Question
Greetings,
I purchased two hydrangeas this last Spring at a local nursery without any ID or tags. They were on clearance and looked very pitiful. After planting and nursing they both did well, one turned out to be a variegated which did not bloom this summer, the other what I believe it to be a common type with white blooms that turned pink later in the year. Can you tell me anything about these two plants? Their proper name and how to care for them? Thank you so much. I will submit the picture to your address. Liz

Answer
Hello Liz,
Thank you for the pictures...they make my job much easier!

Your larger Hydrangea is H. paniculata 'Grandiflora'. Also known as P.G. or PeeGee. The variegated one is Hydrangea macrophylla 'Variegata'.

Hydrangeas prefer slightly acidic soil conditions...so admend with peat, or I use Oak leaves. If you feed...use a product like Miracid to keep the pH from creeping up. They do best in full to part sun. Variegated plants typically need full to do their best.
Pruning on the small one needs to be done right after flower because they set next years buds soon after flowering and you don't want to prune them off. Or don't prune at all...the variegated one tends to be much less vigorous then the non-variegated in the "big leaf group". This ones flower color will also depend on the soil pH. Blue in high acid and pink in more alkaline.
With the PG...pruning will need to be done in winter...it blooms on new wood. It is the most adaptable of the family.

Hope this helps...Thank you for your question,
Angie