It’s no wonder that Hydrangeas have become the staple of a beautiful Southern landscape! Unlike most shrubs, the hydrangea’s blooming period starts in late spring and continues straight through the summer. You might not think that something this gorgeous could be strong enough to stand up to the summer heat, but you’d be wrong! Available in a big variety of colors and styles, hydrangea will quickly claim their throne as Queen of the Southern Garden!
There are three main categories of hydrangea and each one requires it’s own special growing conditions. Find out which one will be perfect for that special spot (or spots) in your landscape!
1. Big Leaf Hydrangea, including Mop Head and Lace Cap styles. Perhaps the most easily recognizable hydrangea grow from 3 to 5 feet tall and come in blue, pink, and pinkish-red. The color can actually be effected by the soil’s pH levels, allowing you to influence the color if you so choose! That’s pretty cool! These hydrangea flourish in partial-shade or partial-sun environments so keep that in mind when planting. New varieties like the Endless Summer series can bloom on both new and old wood, but all Big Leaf Hydrangea bloom BEST on old wood. So when you make your purchase, ask one of our experts how to best protect it during the winter months .
Photo Credit: Monrovia Nursery
2 – Panicle Hydrangea. These are fast becoming a favorite in the hydrangea family. Unlike Big Leafs, Panicle Hydrangea prefer full or at least partially sunny locations, with heights varying from 2-3 feet up to 8-10 feet tall! Most selections have blossoms that start out in creamy white colors then as they mature, the colors take on a pinkish tone. Two recent arrivals here at EJC are called Strawberry Shake and Candy Apple from Monrovia, but there are dozens of varieties to choose from. They produce blooms on new wood, making them truly dependable bloomers.
Photo Credit: Monrovia Nursery
3. – Smooth Leaf Hydrangea. These are lesser known but just as lovely, growing in more of a mound formation in heights that range from 3 to 5 feet. These also bloom on new wood so they, too, are super dependable for blooms. Varieties like Annabelle and Incrediball Hydrangea (pictured below) are especially popular landscape additions for partial-sun to partial-shade areas.
Photo Credit: Monrovia Nursery
No matter what type you choose, we know you will love the summer beauty & color that Hydrangeas provide!
