Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are a popular group of flowering shrubs known for their large, colorful blooms and versatility in the garden. There are several species and varieties of hydrangeas, each with unique characteristics in terms of size, shape, and bloom color. Here’s an overview of the most common hydrangea varieties:

1. Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf Hydrangea)

  • Description: This is the most well-known species of hydrangea, often seen in gardens and landscapes.
  • Flowers: The flowers can be mophead (ball-shaped) or lacecap (flat with a central cluster of small flowers surrounded by larger florets).
  • Bloom Color: Blue, pink, purple, or white, depending on soil pH (acidic soil tends to produce blue flowers, while alkaline soil leads to pink blooms).
  • Popular Varieties:
    • Endless Summer: A popular variety that blooms on both old and new wood, providing flowers throughout the season.
    • Nikko Blue: Known for its vibrant blue flowers.
    • Twist-n-Shout: A lacecap variety that is reblooming and offers pink or blue flowers.
    • Penny Mac: A hardier variety with larger blooms, usually in pink or blue.

2. Hydrangea paniculata (Panicle Hydrangea)

  • Description: Known for its conical, upright flower heads and large size.
  • Flowers: The blooms start out white and often turn pink or red as they age. The flowers appear in large, pyramidal clusters.
  • Bloom Time: Mid to late summer, typically later than many other hydrangeas.
  • Popular Varieties:
    • Limelight: One of the most popular paniculata varieties, known for its large, lime-green blooms that transition to pink.
    • Quick Fire: A variety that blooms earlier than other paniculatas, with white flowers that turn red as they mature.
    • Little Lime: A dwarf version of Limelight, offering the same beautiful lime-green blooms but in a smaller size.

3. Hydrangea arborescens (Smooth Hydrangea)

  • Description: Native to the U.S., this hydrangea species is known for its smooth, white flowers.
  • Flowers: The blooms are typically large, rounded clusters of small white flowers.
  • Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer.
  • Popular Varieties:
    • Annabelle: One of the most popular smooth hydrangeas, with large, white flower heads that can sometimes be so heavy they cause the plant to flop over.
    • Incrediball: A variety of Annabelle with stronger stems that can support its heavy, large flower heads.
    • Invincibelle Spirit: A reblooming variety with pink flowers that can change color as they age.

4. Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea)

  • Description: Named for its oak-like leaves, this species has distinctive foliage that turns brilliant colors in the fall.
  • Flowers: The flowers are cone-shaped, white in color, and fade to pink as they mature.
  • Bloom Time: Early to mid-summer.
  • Popular Varieties:
    • Snow Queen: Known for its large, white blooms and beautiful fall foliage that turns deep red and purple.
    • Alice: A larger variety with showy white flowers and dramatic fall color.
    • Little Honey: A smaller cultivar with yellow-green foliage and white flowers.

5. Hydrangea serrata (Mountain Hydrangea)

  • Description: Native to Japan, this species is similar to Hydrangea macrophylla but generally smaller and more compact.
  • Flowers: Typically lacecap flowers, with colors ranging from blue to pink.
  • Bloom Time: Mid-summer to early fall.
  • Popular Varieties:
    • Bluebird: A compact variety with blue flowers (depending on soil acidity).
    • Tuff Stuff: A reblooming lacecap hydrangea that offers pink or blue flowers.
    • Veitchii: Known for its delicate lacecap flowers that change from blue to pink as the season progresses.

6. Hydrangea anomala petiolaris (Climbing Hydrangea)

  • Description: A climbing variety that can grow up to 30 feet tall, making it ideal for walls, fences, or trellises.
  • Flowers: Large, white, lacecap-like flowers that bloom in early to mid-summer.
  • Bloom Time: Early summer.
  • Popular Varieties: Generally, there is only one main variety of climbing hydrangea, Hydrangea anomala petiolaris, though there are some cultivars with different leaf shapes or flower characteristics.

7. Hydrangea x bombayensis (Hybrid Hydrangeas)

  • Description: These hybrids are crosses between species like H. macrophylla and H. paniculata and often combine desirable traits from both parents.
  • Flowers: The flowers can vary widely depending on the hybrid, but typically offer a strong reblooming tendency and varied colors.
  • Popular Varieties:
    • Bobo: A compact hybrid paniculata with white blooms that turn pinkish with age.

8. Dwarf Hydrangeas

  • Description: There are various dwarf cultivars across species, particularly H. macrophylla and H. paniculata, suited for smaller gardens or container planting.
  • Popular Varieties:
    • Mini Penny: A dwarf variety of Penny Mac that offers the same large blooms in a more compact size.
    • Tiny Tuff Stuff: A smaller version of the Tuff Stuff variety, ideal for smaller spaces.

Hydrangea Care Tips:

  • Soil pH: Soil acidity affects flower color in some hydrangeas, especially H. macrophylla. Adding lime to make the soil more alkaline can turn blue flowers pink, while adding sulfur can make the soil more acidic and promote blue blooms.
  • Sun Exposure: Hydrangeas prefer partial sun, especially in warmer climates. Some species, like H. anomala petiolaris, can tolerate full shade.
  • Watering: Hydrangeas are water-loving plants but should not sit in waterlogged soil. Regular watering is essential, particularly during dry spells.

Each hydrangea variety offers something unique, from the classic round blooms of macrophylla to the elegant, changing colors of paniculata varieties. Whether you’re looking for a large shrub or a compact garden accent, there’s a hydrangea variety to fit almost any landscape.