Beautiful and long-blooming, hydrangeas are a favorite among homeowners and landscape designers alike. However, with six different hydrangea families, each with its own unique care requirements, choosing the right variety can be confusing. To help simplify your decision, we’ll break down the four most common types of hydrangeas and provide essential care tips to keep them thriving in your landscape.
Big Leaf Hydrangeas (Mophead/Macrophylla):
Big leaf hydrangeas, including popular varieties such as Endless Summer, Bloomstruck, and Fuchsia Glow, are known for their large, showy blooms. However, they can be quite finicky and require specific care to ensure they bloom year after year.
1. Blooming Habit: These hydrangeas bloom on "old wood," meaning they set next year’s flower buds in late
summer to early fall of the previous year. If pruned at the wrong time, next season's blooms may be lost.
2. Sunlight Needs: They prefer morning sun and afternoon shade. Too much direct sunlight can cause stress
and wilting.
3. Winter Care: Cold, dry winter air can damage buds, so applying an anti-desiccant spray can help protect
them.
4. Soil Conditions: Big leaf hydrangeas thrive in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with consistent moisture.
Panicle Hydrangeas:
Loved for their hardiness, pest resistance, and long-lasting blooms, panicle hydrangeas include favorites such as Limelight, Little Lime, Quickfire, and Firelight.
1. Blooming Habit: These hydrangeas bloom on "new wood," making them an excellent choice for late fall or
early spring pruning without sacrificing blooms.
2. Sunlight Needs: They tolerate full sun to part shade, making them a versatile addition to any landscape.
3. Pruning Tips: Prune back by at least one-third each year to encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms.
4. Bloom Color: All panicle hydrangea blooms start white and gradually fade to pink or mauve, depending on
the cultivar.
Annabelle Hydrangeas:
Known for their large, round white blooms, Annabelle hydrangeas include varieties like Incrediball and Invincibelle. Newer cultivars, such as Invincibelle Ruby, produce stunning pink flowers.
1. Blooming Habit: Annabelle hydrangeas are "new wood" bloomers, meaning they should be pruned in late fall
or early winter.
2. Support Needs: Due to their heavy blooms, they often benefit from being planted alongside structural
plants like boxwoods or yews to provide support.
3. Pest Control: Watch out for hydrangea leaftier moths, which can damage young blooms by creating protective
silk cocoons. Early detection and treatment are key.
4. Soil and Water: They thrive in moist, well-drained soil and require consistent watering during dry spells.
Oakleaf Hydrangeas:
With their distinctive oak-shaped leaves, oakleaf hydrangeas are a fantastic addition to any landscape, offering year-round interest and stunning fall color.
1. Blooming Habit: These hydrangeas bloom on "old wood," so heavy pruning can eliminate next season's blooms.
2. Sunlight Needs: They can tolerate full sun to shade, though bloom production is more prolific in sunny
locations.
3. Fall Interest: Oakleaf hydrangeas provide exceptional fall color, turning shades of red, orange, and
burgundy.
4. Soil Requirements: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil is best to support healthy growth and vibrant blooms.
Other Hydrangea Types: Mountain and Climbing Hydrangeas
While less common, mountain and climbing hydrangeas offer unique landscape possibilities. Mountain hydrangeas share similarities with big leaf varieties but are more cold-hardy, while climbing hydrangeas can add vertical interest to walls, fences, and trellises.
Need Help Choosing the Right Hydrangea?
If all these options feel overwhelming, don’t worry! The expert designers at Berns Landscaping can help you select the perfect hydrangeas for your garden. Our professional team will ensure they are planted in the ideal location and cared for with the right pruning and maintenance techniques.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and transform your landscape with the beauty of hydrangeas!