Hydrangeas are bushy shrubs with large, colorful, showy flowers and big bright to dark green leaves. They are lovely deciduous plants. Blue, lavender, white, pink, red, green, and purple Hydrangea flowers bloom. The most popular of these flowering bushes is the bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla). Smooth hydrangeas, oakleaf hydrangeas, climbing hydrangeas, panicle hydrangeas, and mountain hydrangeas are some of the other types of hydrangea bushes.
Most garden landscapes can accommodate hydrangea varieties. A dwarf hydrangea variety is ideal if you have a small, compact garden. If you prefer to have a patio plant and cultivate hydrangea blooms in a pot, there’s even a tiny, miniature hydrangea.
Hydrangea blooms have a characteristic of changing color depending on the type of soil they’re grown in. In acidic soil, a blue hydrangea might have stunning lilac or light purple blooms, whereas in alkaline soil, the mophead blossom would be pinkish. Your lovely hydrangea bush can bloom all summer and into the autumn with gentle care.
This article will help you choose between the many hydrangea types and cultivars that are appropriate for your garden. Choosing the best hydrangea for your garden will be helped by descriptions of these huge leafy plants and pictures of hydrangea blooms.
Hydrangea Varieties for Landscaping — Overview
Hydrangeas are multi-stemmed perennial deciduous shrubs with gorgeous flowers and thick foliage that are simple to cultivate. USDA zones 3 through 9 are ideal for most hydrangea cultivars. Hydrangea bushes flourish in partial shade, depending on the cultivar. Some hydrangea blooms, on the other hand, like strong sunlight.
Hydrangea bushes’ adaptability is one of their strongest features in the garden. Hydrangeas grow well in coastal areas and can tolerate a wide range of soils.
How Big Do Hydrangea Get?
Hydrangeas are usually huge bushes that reach heights of 3 to 5 feet (1.5 to 1.5 meters) tall. Climbing hydrangeas (Hydrangea anomala) may grow up to 50 feet (15 meters) tall with the right support. Dwarf hydrangeas grow to be around 2 or 3 feet (0.6 to 1 m) tall.
The spread and height of Hydrangeas are frequently similar. Hydrangeas have a proliferation characteristic that makes growing them in your garden simple.
Hydrangea Flowers
Hydrangea blooms are attractive, long-lasting blooms with a variety of forms and sizes. Round domes, flat lacy clusters, pointed cone forms, and huge ball-like blossoms are all possible flower head shapes. The flowers of hydrangea come in a variety of colors:
Mophead hydrangea flowers Large, showy blossoms with domed, dome-shaped clusters are common. These popular garden flowers, sometimes known as pom-pom hydrangeas, may be as big as a dinner plate. Between 4″ and 14″ (10 – 35 cm) wide, mophead hydrangea blossoms may be found. From late spring until midsummer, mophead flowers blossom on bigleaf (French) hydrangeas. In acidic soil, the flower is blue; in alkaline soil, it is pink.
Lacecap hydrangea flowers On bigleaf hydrangeas, unusual flowers are growing in flat clusters. Throughout the summer and into the autumn, the flower heads bloom. Little floret clusters in the center and a ring of 4- or 5-petaled blooms surround the hydrangea blooms. In acidic soil, the flower is blue; in alkaline soil, it is pink.
Panicle hydrangea flowers White, vibrant pink, pastel pinkish-red, or green flower head cones are available. From late spring through the winter, panicle cone hydrangea flowers bloom.
Snowball hydrangea flowers They have stunning globe-like white blooms that grow to be 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter.
Hydrangea Leaves
Depending on the species, Hydrangea bushes have a variety of leaves shapes and sizes. The hydrangea variety and cultivar influence the form and shape of hydrangea leaves. The following are the types of hydrangea leaves:
Bigleaf hydrangeas leaves They grow up to 8″ (20 cm) long and are thick and glossy with serrated margins.
Panicle hydrangeas The leaves are small and dark green, with a fuzzy appearance up to 5 inches (12 cm) long.
