Full Answer
Which Hydrangea should I Choose?
Some favorite smooth hydrangeas:
- Invincibelle Mini Mauvette® ( H. arborescens 'NCHA7' PP30,358)
- Incrediball® ( H. arborescens 'Abetwo' PP20571)
- Annabelle ( H. arborescens 'Annabelle')
What kind of Hydrangea do I have?
This is the most common type of hydrangea found in the United States. There are 3 different types of hydrangea macrophylla; mophead, lacecap and mountain hydrangeas. Some mophead hydrangeas will do fine in colder areas as long as the winter is not too cold and dry.
How to identify Hydrangea type?
- Colors also beguile with deep blues, vibrant pinks, pristine whites, lavender, and rose. ...
- Many Hydrangeas are fragrant and others feature a wonderful foliage adding glorious fall color to the landscape.
- Native to Asia and the US, there are about 70–75 species of hydrangeas but only 6 species are commonly grown in our gardens.
When to prune different kinds of hydrangeas?
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- Panicle Hydrangeas (H. paniculata) The hydrangeas grown most often in New England gardens are the panicle-types, since they are not only beautiful, but also very hardy, surviving Zone 3 winters ...
- Smooth Hydrangeas (H. arborescens) Smooth hydrangeas are North American natives, originally found growing wild in Pennsylvania. ...
- Oakleaf Hydrangeas (H. ...
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How many varieties are there of hydrangeas?
Some sources say there are 23 species of hydrangea, others claim there are 49 and still others say there are as many as 80! However many there are, only six types are commonly grown in American gardens.
How do I know which type of hydrangea I have?
If the flower buds open a green color, then turn white, and as they age turn green or greenish brown, you have an arborescens type. If the flowers open white and stay white until they get old, then you probably have a macrophylla type. White flowering macrophylla types are less common, but they do exist.
What are the names of different kinds of hydrangeas?
Types of HydrangeasMophead Hydrangeas.Smooth Hydrangeas.Panicle Hydrangeas.Lacecap Hydrangeas.Oakleaf Hydrangeas.Mountain Hydrangeas.Climbing Hydrangeas.
What is the most common hydrangea?
Hydrangea macrophyllaThe most common type of hydrangea is a Bigleaf, or French hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla). These are categorized in mophead (big puffy balls), lacecap (similar to mophead but with tiny buds in the center) and mountain (similar to lacecap, but extremely cold hardy with smaller blooms).
What is the most beautiful hydrangea?
Top 15 Most Beautiful Hydrangea FlowersHydrangea Aspera Rocklin: ... Hydrangea Macrophylla Konigstein: ... Hydrangea Macrophylla Lemmonhoff: ... Hydrangea Macrophylla Nikko Blue: ... Hydrangea Macrophylla Taube: ... Hydrangea Quercifolia Munchkin: ... Hydrangea Macrophylla Alpengluhen (Glowing Embers): ... Hydrangea Macrophylla 'Forever Pink:More items...•
Which hydrangea blooms the longest?
Reblooming hydrangeas flower on both new and old growth, meaning you can enjoy flowers from June until the first frost. They'll continue to bloom long after other flowering shrubs and perennials have stopped. Long lasting blooms of blue, violet, pink, white, or chartreuse add brilliant pops of color to any garden.
What is the best hydrangea for sun?
panicle hydrangeasWhile several species of hydrangeas thrive in shade, panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) are the best for growing in full sun. These summer-blooming shrubs produce large clusters of white flowers for several weeks. The showy blooms fade to shades of pink or red before drying to beige.
What is the best place to plant a hydrangea?
Many people plant hydrangeas in beds next to their homes or fences. This is because hydrangeas love the warm morning sun, but they dislike the heat of the afternoon. The best place to plant hydrangeas is in a sheltered location with sunny mornings and shady afternoons.
What happens if you don't prune hydrangeas?
What happens if you don't prune hydrangeas? If you don't prune hydrangeas then they can eventually resemble a tangled mass of woody stems, and the flowers will become smaller and less showy. Regular pruning of hydrangeas helps to maintain their shape and also encourages new growth and a better display of blooms.
What is the easiest hydrangea to grow?
Oakleaf varieties are the easiest type of hydrangeas for beginners to grow. Why are oakleaf hydrangeas so easy? They aren't picky! Oakleaf hydrangeas can tolerate colder weather, handle more sun, withstand drought, are more disease/pest resistant and grow in sandy soil better than other hydrangeas.
How many colors of hydrangeas are there?
