How to Get More Hydrangea Flowers
Consider these old favorites and new beauties, but always read the plant tag and consult with your local nursery to select the best type for your hardiness zone.
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How to grow hydrangeas
Hydrangeas in full bloom are lush, eye-catching shrubs that need surprisingly little care. Best of all, they thrive in a variety of conditions. "A common misconception is that hydrangeas are shade only plants," says Stacey Hirvela, horticulturalist with Spring Meadow Nursery. "While they do prefer afternoon shade in hot climates, they need a few hours of sun to flower and look their best." To help them flourish, keep hydrangeas well-watered as they get established. They do fine without fertilizing, but you can feed with general-purpose flowering shrub granules in the spring, if you like. To avoid removing flower buds, wait to trim off anything that appears dead until after the plant leafs out so you can see what's what.
Best for full sun (more than six hours)
Six different hydrangea species are widely cultivated in the U.S., but the most sun-tolerant type is the panicle hydrangea, also known as peegee hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata is what you'll see on the plant tag). Because all hydrangeas have shallow root systems, they'll do better if you mulch well to prevent them from drying out, says Hirvela. Remember that in the South, most hydrangeas like shade during the hottest part of the day. Try these...
Full sun | Quick Fire
An old standby that typically blooms earlier than many other types.
Full sun | Limelight
Large bright green flowers that age to many shades of pink, red, and burgundy.
Best for shade
Oakleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia), which get their name from their leaf shape, can tolerate mostly shade conditions. This type is a North American native, and they're the only kind of hydrangea that also boast rich fall colors. Try these...
Best for shade | Jetstream
Flowers bloom white and turn pink with leaves that become orange-red in autumn.
Best for shade | Light-O-Day
Unusual variegated leaves with stunning lacey blooms in pink or blue.
Best for blue color
Contrary to popular belief, you can't change a hydrangea's flowers blue if it's not a specific kind. Only some bigleaf (Hydrangea macrophylla) and mountain (Hydrangea serrata) types can change colors according to soil chemistry and the presence of aluminum, says Hirvela. Burying rusty nails, banana peels, coffee grounds, and whatever other old gardener's tales you've heard won't change bloom color if it's not the that type of hydrangea in the first place. Try these...
Best for blue color | Let's Dance Rhythmic Blue
Petite rebloomer with vibrant blue flowers depending on soil chemistry.
Best for blue color | Endless Summer BloomStruck
Striking red stems hold up blue or violet flowers depending on soil chemistry.
Best for cold climates
Some panicle hydrangeas and smooth, or Annabelle, hydrangeas (Hydrangea aborescens), which are another native type, are the most cold-tolerant. Many are hardy even to zone 3. Try these...
Best for cold climates | Invincibelle Spirit II
Pink flowers on strong stems with some reblooming until frost.
Best for cold climates | Strawberry Sundae
Creamy white flowers that change to pink then red as temperatures cool.
Best for small spaces
Many new hydrangeas fit neatly into smaller yards or containers for a pop of color anywhere. These little beauties typically max out at three to five feet wide and tall, though some are even more compact. Read the plant tags to find the one that best fits your size requirements. Try these...
Best for small spaces | Cherry Explosion
Deep pink lacecap blooms on a neat, rounded shrub.
Best for small spaces | Tiny Tuff Stuff
A rebloomer with delicate, lacey lavender-pink or blue flowers depending on soil chemistry.
Best for hedges and large spaces
Need to create privacy or screen an unsightly view? Oakleaf and panicle hydrangeas make a show-stopping hedge that requires little upkeep. Many hydrangeas grow fairly quickly the first few years until they reach the mature size noted on the plant tag. Try these...
Best for hedges and large spaces | Gatsby Pink
Showy blooms that go from white to pink with red foliage in autumn.
Best for hedges and large spaces | Fire Light
Cold-hardy type with large creamy white flowers that age to bright red.
Best for dried flowers
Nearly any hydrangea can be preserved for dried arrangements or wreaths. Collect flowers when they are not newly opened but have started to take on a slightly papery feel on the plant. There are many techniques for drying, but keep it simple: Snip off leaves and dry the stems indoors upright in a vase with or without water. Try these...
Best for dried flowers | Little Lime
Loads of lime green to pinkish blooms for cut and dried arrangements.
Best for dried flowers | Felicity
Double florets on these lacecap blooms open pink then turn to lavender and green.
Best for gigantic flowers
Although all hydrangeas have an abundance of beautiful flowers, some outdo themselves when it comes to displaying tons of massive blooms. Plant these where they will have plenty of space to show off. Try these...
Best for gigantic flowers | Incrediball
White or pink types with flowers that can be as large as a foot across.
Best for gigantic flowers | Pinky Winky
Flowers as large as 16 inches long fade to a stunning pink ombre effect.
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