Hydrangeas: Your Ultimate Guide to Varieties and Characteristics
Hydrangeas are among the most popular ornamental plants in present times. They are commonly found in gardens, home landscapes, and even make for great indoor plants.
With their showy flowers and beautiful foliage, it is no wonder that these plants have been a staple for generations. In this article, we will explore the different varieties of hydrangeas and their unique characteristics.
Hydrangea Varieties
Hydrangeas are available in many different cultivars, but there are five main varieties that are most commonly seen. These are:
1.
Bigleaf hydrangea: Hydrangea macrophylla
Bigleaf hydrangeas are one of the most common varieties of the plant. They are characterized by their large, rounded leaves, and showy blooms that come in shades of blue, pink, or white.
Within this variety, there is a further distinction between two types of flowers: mophead hydrangeas and lacecap hydrangeas. Mophead hydrangeas have large, dense clusters of flowers, while lacecap hydrangeas have flattened clusters of showy flowers that surround a central cluster of smaller flowers.
2. Smooth hydrangea: Hydrangea arborescens Annabelle
Smooth hydrangeas are characterized by their large, round flowers that bloom in the late spring and early summer.
They are known for their rich beauty and their ability to thrive in a range of climates, including colder regions. Annabelle is one of the most popular cultivars of smooth hydrangeas, with its large white blooms that take on a greenish tint as they age.
3. Oakleaf hydrangea: Hydrangea quercifolia
Oakleaf hydrangeas are a beautiful addition to any garden.
They are named for their unique foliage that resembles oak leaves, giving the plant a distinctly different look compared to other hydrangea varieties. The flowers on this variety are typically cone-shaped and come in shades of white or pink.
One of the most noteworthy attributes of this variety is the scarlet-red fall foliage that persists long after the growing season. 4.
Panicle hydrangea: Hydrangea paniculata
Panicle hydrangeas are known for their large, cone-shaped blooms that are typically white but can sometimes take on a pink hue. They are distinguished from other varieties by their broader and more densely packed flower clusters, and their greater resistance to environmental stressors like heat and drought.
Two of the most popular panicle hydrangeas are Grandiflora and Limelight. 5.
Climbing hydrangea: Hydrangea anomela petiolaris
Climbing hydrangeas are a great way to add vertical interest to your garden. They are characterized by their climbing habit and their ability to cling onto surfaces without producing invasive roots or causing damage.
This variety has lush, glossy foliage and showy, white flowers that bloom in the early summer.
Characteristics of Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas offer more than just their beauty, as they come with many unique features that make them ideal for gardeners of varying levels of expertise. Here are some of the key characteristics of hydrangeas:
– Ornamental Flowers and Foliage: Whether youre looking for a pop of color or a unique texture in your garden, hydrangeas have you covered.
Their blooms range from large and showy to small and subtle, allowing for endless possibilities when designing outdoor spaces. Additionally, the foliage of hydrangeas is just as striking as the flowers, with some species boasting unique shapes, sizes, and colors.
– Easy Maintenance and Pest-Free: Compared to other ornamental plants, hydrangeas require relatively low maintenance. Theyre known for their hardiness and ability to resist common garden pests.
Hydrangeas can thrive in a range of conditions, from full sun to partial shade, and dont require much watering except in extremely dry conditions. – Variety in
Size and Shape: From sprawling shrubs to vertical climbers, hydrangeas come in a range of sizes and shapes, making them perfect for any garden.
Some varieties can grow up to 20 feet tall, while others are compact and ideal for containers.
Wrap Up
Hydrangeas are a beautiful and versatile plant that can add texture, color, and interest to any garden. With a variety of cultivars to choose from, its easy to find one that meets your needs and style.
Additionally, their easy maintenance and pest-free nature make them a great choice for gardeners of all levels. Whether youre looking for a showy centerpiece or a subtle addition to your outdoor space, hydrangeas are a perfect fit.
Bigleaf
Hydrangea Varieties: Mophead and
Lacecap Hydrangeas
Bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) are synonymous with the classic image of hydrangeas, with their large, bold blooms that are often used in floral arrangements. This popular group of hydrangeas is known for its large deciduous shrubs that are prized for their showy flowers and unusual foliage, with some cultivars dripping with bright pinks or blues, and others flaunting lacy, delicate petals.
