Best Hydrangea For Colorado? The 185 Detailed Answer

hardiness zones

USDA hardiness zones indicate the regions where plants can grow based on minimum winter temperatures. Limelight hydrangea trees grow in zones 3-8 covering a very large portion of the country. They tolerate both hot summers and cold winters, including frost.

Plant

The ideal time to plant Limelight hydrangea trees is early spring or fall. We recommend the following steps when planting:

Choose a sheltered planting location that will receive full sun in cool climates or partial sun in warm climates.

Start by digging a hole twice the width of your limelight hydrangea’s root ball and about as deep as the root ball. Your plant should only be slightly higher than the surrounding soil.

Fill the hole halfway with soil and pour water into the hole until it rises to the top. After it drains completely, fill in the rest of the soil. If you don’t have well-draining soil, consider planting your limelight hydrangea tree in a 24-inch mound to ensure it doesn’t get damp roots.

To create a privacy hedge, plant your limelight hydrangea trees 8 to 8 feet apart, center to center.

growing conditions

Limelight hydrangea trees can grow in a variety of soils and are drought tolerant once established, making them low maintenance and almost trouble free.

sun and shadow

Sunlight requirements for Limelight hydrangea trees depend on the zones in which they grow. In warmer zones 7-8, they need partial shade—about four hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day. In cooler zones 4-6, they’ll get the best bud growth when in full sun or at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day.

floor

Limelight hydrangea trees can adapt to a wide range of soils but prefer a neutral to acidic pH. Regardless of the soil type, it must be well-draining. These trees don’t like wet feet. Unlike some other strains, soil pH does not affect bud color.

In cold climates, protect the roots of your Limelight hydrangea from winter chills by applying a 5 to 8 cm layer of mulch.

irrigation

To maintain an evenly moist soil, water for up to 10 days every week. Don’t overwater – only water your Limelight hydrangea when the top two inches of soil are dry. You can test this by sticking your index finger into the surrounding soil to check for moisture.

Fertilize

Feed your limelight hydrangea tree every spring prior to new growth with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer designed for trees with an NPK of 10-10-10.

clipping

You should prune your limelight hydrangea tree every year, either in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Prune your Limelight hydrangea back ⅓ of its total height each year to encourage new growth. Remember that limelight hydrangeas only flower on new wood, so don’t accidentally cut off flower buds.

If you notice dead, damaged, or diseased branches, prune them year-round.

Learn even more about caring for hydrangeas in our complete hydrangea guide!

Oakleaf cultivars are the easiest hydrangea species to grow for beginners.

Why are oakleaf hydrangeas so easy? You are not picky! Oakleaf hydrangeas tolerate colder weather, tolerate more sun, withstand drought, are more disease/pest resistant, and grow better in sandy soil than other hydrangeas.

The catch? All oakleaf hydrangea varieties are white.

Here are the best hydrangeas for beginner growers.

Alice Hydrangea – Big, strong and beautiful! Alice was named the hardiest, most trouble-free hydrangea by the University of Georgia. Be warned, Alice is a tall girl and can grow up to 15 feet tall at 15 feet wide.

Hydrangea Type: Oak Leaf

Shrub Type: Deciduous

Light: Full half sun

Size: 5-15′ H x 5-15′ W

Zones: 5-9

Flowering: June-July. Huge, cone-shaped buds that smell great and turn pink

Features:

Indigenous

Beautiful burgundy and bronze fall foliage

Slightly deer hard.

Soil: Not picky about soil type or soil pH

Snowflake Hydrangea – Enjoy the beauty of snowflakes in the middle of summer. Snowflake hydrangeas have the longest flowering season of any oakleaf hydrangea. Plus, their double flowers really make them stand out! It’s easy to see why this is one of the most popular hydrangeas.

Hydrangea Type: Oak Leaf

Shrub Type: Deciduous

Light: half sun. Can adapt to full sun with frequent watering

Size: 5-10′ H x 5-10′ W

Zones: 5-9

Flowering: June to late summer. Heavy white, double blooming flowers that look like snowflakes and turn pink then brown

Features:

Fast growing

Indigenous

double bloom

Intense maroon fall foliage

Soil: Rich, moist soil

Ruby Slippers Hydrangea – small but nice! This compact hydrangea grows no taller than 4 feet and bursts with 9-inch blooms. And those blooms can last up to two months. If you think you don’t have room for a hydrangea, think again. Ruby Slippers fit into even the smallest garden!

Hydrangea Type: Oak Leaf

Shrub Type: Deciduous

Light: half sun

Size: 3-5′ H x 4-5′ W

Zones: 5-9

Flowering: early to midsummer. Huge white flowers that quickly turn to a rosy color

Features:

Compact

Long lasting pink flowers

Thrives in heat, drought and poor soil

Showy crimson fall foliage that lasts through early winter

Soil: Well drained soil

Once established, fertilize your oakleaf hydrangea with Espoma’s Plant-tone every spring.

Most hydrangeas only prefer the morning sun. But one type of hydrangea can soak up the sun all day: the panicle hydrangea. Although they tolerate the sun, they also do well in partial shade. In addition, panicle hydrangeas are the hardiest hydrangeas. To learn more about hydrangeas, visit our comprehensive guide to growing hydrangeas.

Here are the best hydrangea varieties for growing in full sun.

Pinky Winky Hydrangea – As fun to say as it looks. The pinky winky is everything ombre should be. Its two-toned blooms return year after year and thrive in urban gardens.

Hydrangea Type: panicle

Shrub Type: Deciduous

Light: half sun

Size: 6-10′ H x 6-8′ W

Zones: 3-8

Flowering: Midsummer-first frost. 12-15 inch flowers that open white and then turn to a hot, compelling pink

Features:

Fast growing

Blooms every year

No drooping flowers

Can be a hedge or a small tree

Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Grows in almost any soil

Limelight Hydrangea – As refreshing as a lime in summer! This cool colored hydrangea is one of a kind and gives a reliable job year after year. The Limelight isn’t picky. And there are even cuter Limelight Gnomes!

Hydrangea Type: panicle

Shrub Type: Deciduous

Light: half sun

Size: 6-8′ H x 6-8′ W

Zones: 3-8

Flowering: midsummer-autumn. Refreshing cool chartreuse blooms fading to pink then beige

Features:

heat tolerant

Can be a hedge or a small tree

Grows in containers

No drooping flowers

Deep red autumn leaves

Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Grows in almost any soil.

Quick Fire Hydrangea – A Super Fast Grower With Sizzling Buds! This hydrangea blooms a full month ahead of other hydrangeas. Then it blooms again in late autumn. Quick Fire or his miniature sibling love to bask in the sun!

Hydrangea Type: panicle

Shrub Type: Deciduous

Light: half sun

Size: 6-8′ H x 6-8′ W

Zones: 3-8

Flowering: Midsummer to early autumn. The flowers open white and then turn a sweet salmon color

Features:

drought tolerant

repeat bloomers

Can be a hedge

Works in container gardens

Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Grows in almost any soil.

Start growing now! want more? Find out which hydrangeas bloom all summer long. Learn about the best hydrangeas for beginners. Learn even more about caring for hydrangeas in our Ultimate Hydrangea Guide!

gardening

If you’re looking for a garden flower with show appeal, hydrangeas really are stunning. Large balls of flowers cover this shrub in summer and spring. Although their appearance may seem high-maintenance, hydrangeas are actually fairly easy to grow with the right conditions and care. So grab your gardening gloves because our guide to growing hydrangeas will have you planting ready in no time.

What are hydrangeas?

