Hydrangeas are the showstoppers of summer gardens—bursting with big, beautiful blooms in shades of blue, pink, white, and purple. Whether you’re looking to brighten a shady corner or add drama to a sunny border, there’s a hydrangea for every spot.
🌿 Where & How to plant
Hydrangeas thrive in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Most varieties prefer morning sun and afternoon shade, though panicle types like ‘Limelight’ can handle full sun.
Planting Tips:
- Spacing: Allow 3–10 feet between plants, depending on the variety.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially in the first year.
- Mulching: Apply mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
🌼 Popular types to try
- Hydrangea macrophylla: Known for mophead and lacecap flowers. Color can shift from blue to pink depending on soil pH.
- Hydrangea paniculata: Cone-shaped blooms, great for sunny spots. Try ‘Limelight’ or ‘Pinky Winky’.
- Hydrangea quercifolia: Unique foliage and white blooms that age to pink—perfect for woodland gardens.
- Hydrangea arborescens: Native and hardy, with large white blooms. ‘Annabelle’ is a classic.
❄️ Year-round interest
Hydrangeas aren’t just a summer delight—they offer year-round beauty:
- Winter: Leave dried flower heads on the plant for a sculptural, frosted look. Oakleaf hydrangeas also boast rich red-bronze foliage in autumn and peeling bark in winter.
- Spring: Buds begin to swell, and new growth emerges—time to prune (if needed) and feed.
- Summer: The main show! Blooms burst into colour and attract pollinators.
- Autumn: Many varieties offer beautiful fall foliage, and some blooms age to soft pinks and greens.
🌈 Bonus Tip: Change their colour!
Want blue blooms? Acidic soil (pH below 6) is key. Prefer pink? Aim for alkaline soil (pH above 7). Add aluminum sulfate for blue or garden lime for pink.
Hydrangeas are low-maintenance and rewarding, making them a staple for any garden design.
