There are many different types of hydrangeas, including tree-form, that can fit a wide range of environments and landscape situations. Hydrangeas are perfect because they add a splash of color to shadier areas where many shrubs will not bloom, and they bloom later in the summer when many plants are finished blooming. There are some varieties that will also do well in full sun gardens but will need a little extra water. Here are a few of our favorites.
Sun-Loving Hydrangeas
- Pinky Winky™ Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'DVPinky':Zone 3-8, 6-8' Tall by 6-8' Wide - 14" blooms with 7 petals giving the flowers a very full look - it's a hardy variety with strong stems to support the large blooms - blooms white with pink.
- Limelight Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'):Zone 3-8, 6-8' Tall by 5-7' Wide - Produces lime green blooms that turn to a rich, deep pink in the fall.
- Quick Fire Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Bulk'):Zone 4-8, 6-8' Tall by 6-8' Wide - Blooms up to one month earlier than other varieties. White flowers turn to pink.
- Seaside Serenade ‘Fire Island’ (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Fire Island): Zone 4-9, 4’ Tall by 4’ Wide - bold balls of white flowers with red edges at the ends of the branches from late spring to late summer, which emerge from distinctive chartreuse flower buds.
Seaside Serenade ‘Fire Island’
Partial Sun to Shade-Loving Hydrangeas
- Annabelle Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'): Zone 3-9 - Grows 5’ tall and 5’ wide with round white flowers that can be 6" in diameter. Long lasting blooms begin in midsummer in partial sun or shade. Blooms on new wood.
- Endless Summer® The Original Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bloomstruck’): Zone 4-9 - Grows 3-4' tall and 3-4' wide -This hydrangea has the ability to bloom on new and old wood. Flowers tend to be more pink in color unless you add aluminum sulphate to the soil which will turn the blooms blue. (soil must have a pH 6 or less.)
- Phantom Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Phantom’): Zone 4-9 - Grows 8’ tall and 8’ wide with massive conical white flowers from midsummer to late fall. Requires maintenance but is long-lived.
Endless Summer ‘Bloomstruck’
The experts at Gertens are always available to answer your questions!