The hydrangea is a very popular flowering shrub in the home landscapes of America. This family has lots of members, so take a look at the choices.
See Frequently Asked Hydrangea Questions below the table.
| Hydrangea Family | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Species of Hydrangea | Size | Blossoms | Basic Requirements |
| Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) | Height 5 to 10 feet tall with a spread of about 10 feet | Large, round balls, often 4 to 10 inches across in late summer or early fall. Either white or colored shades of blue or red | Zones 6 through 9; best part sun and part shade; Continuously moist acidic soil (pH 5.0 to 6.5), tolerant of sand or clay and even some alkalinity. |
| Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) | Height 3 to 6 feet tall, spread larger; | In late June 4 to 12 inch cone-shaped clusters over 1 foot long, start green, then white and in fall pink or purplish. | Zones 5 through 8; Best part sun and part shade; Continuously moist acidic soil (pH 5.0 to 6.5), tolerant of sand or clay and even some alkalinity. |
| Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) | Height 10 to 30 feet depending on variety, usually 10 to 12 feet wide | In midsummer 6 to 10 inch white pyramidal clusters | Zone 3 through 7; Full sun, no shade, moist, acidic soil (pH 5.0 to 6.5) tolerant of sand or clay and only a little bit of alkalinity. |
| Sawtooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata) | Height: 4 ft Spread: 4 | Blue or pink flowers | Zones 5 through 8; full sun or part shade; sun or part shade |
| Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) | Height: 5 ft Spread: 5 ft | Midsummer first green then white and dry brown | Zones 3 through 9; sun or shade |
Frequently Asked Hydrangea Questions
Why Didn't My Hydrangea Bloom This Year?
Bigleaf Hydrangea
Oakleat Hydrangea
Panicle Hydrangeo
What About Hydrangeas As Gift Plants? - During the Easter season, the garden centers are filled with gorgeous hydrangeas. These plants make great gifts, but DO NOT TRY TO PLANT THEM IN THE YARD AFTER THEY STOP BLOOMING. These bigleaf hydrangeas are commonly forced by nurserymen in pots for spring bloom. `Ayesha' is not hardy enough for outdoors in many areas, but makes a good container plant. Also called the `lilac hydrangea', its blossoms resemble lilacs and even have some fragrance.