Hydrangea blooming in spring and summer is considered a shrub. But despite their ability to be quite large focal points in your garden, even for the novice gardener, the question of how to grow hydrangeas is not a question – these beauties grow almost all by themselves. Reaching up to 15 feet in height, the hydrangea is a fast grower and often fills a room in just one summer. Hydrangeas grow as perennials in hardiness zones 3 through 7. With flowers beginning in spring and often lasting all summer into early fall, hydrangea flowers can be the staple of your landscape.

plant hydrangeas

As with most things in your garden, learning the basics of planting hydrangeas can save you time and money. By choosing the right location, finding the right soil, and planting properly, you increase your chances of enjoying large, colorful hydrangea blooms for years to come.

Best Time to Plant Hydrangeas Autumn is the best time to plant hydrangeas, followed by early spring. The idea is to give the shrub enough time to develop a healthy root system before flowering. The best time of day to plant is early morning or late afternoon. The cooler parts of the day provide protection from heat stress. Keep new plants well watered until established. Where to Plant Hydrangeas Knowing where to plant hydrangea shrubs is an important first step. Many people plant hydrangeas in beds next to their homes or fences. This is because hydrangeas love the warm morning sun, but they don’t like the heat of the afternoon. Hydrangeas are best planted in a sheltered spot with sunny mornings and shady afternoons. You can often find this on the north or south side of your home. Avoid planting directly under trees as this can lead to competition for water and nutrients. Strong winds can tear and damage leaves and destroy the flowers. Best Soil for Hydrangeas Hydrangeas grow well in soil that is rich in organic matter. Good drainage is important. While hydrangeas like moist soil, they do not tolerate waterlogging. Wet, poorly draining soil can cause root rot. In just a few weeks, your hydrangeas can die quickly. If you have heavy soil, be sure to mix in plenty of compost before planting to improve soil quality. How to Plant Hydrangeas To plant hydrangeas, simply dig the planting holes 2 feet wider than the root ball. Keep the depth of the hole consistent with the size of the root ball so your plant will be level with or slightly higher than the surrounding soil. By creating a slight mound, you’ll help increase water runoff away from the base of the plant. How to propagate hydrangeas. One hydrangea can become many with simple propagation techniques. Bigleaf and panicle hydrangeas are best propagated by layering in early to mid-summer. All you have to do is: dig a small trench near your hydrangea plant.

Bend a branch down to dig so it touches the ground in the center of the branch (6 to 12 inches of branch should extend beyond the ditch).

Make scratches in the bark where the branch touches the soil of the trench.

Fill in the trench and place a paver, brick, or stone on top.

Over time, the branch forms its own root system and can be transplanted to a new location.

Smooth and oakleaf hydrangeas sprout new shoots through underground stems. Just dig up the young plant and separate it from the main plant. It can then be transplanted to a new location.

Hydrangea care tips

Although the leaves and flowers of the hydrangea appear delicate, they don’t actually require much tender loving care. These tips will give you everything you need to know about caring for hydrangeas.

Water at a rate of 1 inch per week throughout the growing season. Water vigorously three times a week to encourage root growth. Bigleaf and smooth hydrangeas require more water, but all varieties benefit from constant moisture. Use a water hose to water deeply and keep moisture away from the flowers and foliage. Watering in the morning will prevent hydrangeas from wilting on hot days.

at a rate of 1 inch per week throughout the growing season. Water vigorously three times a week to encourage root growth. Bigleaf and smooth hydrangeas require more water, but all varieties benefit from constant moisture. Use a water hose to water deeply and keep moisture away from the flowers and foliage. Watering in the morning will prevent hydrangeas from wilting on hot days. Add mulch underneath your hydrangeas to keep the soil moist and cool. An organic mulch will break down over time, adding nutrients and improving soil texture.

under your hydrangeas to keep the soil moist and cool. An organic mulch will break down over time, adding nutrients and improving soil texture. Apply fertilizer based on your specific hydrangea. Each variety has different needs and benefits from a different application time. The best way to determine your fertility needs is to use a soil test. Bigleaf hydrangeas require multiple light fertilizer applications in March, May, and June. Oakleaf and panicle hydrangeas do best with two applications in April and June. Smooth hydrangeas only need to be fertilized once in late winter.

based on your specific hydrangea. Each variety has different needs and benefits from a different application time. The best way to determine your fertility needs is to use a soil test. Protect yourself from pests and diseases by choosing cultivars with resistant characteristics. Leaf spot, spot, wilt, and powdery mildew can all occur on hydrangeas. Pests are not common with hydrangeas, but can occur when plants are stressed. Possible pests include aphids, aphids and red spider mites. Proper care for hydrangeas is your best defense.

Types of Hydrangeas

Four different types of hydrangeas are grown in the United States:

Oakleaf hydrangeas thrive in warmer zones. If you live in zone 5 or warmer, oakleaf hydrangeas are a good choice as they can withstand the heat of summer.

Hydrangeas thrive in warmer zones. If you live in zone 5 or warmer, oakleaf hydrangeas are a good choice as they can withstand the heat of summer. Bigleaf hydrangeas are the most common of all. They often grow in zones 5 through 9.

Hydrangeas are the most common of all. They often grow in zones 5 through 9. Panicle hydrangeas are hardy to zone 3. They are easy growers, reaching heights of up to 15 feet.

Hydrangeas are hardy to zone 3. They are easy growers, reaching up to 15 feet in height. Smooth hydrangeas are also called snowballs because of their large clusters of white flowers. They are an excellent choice in cold climates.

Consider planting these popular hydrangeas in your garden landscape:

French Hydrangea – This traditional bigleaf hydrangea is also known as the florist’s hydrangea for its large, bright flowers.

– This traditional bigleaf hydrangea is also known as the florist’s hydrangea because of its large, bright flowers. Mophead Hydrangea – This variety of Bigleaf Hydrangea has large, rounded flowers.

– This variety of Bigleaf hydrangea has large, round flowers. Lacecap Hydrangea – Large flowers surround smaller buds with the appearance of being only half bloomed for a delicate, delicate appearance.

– Large flowers surround smaller buds with the appearance of only being half-opened for a delicate, delicate appearance. Endless Summer Hydrangea – Discovered in the 1980s, this unique large-leaved hydrangea variety can withstand the cold zone 4 winters.

– Discovered in the 1980s, this unique Bigleaf Hydrangea variety has the ability to withstand cold Zone 4 winters.

– While the Peegee (P.G.) is often trained to look like a tree, it’s technically the grandiflora variety in the panicle hydrangea family. Blue Hydrangea – Blue hydrangeas from the Bigleaf family are only blue because of the soil they grow in. You may buy a blue hydrangea and find that it blooms a different color next year.

– Blue hydrangeas from the Bigleaf family are only blue because of the soil they grow in. You may buy a blue hydrangea and find that it blooms a different color next year. Pink Hydrangea – Ranging from hot pink to barely blush, pink hydrangeas are found in a variety of types.

Frequently asked questions about growing hydrangeas

When do hydrangeas bloom?

Hydrangea flowering time depends on the species and variety, as well as your planting zone. Most new growth hydrangeas bud in early summer to bloom in the following spring, summer, and early fall seasons. In hot climates, hydrangeas may stop blooming in the heat of summer, but bloom again in the fall.

How do you cut back hydrangeas?

If hydrangea plants are given plenty of room to grow in the garden, they will not need pruning. Only the occasional removal of deadwood is required.

Do hydrangeas need to be topped?

Dead hydrangeas will keep your plants blooming until fall. No need to wait for the flower to wilt – hydrangeas make excellent cut flowers. Leave those early fall blooms in place to fade on their own. You don’t want to encourage new growth near your freeze date.

