Common Hydrangeas
Master Gardener and hydrangea expert Linda Lanier shows five of the most common kinds of hydrangeas and gives some basic growing and pruning information on each.
Oakleaf hydrangea is recognizable because the leaf is shaped like an oak leaf. Oak leaf hydrangeas are pruned in late summer but don’t need pruned every year. They grow in deep shade and don’t need much water. They bloom white.
Hydrangea macrophylla is probably the most common hydrangea grown in the south. They usually bloom blue and have rounded leaves. Most flower on old wood so they should only be pruned after the end of July. They need shade or the blooms will be burned by the sun. They also need water. Linda talks about how to change the color of the blooms of macrophyllas.
Hydrangea paniculata is a full sun hydrangea. It blooms later than others with white blooms. It blooms on new growth, so it can be pruned in the spring. They also can tolerate very cold weather.
Hydrangea arborescens blooms on new growth so it can be pruned in the spring, even fairly late in the spring. They have large white flower heads. They do tend to sag in the rain. They are often supported by stakes.
Hydrangea anomala is a climbing hydrangea. It only blooms for a few weeks during the summer but it has beautiful leaves and fall color. It vines like ivy so be careful where you plant it. They do not require pruning unless you want to limit size.
Related Videos:
How do I get my hydrangea to bloom?
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Related Resources:
Hydrangea
Hydrangeas
Oakleaf hydrangea is recognizable because the leaf is shaped like an oak leaf. Oak leaf hydrangeas are pruned in late summer but don’t need pruned every year. They grow in deep shade and don’t need much water. They bloom white.
Hydrangea macrophylla is probably the most common hydrangea grown in the south. They usually bloom blue and have rounded leaves. Most flower on old wood so they should only be pruned after the end of July. They need shade or the blooms will be burned by the sun. They also need water. Linda talks about how to change the color of the blooms of macrophyllas.
Hydrangea paniculata is a full sun hydrangea. It blooms later than others with white blooms. It blooms on new growth, so it can be pruned in the spring. They also can tolerate very cold weather.
Hydrangea arborescens blooms on new growth so it can be pruned in the spring, even fairly late in the spring. They have large white flower heads. They do tend to sag in the rain. They are often supported by stakes.
Hydrangea anomala is a climbing hydrangea. It only blooms for a few weeks during the summer but it has beautiful leaves and fall color. It vines like ivy so be careful where you plant it. They do not require pruning unless you want to limit size.
Related Videos:
How do I get my hydrangea to bloom?
We have a Lemon Daddy hydrangea that is very leggy. Can I prune it, and if so, when and how?
Related Resources:
Hydrangea
Hydrangeas