Hydrangeas are incredibly appealing to gardeners because of their unique characteristics and versatile nature. Hydrangeas stunning blooms have large, showy flower heads that add elegance and beauty to any garden. These flowers come in a wide range of colors, including vibrant pinks, blues, purples, and whites, allowing gardeners to create visually striking displays. The ability to change the color of the blooms based on soil pH adds an exciting element of surprise and experimentation to gardening.
Hydrangeas are also known for their adaptability to different growing conditions. Whether you have a sunny or shady spot in your garden, there is likely a hydrangea variety that will thrive. They can also tolerate a range of soil types, from acidic to alkaline, making them suitable for various regions and climates. This versatility makes hydrangeas accessible to gardeners with diverse gardening environments.
Hydrangeas also offer a long blooming season, providing gardeners with months of enjoyment. Depending on the variety, hydrangeas can bloom from spring to fall, ensuring a continuous display of color in the garden. This extended blooming period makes them an excellent investment for gardeners looking to create a visually appealing landscape throughout the year.
These plants are also known for being relatively low-maintenance plants. They require minimal pruning, and with proper care, they can live for many years. This makes them an attractive choice for gardeners who want to enjoy the beauty of flowers without the hassle of constant maintenance.
Six types of hydrangeas are:
Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) - Known for its large, showy blooms, bigleaf hydrangeas are a popular choice among gardeners. They come in two main varieties: mophead hydrangeas, which have round, ball-shaped flower clusters, and lacecap hydrangeas, which feature flat, delicate flower clusters surrounded by larger blooms.
Bloom Shape: Large, round clusters (mophead) or flat-topped with outer petals surrounding a central cluster (lacecap)
Colors: Depending on soil acidity can vary from pink to blue
Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) - Panicle hydrangeas are known for their cone-shaped flower clusters that start white and gradually turn pink or even deep red as they age. They are versatile and can tolerate a wide range of climates and soil conditions, making them a great choice for many gardeners.
Bloom Shape: Cone-shaped clusters that start green, turn white, then pink or red as the season continues
Colors: Primarily white, but newer cultivars are available in pink or green
Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) - Smooth hydrangeas are native to North America and are prized for their large, round flower clusters. They are known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in both sun and shade. The most well-known cultivar of smooth hydrangea is 'Annabelle,' which produces stunning white flowers.
Bloom Shape: Large, round snowball shaped clusters
Colors: Green, white, pink and red
Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) - Oakleaf hydrangeas are named for their distinctive foliage, which resembles the leaves of oak trees. They produce elongated flower clusters that start white and fade to pink as they mature. Oakleaf hydrangeas are also known for their beautiful fall foliage, which turns shades of red, orange, and purple.
Bloom Shape: Large, lacecap-shaped clusters
Colors: White turning to pink or brown as the season continues
Mountain Hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata) – Hydrangea serrata is a stunning flowering shrub and is a close relative of Bigleaf hydrangea. It has a compact size, making it a great choice for smaller gardens or containers. The leaves are serrated, giving the plant its species name, serrata. What sets mountain hydrangea apart from other hydrangea varieties is its exquisite lacecap or mophead flowers. The flowers of Mountain Hydrangea come in a range of captivating colors, including shades of pink, blue, purple, and white.
Bloom Shape: Lacecap-shaped clusters
Colors: Pink to deep red to purple
Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris) - Unlike the other hydrangeas on this list, climbing hydrangeas are vine-like plants that can be trained to grow up walls, fences, or trellises. They feature large, white flower clusters and are known for their ability to add vertical interest to garden spaces.
Bloom Shape: Lacecap-shaped clusters
Colors: White
These six types of hydrangeas offer a wide range of options for gardeners, each with its unique characteristics and beauty. Whether you're looking for bold blooms, versatile growth habits, or stunning foliage, there's a hydrangea variety to suit your gardening needs.
Photos courtesy of Pixabay and Shutterstock.