How to control the color of hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas are unique in that you can control their color. However, keep in mind that not all hydrangea species can be color matched. Bigleaf hydrangeas, H. macrophylla, respond to changes in soil pH. A low pH in the soil allows hydrangeas to take up aluminium, which gives the flowers a beautiful blue colour. To propagate blue hydrangea flowers, lower the pH of your soil by adding sulfur or peat to the soil. You can also add extra aluminum sulfate to your soil during the growing season. Pink and red flowers glow when you add ground limestone to raise the pH.

A soil pH test can help you accurately set the color of your hydrangea. Avoid pH levels above 7.5 to prevent damage to the plant. No matter what adjustments you make, all hydrangeas will naturally fade in the fall. Don’t worry – in spring the plant will bloom fresh and colorful again.

Can hydrangeas grow in the shade?

Hydrangeas like mottled or occasional shade, but they won’t bloom in heavy shade. The question isn’t so much if they prefer sun or shade, but rather how much sun do hydrangeas need? The further north your garden is, the more sunlight your hydrangeas will need. An average rule of thumb is six hours of sunlight per day. However, hydrangeas that grow in the south can only withstand three hours of sunlight.

Can hydrangeas grow in full sun?

Hydrangeas like morning sun, but do not thrive in direct, hot afternoon sun. Partial shade in the later parts of the day is ideal for these beauties.

Can you grow hydrangeas in pots?

Even if you don’t have the space in your garden to grow hydrangeas, if you know how to grow hydrangeas in a pot, you can still enjoy those beautiful blooms. The process is relatively easy as long as you follow the basics of hydrangea care. Choose a large enough pot for the mature size of your specific hydrangea – at least 18 inches in diameter. Look for non-porous containers to maintain the constant moisture levels that hydrangeas need. Drainage holes ensure that excess water can drain properly. Consider planting dwarf hydrangeas like Little Lime, Mini Penny, and Buttons ‘n Bows.

How do you prevent hydrangeas from wilting?

Regular watering in the morning can help prevent wilting. Some hydrangea species just can’t take the heat. It doesn’t matter how much water you give them – they will wilt a little in the afternoon heat. A thick layer of mulch can help retain moisture and keep the soil cool. If your hydrangeas perk up again as the day gets cooler, don’t worry. It’s better to wilt a little at midday than to overwater and drown your hydrangeas.

A plant named by a god for Colorado garden landscapes?

Yes, because according to legend, the beautiful peony got its name from Paean, the Greek god of medicine, who is said to have used peony roots to heal Pluto’s wounds from the Trojan War. When a jealous rival threatened to kill Paean, the grateful Pluto turned him into a peony to save his life.

Today, the subtle scent of peonies wafting in the spring breeze evokes images of quieter times, with gracious old houses on quiet tree-lined streets and small-town graduation ceremonies.

Though peonies once graced every home in New England and the Midwest, they gradually fell out of favor as people began demanding annuals for long-lasting color.

Today, the distinctive peony is enjoying renewed popularity as homeowners, infatuated with its lush beauty, also appreciate its limited standards and sense of permanence.

In fact, peonies easily live 50 years or more, with several being documented as having lived over 100 years. In addition, this is one of our oldest flowers, loved by Greeks, Romans and even the Chinese, who used its image in decorative arts to symbolize royalty and wealth, and continue to use it in herbal medicine and cosmetics.

Peonies thrive in Colorado gardens up to about 7,000 feet because they actually need cold winters. Once established, they are surprisingly drought tolerant, requiring most of their moisture in spring.

Because peonies are so long-lived, initial soil preparation is crucial. The late Saul Axelrod, one of Colorado’s leading peony experts, always advised digging a hole 10 to 12 inches deep and 18 to 24 inches in diameter for herbaceous peonies. Then he made a mixture of peat moss and bone meal, half of which went in the hole and the rest around the newly planted roots. Mulching around the roots later in the fall protects the plants from drying out during our winters.

Peonies prefer areas with at least five hours of sunlight but find our harsh western exposure intimidating. Morning sun with afternoon canopy protection is best. They can be the stars of early season garden beds, stand alone in clumps, or even serve as basic plantings in place of shrubs.

Since profuse blooms are only found on sturdy, mature plants, give your new peonies three years to achieve maximum growth. This means pinching off flower buds on immature plants so that the plant’s energy is focused on healthy growth.

This is a challenge as there are thousands of cultivars in almost every color of the rainbow registered with the American Peony Society. In addition to color variations, peonies show amazing differences in height, foliage, texture, and single and double flowers with or without fringes.

Most Coloradans grow the less demanding and cheaper herbaceous peonies, whose muted burgundy or gold foliage in the fall adds late-season interest before they die back in winter. By choosing several varieties, the flowering times can extend from mid-May to the end of June. (Cut off a few large buds and place them in a sealed plastic bag in a fridge will even make a few small cut flowers for a July bouquet—a refreshing antidote to the summer heat.)

Peony hybridizers spend years creating new varieties, but although some interesting shades of yellow are now available (Bartzella 2006), a true blue still remains elusive, as do purple and orange.

A plant that offers lifelong beauty with a history tied to ancient mythology, it deserves star billing for Colorado garden landscapes.

Peony Varieties

Which peony to plant? Here are a few ideas.

‘Topeka Garnet’, dark red single with a small tuft of light stamens

‘Scarlett O’Hara’, large, deep cupped single red

‘Salmon Dream’, semi-double salmon with pink lighter edges, yellow stamens

‘Nice Gal’, fragrant pink-silver frosted semi-double variety

“Rozella”, dark pink, double rose form

“Festiva Maxima”, double white

‘Rubra Plena’, red filled with feathery foliage

Information about hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are a genus of over 75 species and 600 named cultivars native to a wide range of regions and countries including Japan, Asia, Indonesia, the Himalayas and the Americas. Another common name for hydrangeas is hydrangea. Hydrangeas can grow as climbers and trees, but are most commonly grown as a shrub. The plants can grow from 1 foot tall to almost 100 feet tall as a climber!

The beautiful flowers this plant produces is what makes it so popular. Most show a showy display from early spring through fall. The large flowers come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. Hydrangea flowers can be pink, blue, red, white, purple, and green! The flowering shrubs can grow in partial shade to full sun.

Many people remember hydrangea bushes from their childhood. Today we fall in love with her again. And the good news is that we can now grow many hydrangea varieties that our grandmothers never even dared to dream of. Some newer hydrangeas grow in colder climates, some are small enough to fit in the herb border, and others have amazingly large flowers and deep colors.

Hydrangea Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Plantae Phylum: Tracheophytes Phylum: Angiosperms Phylum: Eudicots Phylum: Asterids Order: Cornales Family: Hydrangea Genus: Hydrangea

Common Hydrangea Species

Hydrangea macrophylla

Hydrangea macrophylla normalis

Hydrangea macrophylla ssp. Serrata

Hydrangea paniculata

Hydrangea arborescents

Hydrangea quercifolia

Hydrangea Anomala

Hydrangea Meaning & Symbolism

The name hydrangea comes from the Greek words “Hydor” for water and “Angos” for vessel. Which roughly translates together as “water barrel”. That’s because hydrangeas are notorious for needing lots of water and the cup-shaped flowers. The name Hortensia is a Latin version of the French word hortense.

Hydrangeas can symbolize many different things depending on where in the world and what culture they are. Many believe these flowers were first discovered in Japan, although the plants are native to various places around the world.

Japan – According to Japanese legend, the emperor gave hydrangeas to the family of a girl he loved to show how much he cared for her.

Victorians – In the Victorian era, hydrangeas represented boasting, swagger, and vanity. Especially white hydrangeas.

United States – Hydrangeas are used for the 4th wedding anniversary to symbolize appreciation and heartfelt emotions.

