Hydrangeas
Big Leaf Hydrangeas:
Shade to Part Sun, Morning Sun only
Big Leaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) have either mop-head or lace-cap blooms whose flower color depends on soil pH. Alkaline soils (high pH), such as the clay soil common in the Southeast, produce blooms with shades of pink. Acidic soils (low pH) produce purple to blue blooms. To grow blue blooms, a soil acidifier, such as Aluminum Sulfate, should be added to the soil.
Older varieties of Bigleaf Hydrangeas produce only one flush of blooms in early Summer on last year's growth (old wood). Newer re-blooming varieties are available that bloom on old wood & new growth, thus producing blooms throughout the Summer. Endless Summer®, Let's Dance®, Wee Bit®, 'Penny' & 'Pistacio' Bigleaf Hydrangeas are re-blooming. Open Hydrangea list above for all Hydrangeas that we carry.
Oakleaf Hydrangeas:
Shade to Part Sun, Morning Sun only
Oakleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia) are native to the Southeast US. Named for their lobed leaves, they have white conical blooms that mature to pink or rose-red. In the Fall, the foliage on these deciduous shrubs turns red to deep purple, depending on the cultivar.
Oakleaf Hydrangeas bloom on the previous year's growth (old wood), and thus should be pruned as needed after blooming. Choosing the right-sized cultivar for your space will reduce the need for pruning. See list at top of the page for description of cultivars that we carry.
Smooth Hydrangeas
Shade to Part Sun, Morning Sun only
Smooth Hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens) are native to the Eastern US. The classic cultivar is 'Annabelle' with large round, white blooms in early Summer. However, newer varieties have been bred for even larger bloooms, dwarf shrub size and pink flowers. Smooth Hydrangeas bloom on new growth & therefore can be pruned late Winter. Pruning stems close to the ground at this time will encourage strong stem growth and best form.
Panicle Hydrangeas
Full Sun to Light Shade
Panicle Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) are the only Hydrangea species for Full Sun. Their conical white blooms occur on new growth from the current season. Therefore, they can be pruned in late Winter without removing the next season's flower buds. Most blooms on Panicle Hydrangeas mature to rose color, although this varies between cultivars. Select cultivar based on the mature size and the preferred bloom color progression.
