical analysis of inflorescences, for the first time studied on the whole genus, should allow to complete the genetic characterization of species and clones. Therefore, the objective of this work was to analyze the phenolic profiles in a set of clones in order to evaluate the intra and interspecific diversities exhibited in the collection. The structural characterization and the quantification of 80 phenolic compounds, present in the inflorescences of 99 genotypes in 11 species of Hydrangea were performed. These compounds are divided into four major chemical classes: flavonoids, anthocyanins, cinnamic acids and polyacylated amines. A large diversity exists between the profiles of both species and subspecies. The inter and intraspecific diversity structure is analyzed. This new knowledge should allow to elaborate suitable strategies of conservation and selection.