Common hydrangea questions

If you have a specific question or problem, you can email us directly and we will try to get back to you as soon as possible. We’re always happy to hear from our fans and customers, whether you have questions about growing or just want to share pictures of your gardens and plants! We’ve tried to answer the most common questions our readers have, but we plan to add more articles to answer other questions we hear.

When is the best time to plant a hydrangea? The best time to plant hydrangeas is spring or autumn. You can also plant in the summer, but it is more stressful for the plants and requires more attention to watering due to the extreme heat. What sun does a hydrangea need to grow? Hydrangeas can grow in full sun to partial sun, depending on the variety. Does the hydrangea come back every year? Yes, hydrangeas come back every year as long as they don’t die over the winter. However, some gift hydrangeas are not bred to be very hardy. Therefore, hydraneas sometimes do not survive the winter. But in general, most hydrangeas come back every year. Can you have hydrangeas as a houseplant? Hydrangeas are very easy to care for indoors. There are different reasons. Sunlight – You need to make sure the plant is getting the right amount of sunlight. Without knowing what type of hydrangea your mother has, it’s difficult to offer advice on this.

Humidity and Humidity – Houseplants tend to dry out faster, and there isn’t as much humidity indoors either. So make sure the plant gets enough moisture but also not too wet where the roots will rot.

Overwintering – some plants need a cold period. Depending on the hydrangea, it may require a period of 2-3 months of colder weather for the plant to essentially overwinter.

Breeding – many of the “gift” hydrangeas you buy at the store are not bred to last. These plants are bred to have bigger/more attractive buds. These types of hydrangeas are annuals rather than a perennial flowering shrub like hydrangeas grown for outdoor use.

How to change the color of hydrangeas?

Do deer eat hydrangeas?

Why aren’t my hydrangeas blooming?

Do hydrangeas need a lot of water?

Are hydrangeas poisonous?

Which plants to mix with hydrangeas?

Do you have any further questions? Send an email to [email protected] and we will get in touch with you.

HydrangeasHistory of Hydrangeas

Our friend Judith King created the website hydrangeashydrangeas.com a few years ago. She is a hydrangea lover having worked in a retail and wholesale garden center for many years. The website was created to help others grow hydrangeas successfully and to help Judith collect hydrangea pictures and information from trips. Over the years, Judith has answered hundreds of questions about hydrangeas.

Judith took the picture below in Atlanta, GA around 1998 when Penny McHenry was still alive. Penny was the beloved founder and longtime president of the American Hydrangea Society. This was her home and some of the hydrangeas that later became known as Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Penny Mac’.

We’ve teamed up with Judith King and hydrangeashydrangeas.com to create the #1 place for hydrangea information and hydrangea buying online! We hope our easy-to-follow articles and tips help you learn more about growing hydrangea shrubs each year!

Buy popular hydrangeas

Yes, azaleas can be hardy to low temperatures, as you’ve discovered. However, growing azaleas in Colorado is problematic because of the soil conditions. In the Front Range, soil pH averages around 7.6, and I’ve seen higher values. Azaleas perform best in a pH range of 4.5 to 5.5. One of the things that higher pH levels do to plants (which prefer lower pH levels) is by changing the amounts of nutrients available to the plants. Some of the needed nutrients are “locked up” in our alkaline or higher pH soils and eventually the acid loving plants fail. You can avoid this situation by planting your azaleas in a turf ball. Please read this article about the technique. We have been successfully growing blueberries using this technique for a number of years at our expansion demonstration garden at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Much luck!

Did you know that hydrangeas are the #1 genus searched for online? The popularity of hydrangeas continues to rise as hardier, showier cultivars are developed each year. Their versatility from sun to shade and vigorous blooms make them essential shrubs for any garden. To make your purchasing decision easier, we have narrowed down the diverse selection to the ten best-selling Proven Winners hydrangeas.

The wow effect of the panicle hydrangea is undeniable, especially when it is in bloom. The bud sites are strikingly large, averaging 6 to 8 inches long, but they can be much larger. Even better, the hardy buds are perched on sturdy branches during the dog days of summer when other shrubs have finished their show. Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata cvs., USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8) is a great old-fashioned shrub. I remember exactly how, as a boy, I had to duck under a huge canopy of flowers to deliver the newspaper. I’ve seen countless different panicle hydrangeas since my paper route years – a testament to their reliability and popularity.

The panicle hydrangea is enjoying something of a renaissance, with a plethora of fresh varieties making this ancient shrub relevant again. The influx of new cultivars in the 1990s, as well as the apparent similarity of some cultivars, piqued my interest in starting a plant trial in 1999. Let’s face it: comparing buds can be like staring at a Magic Eye stereogram, waiting for the hidden image to appear. How different are the plants really? Are the new strains improvements on the old ones or just more of the same? I knew that if I planted the strains side by side, their similarities and differences would become apparent—and boy did they ever.

How we treated the hydrangeas

Over the past 12 years, we’ve evaluated 25 varieties of panicle hydrangea at the Chicago Botanic Garden (CBG). The first attempt included the traditional offerings of the day, such as ‘Floribunda’, ‘Tardiva’ and ‘Unique’, as well as some varieties from Europe that eventually became available in the United States. Over the past few years, we’ve kept the trial updated by adding new introductions. We grew the plants in their preferred location – moist, well-drained soil in full sun – although most would also tolerate partial shade. We rated them for ornamental qualities, cultural adaptability, hardiness, and disease and pest resistance. The aim is to use scientific evaluation to determine which plants are superior. Shrubs such as panicle hydrangeas are rated in CBG zone 5b gardens for a minimum of six years.

The best performing panicles

Based on her name, I expected “Big Ben” to have huge buds, but they were pretty average compared to other strains. However, I was overjoyed when I saw the flowers’ unexpected transformation from creamy white to deep fuchsia. The color of the open, lacy panicles improved with age, a rarity in the plant world.

Where “Big Ben” is a bit of a misnomer, Angel’s Blush™ (“Ruby”) is a name that’s spot on. The deep red stems give a glimpse of what the color of the flowers will bring: the white blooms blush pink in mid-summer, then gradually darken to red by mid-autumn.

‘Dharuma’ was the earliest hydrangea to bloom in early summer and is the smallest of the hydrangeas we’ve grown, making it perfect for undersized gardens or containers. The tiny, lacy white flowers held on beautiful red stems eventually age to a deep pink. Due to its slow-growing, compact habit, this strain only needs a light pruning in spring to remove faded flowers.

Quick Fire™ (“Bulk”) is aptly named because the white flowers quickly turn pink in mid-summer and peak a dusky pink in late summer. Like ‘Dharuma’, one of her parents, Quick Fire™ boasts deep red stems and an early flowering time. Quick Fire™ has a compact habit, but vertical stems that occasionally shoot straight as an arrow in the summer. The natural tendency is to prune back those stray stems, but resist the urge because they will bear late-blooming flowers. Panicle hydrangeas typically have pretty, dark green leaves with no appreciable fall color, but Quick Fire™ leaves turn orange as cooler temperatures set in.

It was clear from the start that Limelight™ (“Zwijnenburg”) was something special. It is distinguished by its fresh chartreuse color and the Rubens-like fullness of its flower clusters. I’m still in awe of her profuse floral show, and further impressed that her stems are strong enough to hold the rounded buds. In the experimental garden, the random floral juxtaposition of overflowing Limelight™ with the regal ‘Big Ben’ was brilliant. It’s hard for me now to think about having one around without the other.

‘Little Lamb’ looks like Limelight™’s little brother, but with creamy white flowers. Its plump panicles are packed with the tiniest buds of all, measuring less than an inch across. I’ll fight the urge to compare the fluffy flowers to frolicking lambs, but the analogy is honest. Like Limelight™, its showy flowers gradually turn pink by early fall.