The bloom colors are what really make the hydrangea stand out: They range from pink to blue, including all shades of lavender to violet to purple, as well as green and white.
Which hydrangea does best in shade?
Oakleaf hydrangeasOakleaf hydrangeas are the best choice for shady conditions. They earn the name from their dramatic oak-shaped leaves! It's easy to enjoy oakleaf hydrangeas in all four seasons with fuzzy spring buds, giant flowers in summer, vibrant fall foliage, and peeling winter bark.
How many types of hydrangeas are there?
Most people do not realize that there are five main types of hydrangeas. While most people think of these blue, purple, and pink flowers, the majority of hydrangea blooms are actually white.
What is the most common name for a hydrangea?
Hydrangea macrophylla, colloquially referred to as bigleaf hydrangeas are the most common. Other names you might have heard include Garden hydrangea, florists hydrangea, and French hydrangea, because chances are the flowers you find at a florist shop or grocery store are bigleaf hydrangeas. Within this category, there are three types.
How tall can a panicle hydrangea grow?
The PeeGee or ‘Grandiflora’ is the most popular of panicle hydrangeas because they are most easily pruned into trees and can reach up to 25 feet in height.
What is the difference between a lacecap hydrangea and a mophead hydrangea
Lacecap hydrangeas. Lacecap hydrangeas are fairly identical to mophead varieties with a distinct difference in terms of the flowers. These varieties have tiny flower buds in the centre and larger flowers that encircle that central flower head. The showy flowers around the perimeter are sterile and only designed to attract pollinators ...
How tall do hydrangeas get?
These are typically used as a hedge plant because they can reach up to six feet tall. Hydrangea arborescens can tolerate hotter climates with blooms appearing between June and September. These flowers will start off as green and turn to white as they mature. They are fairly low maintenance plants that require partial shade and full sun on the same day. Most people refer to the Annabelle hydrangea when describing smooth hydrangeas because it is the quintessential smooth hydrangea with its white, round flower heads that take on the appearance of large snowballs and can reach up to 12 inches in diameter.
What is the difference between a panicle and an oakleaf hydrangea?
The Oakleaf hydrangea produces white, cone-shaped flowers that are very similar to the panicle flowers but the key difference is that you can find them in single blossoms or double blossoms. They can withstand a large range of climate conditions.
What is the name of the hydrangea that turns leaves in the fall?
Oakleaf Hydrangea. The oak leaf hydrangea has foliage similar to oak trees. Known under its scientific name of Hydrangea quercifolia, the oak leaf leaves will turn color in the fall and they are the only hydrangea to do so.
What is the most common type of hydrangea?
Known by their scientific name as Hydrangea macrophylla, bigleaf hydrangeas are the most common type of hydrangea. Other common names include florist’s hydrangea, garden hydrangea, and French hydrangea. Chances are the hydrangeas at your local florist’s shop are bigleaf hydrangeas.
How long are hydrangeas?
Their cone-shaped panicles can range from six to 18 inches long, as opposed to the bulb-shaped flower heads of other hydrangeas.
What is the name of the hydrangea that grows on oak leaves?
The oakleaf hydrangea is named for its foliage which is shaped like oak tree leaves. In fact, its scientific name, Hydrangea quercifolia, is derived from Latin word “quercifolia” which literally translates into “oakleaf.”
How big can a peegee hydrangea grow?
However, the PeeGee hydrangea, in particular, can grow exceptionally large and reaching heights of up to 25 feet. 4. Oakleaf Hydrangea.
What color are hydrangea leaves?
Although blue and purple hydrangeas are one of the first colors that come to mind, most species are actually white. In addition, hydrangea leaves can vary from bigleaf to oakleaf types that display bright colors during the fall.
Why isn't my hydrangea blooming?
A plant that bloomed abundantly this year, may not bloom at all the next. Here are the three main reasons why your hydrangea is not blooming. Too much shade – Hydrangeas prefer shade, but too much can reduce flowering. Bigleaf hydrangeas prefer more shade than panicle hydrangeas which prefer full sun.
How tall does a smooth hydrangea grow?
Also known as wild hydrangeas, the smooth hydrangea is native to the United States. It is a large shrub that can grow up to six feet tall, and is usually planted as a hedge plant. Its scientific name, Hydrangea arborescens, is derived from the word “arbor” meaning tree due to its branching patterns and size.
What are hydrangea flowers?
Hydrangea flowers are long-lasting, showy blooms that have various shapes and sizes. The stunning flower heads can be rounded domes, flat lacy clusters, pointed cone shapes, or huge ball-like flowers.
How tall are hydrangeas?
