Hydrangea Shrubs

Panicled Hydrangeas are the largest members of the hydrangea family grown in North America. Some cultivars can reach 15 feet tall and wide if left un-pruned. The panicled hydrangea is named for its large flowers borne in panicles, similar to grapes on the vine. The flowers are very fragrant and attract a wide range of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and moths. There are many cultivars in trade, grown for flower color, flower size, shrub size, and bloom time. Favorite cultivars include ‘Limelight’, ‘Vanilla Strawberry’, ‘Quick Fire’, and ‘Pinky Winky’, and ‘Tardiva’. Flower colors range from pink to white to light green. Blooms are produced on new wood or new growth. Panicled hydrangeas prefer full sun to part shade and they like to be well watered. However, they can withstand short periods of drought. Every gardener should find a place for at least one panicled hydrangea in their yard.

Oakleaf Hydrangeas are native to North America and are probably the toughest hydrangea for landscapes. They are the best choice for full to part shade, but can also withstand full sun. They have the best fall color of the hydrangeas, ranging from coppery reds to bronze oranges. The leaves have a very distinctive “oak leaf” shape, giving them their name. Just like other hydrangeas, they prefer acidic soils, between 4.5 and 6.0 in pH. The produce blooms on the previous season’s growth. The oakleaf cultivars have been selected for flower color, size, and fall color. Favorite cultivars include ‘Alice’ and ‘Amythest’.

Big-leaf Hydrangeas are where the’ Endless Summer’ name comes into play. They are the new favorite hydrangea for gardens because of their colors. Big leaf hydrangeas are just that-they have the largest leaves of any of the hydrangeas grown in North America. Most big-leaf hydrangeas bloom on old wood, except for new cultivars produced via the traits from ‘Endless Summer’. Also, big-leaf hydrangeas that have white flowers cannot change color depending the soil acidity. The reblooming big-leaf hydrangeas bloom on both old and new wood. These include ‘Endless Summer’ and ‘Let’s Dance’. Big-leaf hydrangeas prefer full to part sun and plenty of moisture. They can be planted in hedges, borders, and in foundation plantings.

Smooth Hydrangeas are another North American native hydrangea. They have large flowers borne on sturdy stems and produce flowers on new growth, so prune them down in early spring. They are also known as mophead hydrangeas for the large flowers. Many of the flowers start out pure white and eventually fade to green. All hydrangeas hold their flower petals on for a very long time, much through winter. The spent flower heads are prized for flower arrangement, often being spray-painted gold or silver. They prefer part shade and moist soils. They are best situated in a shade garden, around the house, or in shrub borders. The best cultivars are ‘Indcrediball’, ‘Annabelle’, and ‘Bella Anna’.