‘Unique’ is a giant – the tallest variety with the largest inflorescences. I consider this strain a garden classic (which isn’t just a nice way of saying it’s old). It’s been around since the 1970s, but that’s because it has a solid reputation for power and reliability. ‘Unique’ is the progenitor of many modern strains such as ‘Brussels Lace’, ‘Burgundy Lace’, ‘Greenspire’, Pink Diamond™ and ‘White Moth’; Interestingly, it outperformed all of these strains in our trial.

What You Need to Know About Panicle Hydrangeas 1. They’re Hardy Panicle hydrangeas are considered the coldest of the species. They are dependable shrubs or small trees that require minimal effort to succeed. Its sturdy, reddish-brown branches are erect to arching, sometimes bending under the weight of the large flowers. Up to 15 feet in height and width is possible, but something closer to 6 or 8 feet in height and width is more common. Due to their size, panicle hydrangeas are usually not suitable for small gardens; However, with sensible pruning or by choosing a small strain like ‘Dharuma’ or Quick Fire™, everyone can enjoy them. 2. Pruning does not affect flowering Unlike bigleaf hydrangeas (H. macrophylla cvs., zones 6–9), panicle hydrangeas do not mind being pruned. I recommend pruning plants back to about half their height before they emerge, usually in the spring—although this isn’t necessary if you have space for a taller plant. We initially prune in the trial beds to save space, but improved habits and performance after pruning have encouraged us to do so regularly. The table below shows the size of hydrangeas with annual pruning. Panicle hydrangeas flower on new wood (unlike many bigleaf species), so pruning won’t decrease flower production and may actually increase the size of the flowers. Contrary to some reports, annual pruning did not encourage long, weak stems that could not support the heavy buds. With the exception of ‘Dolly’, all strains were strong enough to hold their buds. 3. Flower type and size vary. Panicle hydrangea flowers are a mix of frothy, fertile flowers and showy, sterile flowers. The showy blooms, which vary in size and abundance depending on the variety, make for a long-lasting bloom show enhanced by a metamorphosis from white to various shades of pink. The breeding trend, unsurprisingly, is to intensify the pink color of aging buds. I use the terms “spike” and “mop” to distinguish between the two flower types of panicle hydrangea. ‘Lacy’ refers to an open panicle with showy flowers scattered between the fertile flowers, while ‘mop’ indicates an overabundance of showy flowers with fertile flowers hidden underneath. 4. Watch the pH – but don’t worry about deer. Our soils at the Chicago Botanic Garden tend to be alkaline, which I think can cause leaf chlorosis in panicle hydrangeas, especially in hot, dry weather. In warmer climates, consistent water ensures healthier foliage and more bud production. Panicle hydrangeas are urban tolerant and largely unaffected by pests and diseases. While some cultivars are often touted for their resistance to powdery mildew, we have not observed powdery mildew on any of our plants. And although deer love large-leaved hydrangeas, they tend to be less interested in panicle varieties. 5. They have some winter interest I’m not crazy about explaining a plant’s winter character, but I disagree with naysayers who think that panicle hydrangeas have no winter interest. The faded brown buds add a bit of color and textural interest, especially when edged in frost or covered in snow. Being a lazy gardener at heart, I prefer to leave them until spring when I prune the branches anyway. It’s fun when the crispy panicles break off and roll through the garden like little steppe runners.

Panicle Hydrangea Trial Results Rating Name Flowering Period Flower Color 3/5 Angel’s Blush™ (‘Ruby’) mid summer to mid fall White, deep pink to red 4/5 ‘Big Ben’ early summer to mid fall White, deep pink to magenta 2/5 ‘Boskoop’ mid summer to Mid Fall White, Pink 1/5 ‘Brussels Lace’ Late Spring to Late Summer White, Lime Green 2/5 ‘Burgundy Lace’ Mid Summer to Late Fall White, Deep Pink 3/5 ‘Dharuma’ Mid Summer to Early Fall White, Deep Pink 2/5 ‘Dolly’ Early Summer to Mid fall White, tan 2/5 ‘Floribunda’ Mid summer to mid fall White, pink 2/5 ‘Greenspire’ Mid summer to mid fall Greenish white 3/5 ‘Kyushu’ Mid summer to late fall White, light green 4/5 Limelight™ (‘ Zwijenburg’) Midsummer to late fall Greenish white, pink 3/5 ‘Little Lamb’ Early summer to mid fall White, pink 2/5 ‘Mega Pearl’ Mid summer to late fall White, pink 3/5 ‘Phantom’ Mid summer to late fall White, deep pink 2/ 5 ‘Pink Diamond’ (‘Interhydia’) Early summer to mid fall White, deep pink 2/5′ pin k Lady’ Late Summer to Early Fall White 3/5 Quick Fire™ (‘Bulk’) Early Summer to Mid Fall White, Dusty Rose 3/5 ‘Silver Dollar’ Mid Summer to Late Fall White, Green and Pink 2/5 ‘Tardiva’ Early Summer to Mid Fall White, pink 1/ 5 The Swan™ (‘Barbara’) mid summer to late fall White 3/5 ‘Unique’ late summer to mid fall White, pink 2/5 ‘White Lace’ early summer to late fall White 3/5 ‘White Lady’ mid summer to Late autumn fall White, greenish

Richard Hawke is Plant Evaluation Manager at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, Illinois.

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Hydrangea is a deciduous shrub with adult dimensions ranging from dwarf to tree size that features showy flower heads in a range of shapes and hues.

In this article you will find 25 of our most popular hydrangeas for containers and gardens in your outdoor space.

Here you are:

Big Leaf Hydrangea, H. macrophylla, is a large species that includes three main groups: lace cap, mophead, and mountain.

lace cap

Lace caps differ from the classic round flower ball that has become synonymous with the word hydrangea.

She has a flattened “Corymb” of showy flowers surrounding a center of small buds. This species is well suited to USDA Hardiness Zone 6 and above. Here are two you’re sure to love:

1. Cherry Blast

H. macrophylla ‘Cherry Blast’

With this strain, you get cherry pink/red buds surrounding a center of pale pink buds that open into tiny stars.

In more acidic soils, they may gravitate toward lavender. An excellent choice for containers and borders, this compact beauty reaches two to three feet in height in zones 4 through 9, where it prefers full sun to part shade.

“Cherry Blast”

This shrub is valued for being cold tolerant. It blooms on both old and new wood and shows a showy dead-head display from spring through fall when its leaves darken to burgundy.

It has an average growth rate and makes a neat, low profile hedge plant.

Plants are available from Burpee.

2. Double Delights “Wedding Dress”

H. macrophylla Double Delights ‘Wedding Gown’

The Double Delights™ Wedding Gown series features a flattened Corymb flower head with a double ring of impressive flowers surrounding a double bud center.

Suitable for zones 5 through 9, it is compact at maturity, two to three feet tall, making it a suitable candidate for large container gardening.

“Double Delights™ Wedding Dress”

This type prefers light shade. It flowers on both old and new growth, so with deadheading it should flower from spring through fall.

Its growth rate is average and the white color is not affected by soil acidity.

Plants are available from Burpee.

3. Endless Summer “Twist-n-Shout”

H. macrophylla “PIIHM-I” PP20,176

This blue top cap tends to pink in less acidic soil and attains a medium stature of three to five feet in height.

It is called ‘endless’ or ‘reblooming’ because it produces blooms on both old and new wood from summer until frost, facilitated by dieback.

Endless Summer® “Twist-n-Shout™”

This type exhibits excellent heat and cold tolerance in zones 4 through 9. He likes some sun and grows average.

Use as a specimen plant to create a medium height hedge or in large containers.

Plants are available from Nature Hills Nursery.

mop head

The mophead is what most people picture when they talk about hydrangeas. They have fluffy balls of flowers in shades of blue, pink, or purple.

