There are many species of this deciduous shrub to choose to grow in your landscape design. They have many positive aspects and are a pleasant showy splash of color in your garden. Most species of hydrangeas can be grown in either full sun or partial shade. They are resistant to most insects and diseases. They can be grown in a wide range of soil but prefer a rich, moist soil and make sure they are planted where watering will not be a problem. Their large, soft leaves lose water quickly, especially on hot, windy days, causing the foliage to wilt, so avoid dry windy sites. A list of some Hydrangea species you may want to consider follows.
Hydrangea macrophylla — Hortensia or Florist Hydrangea is a widely grown hydrangea with large globe-shaped flowers. The color of its blooms is dependent upon the pH of the soil in which it is grown: blue if acid; pink if alkaline (lime can be added to the soil to force this). There are also several white-flowered cultivars. Pruning can be accomplished at two different times: early spring and late summer (more desirable). Most hortensia types flower only from the end buds of upright or lateral shoots produced during late summer. Prune from the lower parts of the stems and crown as soon as the flowers have faded and strong shoots are developing. Pruning this species too late in the fall (after September) is harmful. Hydrangea macrophylla is a good seashore shrub; flowering is more profuse in an open, sunny location; however, hydrangeas are shade-tolerant.
Hydrangea quercifolia — Oakleaf Hydrangea is grown primarily for its handsome oak leaf-shaped foliage, as you might have guessed. It adds excellent color with attractive flowers in the fall and interest in the winter with its bark. It is This hydrangea is best suited to a lightly shaded or protected location. Expect some winter dieback if grown in an exposed site. Remove dead wood in the early spring to below the point of injury.
Hydrangea arborescens 'Grandiflora'— Hills-of-Snow Hydrangea should be pruned to the ground line each winter or early spring because it flowers abundantly on new growth. Frequently this hydrangea is killed back during winter. If a larger shrub is desired (3+ feet), prune less severely.
Hydrangea paniculata 'Grandiflora'— Pee Gee Hydrangea is the most commonly planted hydrangea because of its massive displays of large white flowers in mid-to-late summer. These gradually turn to pink and oddly remain on the plant in a semi-dried condition long after the leaves have fallen. It is important to thin and/or cut back the previous season's growth in late winter or early spring, since flower clusters will occur on newly developing branches. Without this pruning, Grandiflora can become overgrown and out of scale in the landscape unless you desire it to be developed into a single or multi-stemmed tree form.
Hydrangea anomala petiolaris —Climbing Hydrangea is a desirable mid-summer flowering woody vine that attaches itself by aerial roots to brick, masonry or wood including other trees. Often little or no pruning is required. If some shoots have grown out of bounds, just clip their length in summer.
Hydrangeas are workhorses in the garden, producing sumptuous petals of color to add beauty to your garden. They can continue to please by being captured easily in dried flower arrangements, providing the last gasp of your summer garden. All the above species make excellent dried flower arrangements.
