Cultivating Hydrangeas Simplified for All Landscapes
The world of hydrangeas is a vibrant and captivating one, filled with a diverse range of blooms that bring colour and life to any garden. In the United States, the three most commonly planted types are the bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), smooth or wild hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens), and panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata).
Starting with a new introduction, the Incrediball hydrangea is a strong and sturdy option, standing tall at around 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 m.) and easy to grow. It is an excellent choice for those looking to add a touch of hydrangea beauty to their garden without taking up too much space.
One of the most widely recognized varieties of smooth hydrangea is 'Annabelle', known for its large blooms that can be the size of basketballs. However, its stems tend to flop from the weight of the blooms. On the other hand, the oakleaf hydrangea, with its leaves shaped like those of an oak tree, is a more resilient option, tolerating both sun and shade, and enjoying dry soil. It is also relatively disease and pest resistant.
The oakleaf hydrangea begins to bloom early in the summer with unique cone-shaped blossoms that can grow up to 12 inches (30 cm.) long. As the season progresses, these blossoms age to deep pink or red. Another popular panicle variety is 'Quick Fire', which is loved by pollinating friends. This variety blooms earlier than other panicle hydrangeas and offers a stunning display of celadon green, white, and shades of pink, red, and burgundy throughout the season.
The most popular panicle hydrangea variety is 'Hydrangea 'Limelight'', which can grow upwards of 8 feet (2.4 m.) tall. This variety is prized for its celadon green flowers that change to white, and then fade to shades of pink, red, and burgundy throughout the season. For those with limited space, consider newer varieties like 'Bobo', which is only 3 feet (0.9 m.) tall.
To ensure the best possible start for easy-to-grow hydrangeas, it's essential to amend the soil with organic matter, apply fertilizer, and perform annual spring maintenance. Panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) do benefit from spring pruning, while smooth hydrangeas bloom on new wood, requiring pruning in later winter or early spring to promote sturdier stems with abundant blooms.
Lastly, the oakleaf hydrangea offers showy fall color, with leaves changing to shades of red or burgundy in the fall. It is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9, making it a versatile addition to many gardens. The oakleaf hydrangea is one of the easiest hydrangea types to grow, offering a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to any garden.