They are pH sensitive and tend to be pink in alkaline soil and bluer in acidic soil. Flowers bloom on old wood.

This type grows best in zones 5 through 11. You may need to provide winter protection like burlap, a mulch blanket, or a sheltered spot in zone 5.

Popular varieties are:

4. Big Daddy

H. macrophylla ‘Big Daddy’

With huge flower clusters that measure 12 to 14 inches in diameter, this fast-growing strain is either pink or blue depending on soil acidity.

Its mature height is between five and six feet. From early summer through fall, it puts on a show flowering on both old and new wood, facilitated by dieback.

“Big Daddy”

Suitable for zones 6 to 9, this heat tolerant strain will tolerate full sun in cooler regions and benefit from partial shade in warmer climates.

Consider pruning it like a dwarf tree for a single plant specimen, or multiple for an island of fluffy pastels.

Plants are available from Nature Hills Nursery.

5. City Line Paris

H. macrophylla ‘Cityline® Paris’

This is a dwarf plant from the Cityline® series with smaller flowers for zones 5 through 9. Its color is deep pink/red in alkaline soil, tending to purple in acidic soil.

Mature height is only one to two feet without the need for pruning.

“Cityline® Paris”

If you have a city terrace, this is your dream container plant. In gardens it makes a friendly, flat hedge or border plant.

This plant grows on average and flowers from early to late summer on old wood. It prefers full to partial sun, is resistant to mildew and tolerates salt.

Plants are available from Burpee.

6. Nervous hearts

H. macrophylla ‘Horheart’

A treasure of a compact shrub, unique pink petals with white edges resemble hearts and combine into 10-inch flowerheads.

In more acidic soils they tend to blue. Both fade to green.

‘Edgy® Hearts’

At a mature height of two to four feet, this is a perfect candidate for containers, hedges, or specimen plantings in zones 5 through 9.

This species prefers full to half sun where it can grow in average. Flowers form on old wood from early to late summer.

Plants are available from Nature Hills Nursery.

7. Endless Summer “The Original”

The first in the Endless Summer® series, this post-flowering strain sets buds on both old and new wood for summer and fall flowers.

It likes full sun and has a better winter hardiness than many varieties. This type reaches a modest three to five feet in height for the perfect planting specimen.

“Endless Summer® The Original”

This is a pH-sensitive strain that can have blue or pink flowers depending on the soil in zones 4 through 9.

It grows at an average rate and benefits from stillbirth to prolong flowering.

Plants are available from Nature Hills Nursery.

8. Eternal Amethyst

H. macrophylla ‘Hokomathyst’

A virtual antique-looking color palette is yours as flower heads mature into shades of fuchsia-pink or violet-blue accented by lime green.

‘Everlasting® Amethyst’

Everlasting® Series plants bloom on both old and new wood for color from spring through fall.

Deadheading encourages rebloom.

Reaching a petite two to three feet, this compact style is an excellent choice for patio containers, hedges, or small garden plantings.

Grow it in zones 5 through 9 in a spot with full sun to part shade where it can grow slowly.

Plants are available from the Arbor Day Foundation.

9. Eternal Jade

H. macrophylla EVERLASTING ‘Hortmaja’

This type from the Everlasting® series also has an antique appearance like the cottage garden blossoms of yesteryear.

The flowers start out light green in spring, fading a little in summer and turning green with red edges in autumn. It’s a dainty style, only two to three feet tall, for a pretty potted specimen or garden border.

‘Everlasting® Jade’

Provide a spot with full to half sun in zones 5 through 9 and expect average growth.

Plants are available from Nature Hills Nursery.

10. Harlequin

The ‘Harlequin’ mop head is a real eye-catcher that can be the centerpiece of any perennial flower garden.

Six inch tall blooms of pink to lavender flowers bordered by white bands ensure this strain takes center stage. And it does well in partial shade, ideal for backyards with large, mature trees.

‘Harlequin’

Harlequins reach three to five feet and grow up to four feet wide. This strain does well in zones 5 through 9 in areas protected from intense full sun.

Find her at Burpee.

11. Nikko

H. macrophylla ‘Nikko’

Here’s a classic “Dutch” blue strain that reaches 4 to 6 feet in height. Flowers tend to pink in more alkaline soil.

This fast-growing option is well-suited for hedges, mass planting, or for displaying specimens.

“nikko”

Best in zones 6 through 9, this type prefers full sun to partial shade.

It blooms on mature wood from early to late summer, and its dry blooms are known to retain their color well into fall.

Plants are available from the Arbor Day Foundation.

12. Tilt-A-Swirl

H. macrophylla ‘QUFU’

This one is a stunning choice for those gardening in zones 5 through 9. It is a particularly cold hardy shrub with vibrant colors and a long growing season.

Bi-toned blooms of showy lime and magenta bloom on old and new wood for a color-changing show from summer through mid-fall.

“Tilt-A-Swirl®”

At three to four feet tall, this is a prime candidate for beds, borders, and containers.

It is a slow to average grower and does best in partial shade as too much sun tends to reduce color vibrancy.

Plants are available from the Arbor Day Foundation.

Mountain

The mountain type, H. serrata, is actually a different botanical species with smaller lace-cap style flower heads and smaller leaves mimicking the larger, large-leaved varieties.

It does well in zones 6 through 9 and even zone 5 with winter protection.

One variety to consider is:

13. Tiny tuff stuff

H. serrata ‘MAKD’

If you have a small patio, this is for you. At a maximum height of 18 to 24 inches, this reblooming blue lace cap will have pink flowers instead in more alkaline soil.

It offers remarkable hardiness and flowers from early to late summer on both old and new wood.

Tiny Tuff Stuff™

This type is suited to zones 5 through 9 and requires full to partial sun. It grows average and does not need pruning.

Plants are available from Nature Hills Nursery.

14. Kiyosumi

H. serrata ‘Kiyosumi’

This cultivar is a Japanese mountain hydrangea suited to zones 6 through 9. It’s a lace cap style with three to six inch flower heads that thrive in full sun to part shade.

Each flower head consists of a ring of sterile white flowers with deep pink edges surrounding a flattened center of fertile pinkish-purple buds that open into miniature pinkish-white flowers.

“Kiyosumi”

Not pH sensitive, the flower color of this strain is consistent across all soil types.

‘Kiyosumi’ is particularly hardy and flowers on old wood. The foliage is burgundy in color in spring and again in autumn.

At three to four feet tall, it has an upright, somewhat rounded and compact habit.

This is an excellent choice for the back of a border, a friendly hedge, specimen planting, or a major container attraction.

You may find it a little leggy, so low plantings in the front can show it off best. Flowering time is from midsummer to early autumn.

Find this strain at Burpee now.

Oakleaf Hydrangeas

The oak leaf species H. quercifolia has leaves that resemble those of oak trees and turn red in the fall. Flowers are produced on old wood.

It is native to the US and has white, cone-shaped, single or double-flowered flowers that turn pink with age.

It is hardy to zone 5 with winter protection and performs best in zones 5 through 9. Some particularly beautiful varieties are:

15. Gatsby pink

H. quercifolia ‘JoAnn’

Known for its ability to thrive in sun or shade, and on mixed quality soils, this oak leaf species is a winner.

It blooms on old growth and boasts cone-shaped clusters of bright pink flowers in summer that deepen in color in fall when its leaves turn from green to purple and red.

Standing at full grown heights of six to eight feet, this stunner looks great in zones 5 through 9.

“Gatsby Pink®”

Choose a location with full to half sun and expect an average growth rate.

Consider pruning to a tree-like appearance and using this variety to flank a driveway for a strong visual impact, as well as mass or solitary plantings.

