Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas

Not all Hydrangeas are the same. There are different families of Hydrangeas available for the landscape. We grow several varieties of each here at our nursery. 

A family would be what we think of as a group or type. There are big leaf ones that prefer a bit more shade. Then there are ones with smaller leaves that grow somewhat larger and can take full sun. The others kinda fall in between.

Hydrangeas are mostly known for their large clusters of flowers in either pink or blue. Usually, it depends on the amount of aluminum in the soil to determine the color. Alkaline soils are higher in aluminum and make pinker flowers. Acidic soils make bluer flowers.

Families of Hydrangeas

Macrophylla

Such a big word, but all it means is big leaf. We’ve all seen these. The large heart-shaped leaves on shrubs with round clusters of flowers.

Blue, shades of purple, or even pink. It all depends on the ph of the soil. Ph is a measurement of how acidic or alkaline the soil is. Ph actually stands for potential of hydrogen.

A better explanation of ph and why it matters can be found here. In the plant world, we usually want it somewhere near the middle or neutral. Hydrangeas with colored flowers will change colors depending on the ph in their soil. I have actually had different colors on the same shrub in the same year.

These Hydrangeas are probably the most common. They are also the basis for most complaints about a shrub that doesn’t flower. Their flower buds are set in the fall for the next year. That’s fine unless you have a very cold winter in between.

Hardy or not??

Most macrophylla Hydrangeas are rated for Zone 5 or 6 in cold hardiness. That means the plants will survive those cold temperatures for those zones. But, if the winter has some colder than average temperatures, the flower buds probably won’t survive. Check out the USDA Plant Hardiness chart for your zone.

In our neck of the woods, Zone 6a, we often lose the flowers. But this year was very good for flowering in our area. Lots and lots of flowers were seen in many yards. The flowers are worth missing a year or two.

Paniculatas

These are known as panicle Hydrangeas. Most of this family has white flowers and can take full sun. The flowers are often in a conical shape. The density, size, and arrangement of these vary depending on the variety.

The stems that hold these large flower panicles can be several feet tall. These stems grow throughout the season and bloom in mid to late summer. This makes them very dependable bloomers since they bloom on new growth.

Many of the varieties in this family can also be grown as a single trunked tree form. This allows most of the same great flowering but also has an open area underneath for underplanting of other plants like annuals if you desire. They also won’t be as large as their normal bush size.

Although the flowers bloom in white, their color changes as they age. Some have a different color prior to blooming. Most change as the flower ages. Shades of pink to varying degrees of tan or brown depending on the variety.

Arborescens

This is our native Hydrangea. It comes from right here in the United States. It blooms with large round white flower clusters. It will grow a bit larger flowers if it gets more sun. They are dependable bloomers since they bloom on the new growth.

Serrata

This is known as the mountain Hydrangea. They grow in the mountains of Asia where the temperatures are colder. This makes it a bit more cold hardy than macrophyllas.

The flowers are really different as well. They grow in a flat cluster. The cluster has a ring of larger flowers with lots of tiny, tiny flowers in the center.

The bigger ones are only calling cards to get the attention of the pollinators. They are sterile and only there for show. It’s the tiny ones in the center that the pollinators want.

These flowers also depend on the soil ph for color. The more acidic the soil, the bluer the flowers. They will be pink if the acidity is lacking.

Quercifolia

Another weird name. These Hydrangeas actually have leaves that resemble oak leaves. They do well in shadier areas like edges of a woodline.

The flowers are also a bit different. Usually a large conicle shape similar to paniculatas but also a combination of sterile and fertile flowers. The flowers will also take on different shades as they grow.

Climbing

That’s right, this Hydrangea will actually climb up trellises or trees. It is more like a vine than a shrub or bush. They also take longer to mature enough for flowering. The leaves are much smaller as well.

Climbing Hydrangeas can be long-lived. They are often seen climbing up older, larger trees. Some universities have them growing their older trees on campus.

The flowers are white and really show off against a trellis or tree. I have one growing on my front porch railing. It has been growing for several years now and this was its first year with flowers.

Some of the Hydrangeas we may have available here.

Pee Gee

Phantom

Nikko Blue

Annabelle

Teller Blue

Pink Diamond

All Summer Beauty

David Ramsey

Tardiva

Bluebird

Ruby Slippers

Munchkin

Climbing

Limelight

Chantilly Lace

Not all of these may be available. There may be others.