The tallest types of hydrangeas are climbing hydrangeas ( Hydrangea anomala) that reach up to 50 ft. (15 m) tall if they have enough support. Dwarf hydrangeas varieties are typically 2 or 3 feet (0.6 – 1 m) tall. Hydrangeas usually have a similar spread to their height.
How tall does a dwarf hydrangea grow?
‘Dharuma’ hydrangea is a panicle hydrangea dwarf shrub with a slow growth that matures at 5 ft. (1.5 m) tall after ten years. The compact, bushy hydrangea’s outstanding feature is the pointed flowering clusters of pink or white petals and buds. As a small shrub, the hardy hydrangea is perfect for growing in pots or in small gardens where space is limited.
What is a Nikko Blue Hydrangea?
The Nikko Blue hydrangea is one of the most popular mophead hydrangea shrubs. The flowering bush has deep blue florets contrasting with large green, ovate leaves. The ‘Nikko Blue’ blooms profusely from early summer until the fall. Flowers are blue in acidic soils and develop pink hues in alkaline soils.
What is the name of the shrub with the most flowers?
Bigleaf hydrangeas are the most popular flowering shrub in gardens. The common hydrangea names—bigleaf and mophead—refer to the leaf size and flower shape. The showy hydrangea flowers are large, rounded flower clusters. The large, bold glossy, ovate leaves can be 4” to 6” (10 – 15 cm) across.
How big are Pee Gee hydrangea leaves?
Leaves measure 3” to 6” (7.5 – 15 cm) long and 3” (7.5 cm) wide.
What color are climbing hydrangea leaves?
The dull grayish-green summer foliage turns a spectacular red or orange in the fall. Climbing hydrangea leaves are aromatic leaves that are a rounded to ovate shape with toothed edges. From the different hydrangeas varieties, climbing hydrangea leaves are the smallest, measuring between 2” and 4” (5 – 10 cm) long.
Pruning
Generally needs little pruning, just tidying up. Remove dead wood as spring growth begins, being careful of flower buds.
Pruning
Prune close to the ground every other year in late winter to keep neat and encourage new growth.
Pruning
Prune as needed in late winter/early spring, promotes larger flower clusters.
Pruning
Prune after flowering as needed, cut back winter-damaged stems in early spring.
Pruning
Prune lightly after the vine is done flowering to control its height and width. Heavy pruning to rejuvenate a damaged plant should be done in late winter or early spring.
Other
Can cover up to 200 square feet if unsupported and grown along the ground.
Pruning
Prune after flowering as needed, cut back winter-damaged stems in early spring.
What is unique hydrangea?
'Unique' is a particularly hardy panicle hydrangea that adapts well to training as a tree form. Remove all lower branches to form a central leader, which becomes the trunk of the tree. Plants flower on new wood.
What color are hydrangeas?
Gardeners who crave colors from the cool side of the color wheel, including pink, purple, white, and blue, will delight in the mix of hydrangea hues that are available, sometimes even on a single shrub. Hydrangeas are best planted in moist, rich ...
What is the blue deckle hydrangea?
Hydrangea serrata 'Blue Deckle' is a dwarf lacecap type that will thrive in the dappled sunlight of tall deciduous trees in zone 6 and warmer gardens . This late-blooming type that peaks in July and August has more in store for you when autumn arrives since the brilliant red and purple leaves rival any fall foliage display sought by leaf peepers.
What is a limelight hydrangea?
Limelight Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight') Green flowers are the little black dresses of the gardening world: they flatter all situations. The chartreuse flowers of 'Limelight' hydrangeas age to a mellow pink as the season progresses.
How tall is a macrophylla hydrangea?
macrophylla, which is also known as bigleaf hydrangea. Native Area: H. macrophylla is native to Japan. USDA Hardiness Zones: 6 to 9. Height: 4 to 6 feet.
Where are creamy double flowers native to?
Native Area: H. macrophylla is native to Japan.
Does pH affect hydrangea blooms?
Like other Hydrangea macrophylla varieties, soil pH affects bloom color . 'Cityline Mars' shrubs may even sport multiple colors on the same bush the season following installation as the plants adjust to your unique soil chemistry.
Old wood vs. new wood
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Hydrangea identification chart
As a quick summary, this decision tree will help you identify what type of Hydrangea you have.
Bigleaf or French Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) Cultivars
Hydrangea macrophylla is commonly known as the bigleaf hydrangea or French hydrangea. It is also called Japanese hydrangea or snowball hydrangea.