Plants are available from Nature Hills Nursery.

16. Ruby slippers

H. quercifolia ‘Ruby Slipper’

This dwarf oakleaf type has conical flowers that adorn shrubs three to four feet tall when mature. They open white and turn ruby ​​red in early to mid-summer.

The foliage deepens to reddish-brown and the bark attractively flakes off in the fall.

‘Ruby Slippers’

This is a fast-growing strain that requires partial shade and does best in zones 5 through 9. Too much sun can be counteracted with additional water during dry periods.

Additionally, shrubs in zone 5 may benefit from protection from the cold such as burlap and mulch as buds form on old wood.

Plants are available from Burpee.

panicle hydrangeas

The panicle species, H. paniculata, has conical clusters of flowers called panicles that start out white and fade to pink. Flowers form on new wood.

This species grows beautifully in zones 4 through 8 and possibly zone 3 with winter protection.

A wide range of beautiful varieties are available including:

17. Berry White

H. paniculata ‘Renba’

Cone-shaped flower clusters start out white and gradually deepen to dark pink with a striking two-tone effect in transition. It is best suited for zones 3 to 8.

Colors vary with soil pH and climate, resulting in interesting hues.

“Berry White®”

This variety, which is particularly tolerant of cold, drought and pollution, flowers on new wood from early summer to mid-autumn.

It reaches a height of 1.80 to 2.10 m and can be used singly or en masse as a dramatic focal point. Provide a location in full sun and expect an average growth rate.

Plants are available from Nature Hills Nursery.

18. Bobo

H. paniculata ‘ILVOBO’

Here is a dwarf variety with white, cone-shaped flower heads. There are so many and they are so big that they make the bush look like a giant fluffy flower.

It reaches a compact height of two to three feet, making it a solid choice for the container garden and low profile hedge.

‘Bobo®’

This fast grower requires full sun to part shade. It blooms on new wood from midsummer to fall.

Plants are available from Nature Hills Nursery.

19. Vanilla Strawberry First Editions

H. paniculata ‘Renhy’

Ranging from creamy white to pink and red, the cone-shaped flowers of this fast-growing plant will amaze you.

They are not pH sensitive and put on an impressive show from summer through fall. And as they fade, they add interest to the early winter garden.

First Editions® ‘Vanilla Strawberry’

At a mature height of six to seven feet, this makes an attractive specimen or hedge plant that offers vertical interest.

Provide full sun to partial shade for this color-changing attraction.

Plants are available from Nature Hills Nursery.

20. Small rapid fire

H. paniculata ‘SMHPLQF’

Here’s a dwarf strain for zones 3 through 8 known for its cold tolerance. Its upright, cone-shaped flowers start out white and deepen to pink and red.

It is not pH sensitive and flowers on new wood from early summer to autumn.

“Little Quick Fire®”

At a modest three to five feet at maturity, this species offers versatility and does well in large containers, beds, borders, hedges and mass plantings alike.

Choose a spot with full sun where this fast-growing strain can take off.

Plants are available from Nature Hills Nursery.

21. Pee

H. paniculata ‘Grandiflora’

If you’re looking for one of the biggest strains, you’ll love this one. With a mature height of between 10 and 20 feet, you can leave it full or prune it to form a single-stemmed tree.

It thrives in zones 3 through 8.

‘Pee Gee’

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade for this fast-growing giant. You’re sure to love the cone-shaped flower clusters that grow on old wood and reach 12 to 18 inches in diameter.

They start out white and deepen to pink from mid-summer through fall, for a beautiful addition to the landscape.

Plants are available from the Arbor Day Foundation.

Smooth Hydrangeas

The smooth species, H. arborescens, produces white “snowballs” that can reach a foot in diameter and is often referred to as snowball bush. Flowers grow on new wood.

This species prefers a slightly sunny spot and does best in zones 4 through 9. You can read about how to grow it here.

Some varieties to consider are:

22. Annabelle

If you remember a hydrangea bush from your childhood, this could be the one.

This is known as the classic “snowball” in my locale, with its white, fluffy flower heads that range from 8 to 12 inches in diameter.

This US native shrub grows well in zones 3 through 9. It is very cold tolerant.

“Annabel”

The best location for this shrub is one with full to partial shade. It blooms on new wood from early summer to autumn and tolerates a good pruning.

Maximum height at maturity is three to five feet, making it a versatile addition to beds, borders, and containers.

Note that it tends to get a bit floppy and may require stacking.

Plants are available from Burpee.

23. Incredible ball

H. arborescens ‘Abetwo’ Incrediball

This summer bloomer has heavy buds measuring up to 12 inches in diameter. It starts with lime green, fades into white and then back to green.

Flowers open on new wood. It has strong branches that do not tend to droop.

“Incredible Ball”

Suitable for zones 4 through 9, this location requires full sun to part shade. It is a shrub native to the US with an average growth rate.

Plants are available from Burpee.

24. Invincibelle Limetta

H. arborescens ‘Invincibelle NCHA8’ or ‘Limetta’

This dwarf stunner from the Invincibelle series is a summer bloomer that starts out green, turns white and then turns green again.

It reaches a petite height of just 30 to 36 inches. Display it in containers or use it to create a friendly hedge.

‘Invincibelle Limetta®’

Cultivate this little beauty in zones 3 through 9. Choose a spot with full sun to part shade. It’s growing at an average rate.

Plants are available from Nature Hills Nursery.

Climbing Hydrangeas

The climbing species H. anomala subsp. petiolaris, is a slow-growing, long-lived vine that can exceed 50 feet over the years.

Train it along a fence or trellis, or let it meander as a unique flowering groundcover.

Fragrant flat ‘Corymb’ flowerheads that bloom in June resemble small white lace caps. This species is ideal for zones 4 through 8.

25. Miranda

H. anomala subsp. Petiole ‘Miranda’

The cultivar has fragrant white flowers that resemble small lace caps. It is a slow-growing plant that takes several years to flower.

Expect at least 30 feet of growth and plan for support. Remember that the vines can leave marks where they stick.

‘Miranda’

This species grows in zones 4 through 8 and blooms on mature wood from late spring to early summer. In cold regions, it benefits from winter protection such as burlap and mulch.

It grows in full shade but blooms better with some sun. Some pruning may be needed to keep it manageable and it is somewhat drought tolerant.

Many climbing species are sold without naming a specific variety. They generally have solid green leaves.

However, ‘Miranda’ offers variegated green, white, and yellow leaves and peeling bark for winter interest.

Plants are available from Burpee.

Information about hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are a genus of over 75 species and 600 named cultivars native to a wide range of regions and countries including Japan, Asia, Indonesia, the Himalayas and the Americas. Another common name for hydrangeas is hydrangea. Hydrangeas can grow as climbers and trees, but are most commonly grown as a shrub. The plants can grow from 1 foot tall to almost 100 feet tall as a climber!

The beautiful flowers this plant produces is what makes it so popular. Most show a showy display from early spring through fall. The large flowers come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. Hydrangea flowers can be pink, blue, red, white, purple, and green! The flowering shrubs can grow in partial shade to full sun.

Many people remember hydrangea bushes from their childhood. Today we fall in love with her again. And the good news is that we can now grow many hydrangea varieties that our grandmothers never even dared to dream of. Some newer hydrangeas grow in colder climates, some are small enough to fit in the herb border, and others have amazingly large flowers and deep colors.