There are two main varieties of bigleaf hydrangeas: mophead and lacecap hydrangeas.
Mophead Hydrangea
Mophead hydrangeas are one of the most widely recognized varieties of hydrangeas. These plants produce large flowerheads that are often referred to as “pom-poms” or “globes” because of their round shape.
In general, mophead hydrangeas have a dense cluster of flowers, creating a dramatic and bold look. Mophead hydrangeas are available in a wide range of colors from blue to pink and can even be purple, green, or white.
While color changing occurs naturally in some cultivars, others have been bred to bloom the same color every time. The size of the flowerheads varies between cultivars, usually ranging from 4 to 12 inches in diameter.
One of the most popular mophead hydrangeas is ‘Endless Summer’, which is renowned for being able to produce blooms on both old and new growth, ensuring a long blooming period.
Lacecap Hydrangea
Lacecap hydrangeas are another type of bigleaf hydrangea, which have a unique and delicate appearance. Unlike mophead hydrangeas, the blooms of lacecap hydrangeas feature small, delicate, flat flowers surrounding a central cluster of tiny buds.
This structure gives them a “lacy” look, hence their name. Lacecap hydrangeas can be profuse bloomers, which appeal to gardeners who favour a subtler look, but still appreciate the beauty that hydrangeas bring to the garden.
Like their mophead counterparts, lacecap hydrangeas can also change color blue hydrangeas become pink in more alkaline soils, while pink hydrangeas will turn blue in more acidic soils. Hydrangea ‘Twist-n-Shout’ is a popular lacecap cultivar due to its exceptional cold-hardiness and compact habit.
They are perfect for adding texture to garden borders, and are also suitable for use as a companion plant for taller shrubs and trees. Smooth Hydrangea: Shade and Moisture Preferences
The smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) is a North American native plant that is loved for its striking green foliage and large, creamy white blooms.
Smooth hydrangeas, also known as wild hydrangeas, grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9. They are generally deciduous, producing few or no leaves during winter.
They prefer full to partial shade, with soil that stays consistently moist but not waterlogged. Smooth hydrangeas tend to root shallowly, so they are ideal for planting under taller shrubs or trees in areas with dappled shade.
‘Annabelle’ Cultivar
Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ is a popular cultivar of smooth hydrangea and is widely seen in gardens around the world. This cultivar is known for its large, rounded flowerheads, which can be up to a foot in diameter and are comprised of clusters of small flowers.
The flowers are creamy white when they first bloom and then gradually turn light green before returning to white as they age. The flowers also dry well and make excellent cut flowers that last for weeks.
‘Annabelle’ is relatively easy to grow and care for, and is tolerant of a wide range of soil types. It is particularly well-suited to partially shaded areas with well-drained soils that retain a moderate amount of moisture.
With its compact, bushy growth habit, ‘Annabelle’ can reach a height and width of up to 5 feet. It blooms on new wood, which means that pruning is not essential for this cultivar, but it can be done in late winter or early spring to maintain shape.
In Conclusion
Bigleaf hydrangeas are a popular choice for many gardeners, and there are two main types of bigleaf hydrangea mophead and lacecap to choose from. Smooth hydrangeas are an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance plant for the garden.
The Annabelle cultivar produces show-stopping flowerheads that are sure to add interest to any garden. No matter the type, hydrangeas add an element of beauty and interest to the garden that is hard to match.
Oakleaf Hydrangea:
Fall Color, Size, and Shape
Oakleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia) are native to the southeastern region of the United States and are known for their stunning oak leaf-shaped foliage and large white blooms. These hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs that can grow up to 6 to 8 feet in height and spread up to 6 to 8 feet in width.
The size and the shape of oakleaf hydrangeas make them a perfect candidate for mixed borders, hedges, and woodland gardens.
Fall Color
One of the most spectacular features of oakleaf hydrangeas is their fall color. The leaves of this plant turn shades of bronze, purplish-red, and burgundy in the autumn, providing an eye-catching contrast to the white flowers.
The fall foliage of this plant is particularly stunning in the late autumn when the leaves persist even as other plants have already shed theirs. These hydrangeas offer several weeks of brilliant color, making them a beautiful addition to any autumn garden.