Smooth Hydrangea ( Hydrangea arborescens) Cultivars
Hydrangea arborescens or smooth hydrangeas are also referred to as sevenbark or wild hydrangea. These shrubs are small to medium-sized, which grow about 3 to 5 feet in height and spread upon full maturity.
Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) Cultivars
Hydrangea paniculata or panicle hydrangeas are native to eastern China and Japan. These hydrangea types are vigorous, upright, and fast-growing. Generally, mature plants reach about 8 to 15 feet tall and spread about 6 to 12 feet. Fascinating white blooms are the recognizing feature of this kind.
Oakleaf Hydrangea ( Hydrangea quercifolia) Cultivars
Hydrangea quercifolia, or otherwise referred to as the oakleaf hydrangea or oak-leaved hydrangea, is native to the southeastern part of the United States. This kind of hydrangea typically grows about 4 to 6 feet tall and blooms on old wood.
Climbing Hydrangea ( Hydrangea petiolaris) Cultivars
Hydrangea petiolaris plants are unique because they don’t grow like shrubs but instead like vines. Native to Asia and found in places like Korea, Japan, and Siberia, these plants can grow in zones 4 to 8.
How tall does a smooth hydrangea get?
It grows as a rounded shrub and gets to 5 feet (1.5 m.) high and wide, with huge white flower clusters. The top cultivar is ‘Annabelle,’ with flower heads up to 12 inches (30 cm.) across.
What is the color of hydrangeas in fall?
The top cultivar is ‘Annabelle,’ with flower heads up to 12 inches (30 cm.) across. Oakleaf hydrangea – Oakleaf ( Hydrangea quercifolia) is one of the few hydrangea varieties to offer brilliant fall color as the leaves turn to scarlet and burgundy.
What is a hydrangea blossom?
The blossom is a flat disk, with a round “cap” of smaller flowers in the center surrounded by a fringe of larger, showier flowers. But that is just the beginning. Other popular types of hydrangeas include two types that are native to this country: the easy-to-grow smooth hydrangea and stunning oakleaf hydrangea.
How tall does a panicle hydrangea grow?
Panicle hydrangea – This shrub or small tree is tall, growing to 20 feet (6 m.) high and wide. It wows with showy pyramidal panicles of white flowers. Of all the different hydrangea plants, panicle ( Hydrangea paniculata) is the easiest to grow since it is infinitely adaptable.
What is a bigleaf hydrangea?
Many people equate hydrangeas with bigleaf hydrangeas ( Hydrangea macrophyllia ), those stunning shrubs with rounded inflorescences big as a grapefruit. But there are actually a wide variety of hydrangea plant types that might interest you.
Do hydrangeas have pests?
If you have a particular hydrangea “look” in mind, don’t think it’s your only choice. These versatile shrubs are found in every size and shape imaginable. All hydrangeas share some of their most popular characteristics, like ornamental flowers and ample foliage. All are easy maintenance and virtually pest free.
How many species of hydrangea are there in the US?
At the latest count there are somewhere between 70-75 species of hydrangea native to the US and Asia but only 6 species that are common across the US. These are largely referred to as Bigleaf Hydrangea (most common), Climbing Hydrangea, Mountain Hydrangea, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Smooth Hydrangeas and Panicle Hydrangeas.
What color are hydrangeas?
This is a very hardy plant and it is easy to care for. The flowers will bloom in a wide range of colors from strawberry pink, lavender to baby blue. These are rebloomers which will bring color to your garden for the entire season.
What is a big leaf hydrangea?
The Bigleaf Hydrangea is the most familiar variety of hydrangeas in our gardens. This group is made up of dozens of cultivars that bloom heavily and live a long life.
What is the best temperature for a panicle hydrangea?
The Panicle are among the most winter hardy. Some varieties are hardy all the way down to a USDA Zone 3 rating which can withstand temperatures down to -40 degrees. Their care and pruning is a no stress task, unlike the Bigleaf hydrangeas which must be pruned at certain times.
How big do mountain hydrangeas get?
They are native to Japan and Korea. They grow typically up to 2-4 feet tall and 2-4ft wide. They are hardy to growing zones 6-9. These are very vulnerable to the cold but not as susceptible to late spring frosts.
When do hydrangeas bloom?
Blooms range from periwinkle to deep pink. Because if reblooms, you will have flowers from late spring through late fall. Perfect.
Do Annabelle hydrangeas bloom every year?
This is an older classic. Everyone recognizes the ‘snowball’ blooms that are large and beautiful. In cold regions where other hydrangeas may not bloom you can always count on the hardy smooth hydrangea like the Annabelle to bloom every year.