Hydrangea Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Plantae Phylum: Tracheophytes Phylum: Angiosperms Phylum: Eudicots Phylum: Asterids Order: Cornales Family: Hydrangea Genus: Hydrangea

Common Hydrangea Species

Hydrangea macrophylla

Hydrangea macrophylla normalis

Hydrangea macrophylla ssp. Serrata

Hydrangea paniculata

Hydrangea arborescents

Hydrangea quercifolia

Hydrangea Anomala

Hydrangea Meaning & Symbolism

The name hydrangea comes from the Greek words “Hydor” for water and “Angos” for vessel. Which roughly translates together as “water barrel”. That’s because hydrangeas are notorious for needing lots of water and the cup-shaped flowers. The name Hortensia is a Latin version of the French word hortense.

Hydrangeas can symbolize many different things depending on where in the world and what culture they are. Many believe these flowers were first discovered in Japan, although the plants are native to various places around the world.

Japan – According to Japanese legend, the emperor gave hydrangeas to the family of a girl he loved to show how much he cared for her.

Victorians – In the Victorian era, hydrangeas represented boasting, swagger, and vanity. Especially white hydrangeas.

United States – Hydrangeas are used for the 4th wedding anniversary to symbolize appreciation and heartfelt emotions.

Common hydrangea questions

If you have a specific question or problem, you can email us directly and we will try to get back to you as soon as possible. We’re always happy to hear from our fans and customers, whether you have questions about growing or just want to share pictures of your gardens and plants! We’ve tried to answer the most common questions our readers have, but we plan to add more articles to answer other questions we hear.

When is the best time to plant a hydrangea? The best time to plant hydrangeas is spring or autumn. You can also plant in the summer, but it is more stressful for the plants and requires more attention to watering due to the extreme heat. What sun does a hydrangea need to grow? Hydrangeas can grow in full sun to partial sun, depending on the variety. Does the hydrangea come back every year? Yes, hydrangeas come back every year as long as they don’t die over the winter. However, some gift hydrangeas are not bred to be very hardy. Therefore, hydraneas sometimes do not survive the winter. But in general, most hydrangeas come back every year. Can you have hydrangeas as a houseplant? Hydrangeas are very easy to care for indoors. There are different reasons. Sunlight – You need to make sure the plant is getting the right amount of sunlight. Without knowing what type of hydrangea your mother has, it’s difficult to offer advice on this.

Humidity and Humidity – Houseplants tend to dry out faster, and there isn’t as much humidity indoors either. So make sure the plant gets enough moisture but also not too wet where the roots will rot.

Overwintering – some plants need a cold period. Depending on the hydrangea, it may require a period of 2-3 months of colder weather for the plant to essentially overwinter.

Breeding – many of the “gift” hydrangeas you buy at the store are not bred to last. These plants are bred to have bigger/more attractive buds. These types of hydrangeas are annuals rather than a perennial flowering shrub like hydrangeas grown for outdoor use.

How to change the color of hydrangeas?

Do deer eat hydrangeas?

Why aren’t my hydrangeas blooming?

Do hydrangeas need a lot of water?

Are hydrangeas poisonous?

Which plants to mix with hydrangeas?

Do you have any further questions? Send an email to [email protected] and we will get in touch with you.

HydrangeasHistory of Hydrangeas

Our friend Judith King created the website hydrangeashydrangeas.com a few years ago. She is a hydrangea lover having worked in a retail and wholesale garden center for many years. The website was created to help others grow hydrangeas successfully and to help Judith collect hydrangea pictures and information from trips. Over the years, Judith has answered hundreds of questions about hydrangeas.

Judith took the picture below in Atlanta, GA around 1998 when Penny McHenry was still alive. Penny was the beloved founder and longtime president of the American Hydrangea Society. This was her home and some of the hydrangeas that later became known as Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Penny Mac’.

We’ve teamed up with Judith King and hydrangeashydrangeas.com to create the #1 place for hydrangea information and hydrangea buying online! We hope our easy-to-follow articles and tips help you learn more about growing hydrangea shrubs each year!

Buy popular hydrangeas

A plant named by a god for Colorado garden landscapes?

Yes, because according to legend, the beautiful peony got its name from Paean, the Greek god of medicine, who is said to have used peony roots to heal Pluto’s wounds from the Trojan War. When a jealous rival threatened to kill Paean, the grateful Pluto turned him into a peony to save his life.

Today, the subtle scent of peonies wafting in the spring breeze evokes images of quieter times, with gracious old houses on quiet tree-lined streets and small-town graduation ceremonies.

Though peonies once graced every home in New England and the Midwest, they gradually fell out of favor as people began demanding annuals for long-lasting color.

Today, the distinctive peony is enjoying renewed popularity as homeowners, infatuated with its lush beauty, also appreciate its limited standards and sense of permanence.

In fact, peonies easily live 50 years or more, with several being documented as having lived over 100 years. In addition, this is one of our oldest flowers, loved by Greeks, Romans and even the Chinese, who used its image in decorative arts to symbolize royalty and wealth, and continue to use it in herbal medicine and cosmetics.

Peonies thrive in Colorado gardens up to about 7,000 feet because they actually need cold winters. Once established, they are surprisingly drought tolerant, requiring most of their moisture in spring.

Because peonies are so long-lived, initial soil preparation is crucial. The late Saul Axelrod, one of Colorado’s leading peony experts, always advised digging a hole 10 to 12 inches deep and 18 to 24 inches in diameter for herbaceous peonies. Then he made a mixture of peat moss and bone meal, half of which went in the hole and the rest around the newly planted roots. Mulching around the roots later in the fall protects the plants from drying out during our winters.

Peonies prefer areas with at least five hours of sunlight but find our harsh western exposure intimidating. Morning sun with afternoon canopy protection is best. They can be the stars of early season garden beds, stand alone in clumps, or even serve as basic plantings in place of shrubs.

Since profuse blooms are only found on sturdy, mature plants, give your new peonies three years to achieve maximum growth. This means pinching off flower buds on immature plants so that the plant’s energy is focused on healthy growth.

This is a challenge as there are thousands of cultivars in almost every color of the rainbow registered with the American Peony Society. In addition to color variations, peonies show amazing differences in height, foliage, texture, and single and double flowers with or without fringes.

Most Coloradans grow the less demanding and cheaper herbaceous peonies, whose muted burgundy or gold foliage in the fall adds late-season interest before they die back in winter. By choosing several varieties, the flowering times can extend from mid-May to the end of June. (Cut off a few large buds and place them in a sealed plastic bag in a fridge will even make a few small cut flowers for a July bouquet—a refreshing antidote to the summer heat.)

Peony hybridizers spend years creating new varieties, but although some interesting shades of yellow are now available (Bartzella 2006), a true blue still remains elusive, as do purple and orange.

A plant that offers lifelong beauty with a history tied to ancient mythology, it deserves star billing for Colorado garden landscapes.

Peony Varieties

Which peony to plant? Here are a few ideas.

‘Topeka Garnet’, dark red single with a small tuft of light stamens

‘Scarlett O’Hara’, large, deep cupped single red

‘Salmon Dream’, semi-double salmon with pink lighter edges, yellow stamens

‘Nice Gal’, fragrant pink-silver frosted semi-double variety

“Rozella”, dark pink, double rose form

“Festiva Maxima”, double white

‘Rubra Plena’, red filled with feathery foliage

Yes, azaleas can be hardy to low temperatures, as you’ve discovered. However, growing azaleas in Colorado is problematic because of the soil conditions. In the Front Range, soil pH averages around 7.6, and I’ve seen higher values. Azaleas perform best in a pH range of 4.5 to 5.5. One of the things that higher pH levels do to plants (which prefer lower pH levels) is by changing the amounts of nutrients available to the plants. Some of the needed nutrients are “locked up” in our alkaline or higher pH soils and eventually the acid loving plants fail. You can avoid this situation by planting your azaleas in a turf ball. Please read this article about the technique. We have been successfully growing blueberries using this technique for a number of years at our expansion demonstration garden at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Much luck!