Size and Shape
Oakleaf hydrangeas have large, dark green, lobed leaves that resemble the shape of oak leaves, hence their name. In the summer, the plant produces large, conical-shaped flowerheads that are composed of small, creamy white flowers.
The flowerheads can be up to 12 inches (30cm) in length and persist well into the autumn before the onset of winter frost. These hydrangeas tend to be more compact than other varieties, making them an excellent choice for smaller gardens or container plantings.
White Flowers
The white flowers of oakleaf hydrangeas are fragrant and provide a lacy effect to the garden. The flowers grow in large, conical-shaped panicles and are pollinated by bees and other pollinators.
As the flowers age, they turn pinkish or purplish, adding even more interest to the garden. Once the flowers have faded, they can be left on the plant to provide winter interest.
Panicle Hydrangea:
Size and Adaptability
Panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) are native to Eastern Asia and are known for their versatility and adaptability. They can be grown as large shrubs or small trees and can reach heights of up to 20 feet (6m) tall and 20 feet (6m) wide.
They have a tall, upright and spreading habit, making them perfect plants to use as a specimen in the garden or planted in mass for a stunning landscape effect.
Size and Adaptability
One of the most notable features of panicle hydrangeas is their size and adaptability. These hydrangeas can tolerate full sun to part shade and prefer fertile, well-drained soil.
They can also handle a range of soil pH levels, making them an excellent choice for gardeners with varying soil types. Panicle hydrangeas can also handle drought conditions and are moderately drought-tolerant once established.
‘Grandiflora’ and ‘Limelight’ Cultivars
Hydrangea paniculata boasts a range of cultivars to choose from, with two of the most popular being ‘Grandiflora’ and ‘Limelight.’ ‘Grandiflora’ is an old cultivar that has been around since the 1860s. It is known for its large, fragrant flowers that have a creamy white and pink appearance.
‘Limelight’ is a newer cultivar that produces greenish-white flowers that mature to a bright lime-green color in the summer. Both cultivars are suitable for use as a specimen plant or planted in mass for landscape effect.
In Conclusion
Oakleaf and panicle hydrangeas are just two examples of the many incredible varieties of hydrangeas that are available for gardeners to choose from. These plants provide striking fall color, stunning white flowerheads, and are versatile and adaptable to a range of growing conditions.
Whether used as a specimen in the garden, as a mass planting, or as a border, both of these hydrangea varieties are sure to leave a lasting impact in any garden. Climbing Hydrangea:
The Spectacular Vine
Climbing hydrangeas (Hydrangea petiolaris) are a stunning vine species that produce massive, fragrant, and beautiful flowers that bloom every summer.
They are native to the native to the woodlands of Japan, Korea, and China. The vine can grow up to 50 feet (15m) tall, making it an exceptional plant for covering large walls, fences, or trellises.
It is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to add vertical interest to their garden, or for those looking to create a living wall or canopy.
The Spectacular Vine
Climbing hydrangeas are known for their spectacular vine growth. They climb by means of aerial roots, which allow the vine to climb on almost any surface, including brick, stone, wood, and trellises.
The aerial roots also hold the plant firmly in place, making it much less likely to be damaged in high winds or other severe weather conditions. Due to its slow growth habit, climbing hydrangeas will not take over adjacent plantings or structures.
Climbing hydrangeas produce stunning, white, lacy flowers that bloom during the summer months. The flowers are typically 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20cm) across and are arranged in flat-topped clusters.
The flowers persist well into fall, producing the perfect autumn garden display, and they also offer beautiful dried flowers for arrangements. The foliage of the climbing hydrangea is also attractive, with dark, glossy green leaves that remain on the vine throughout winter, providing winter interest in the garden.
Climbing hydrangeas tolerate shady areas and prefer to grow in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. They are relatively low-maintenance, requiring pruning only to contain their size or to remove any dead or diseased wood.
They are also relatively pest and disease free, which makes them a great choice for gardeners who are looking for an easy-growing plant that still performs well in the garden.
In Summary
Climbing hydrangeas are a spectacular addition to any garden. As a vine, they provide an opportunity to add vertical interest to gardens, and they require only minimal maintenance.
Their stunning, lacy flowers, spectacular foliage, and adaptable growth make them a versatile plant that is suitable for any garden. With its slow growth, the climbing hydrangea is a great choice for gardeners looking for a vine that will stay put, but still add a striking visual to the landscape.