Smooth hydrangea leaves Its texture is rough, and the color ranges from light green to dark green. Smooth hydrangea bushes have leaves that grow up to 8 inches (20 cm) long.
Oakleaf hydrangea leaves. These hydrangea leaves resemble oak leaves, as the name suggests. In the fall, the dull grayish-green foliage becomes vibrant red or orange.
Climbing hydrangea leaves Aromatic leaves have serrated edges and are rounded to ovate in shape. Climbing hydrangea leaves are the tiniest, ranging in length from 2″ to 4″ (5 to 10 cm) and come in a variety of colors.
In the fall, hyrangea leaves
Types of Hydrangea Bushes – Overview
Depending on the type of flower, leaves, and growth pattern, hyrangeas are divided into several species. The six types of hydrangea bushes are as follows:
- Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)—French hydrangea, or pom-pom hydrangea, is another name for this plant. Large dome-shaped flowers or lacecap flowers are seen on these hydrangeas. Depending on the soil pH, flower color changes. These big-leaved hydrangeas reach a height of 4 feet (1.2 meters) and a width of 4 feet (1.2 meters).
- Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)—Flower clusters that are 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) tall, cylindrical. pH levels in the soil have no effect on the color of the plants. The height of Oakleaf hydrangeas ranges from 3 to 12 feet (1 to 3.6 meters).
- Panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)—White and light green hydrangea flower clusters are typical of the cone-shaped type. Hydrangea shrubs may reach a height of 3 to 16 feet (1 to 5 meters) and an width of 8 feet (2.5 meters).
- Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)—From May through July, these hydrangea bushes produce enormous ball-shaped blooms. Hydrangea bush is 10 feet (3 meters) tall and broad, with leaves that are 6 feet (1.8 meters) long.
- Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris)—Climbing hydrangeas feature flat-topped corymbs that are 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 cm) broad when flowering. The tallest hydrangea types grow in these plants. The plant may grow to be 50 feet (15 meters) tall and 6 feet (1.8 meters) broad.
- Mountain hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata)—The lacy pink flower heads of mountain hydrangeas, which grow on aged wood, are distinguishing. Soil pH has an effect on the flower colors, just like bigleaf hydrangeas. It grows to be 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall and broad.
Planting Hydrangeas
Hydrangea plants that bloom throughout the summer need to be grown in the proper environment and soil composition. In a garden landscape, here’s a quick guide to growing hydrangea bushes.
When to plant hydrangeas: To give the flowering plants a chance to establish roots before the soil gets too cold, plant hydrangea bushes after the last spring frost or in the fall before the first frost.
Where to plant hydrangeas: Hydrangeas prefer partial sun and should be planted where they get it. In the morning, sun, and in the afternoon, shade. Planting hydrangea in rich, moist soil is the best way to go.
How to plant hydrangeas: Dig a 2 or 3-times-the-size hole in the earth for the root ball. Position the hydrangea so that it rises above its nursery pot height. Fill the hole with organically rich soil, tamp down firmly, and thoroughly water.
How to plant hydrangeas in pots: Plant hydrangeas in a container with excellent drainage that is filled with a loose potting mix.
Transplanting hydrangeas: Before the ground freezes in the autumn, you may transplant hydrangeas. Dig a big hole in the new site, where there is afternoon shade. To release the root ball, dig around the hydrangea bush. Pry the big shrub off the ground with the aid of another person. Move the plant to its new location and replant it.
How to Care for Hydrangea Shrubs
Innoculate your soil with a lot of organic matter before growing hydrangea bushes. The ground is moist but not too soggy, thanks to the water hydrangeas. Use a 10-10-10 NPK slow-release fertilizer. After blooming, cut dead stems of the hydrangea to keep it neat.
Types of Hydrangea (with Pictures)
Let’s examine some gorgeous examples of hydrangea plants in more depth.
Bigleaf Hydrangea or Mophead Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
Bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) are the most common flowering shrub in yards. The leaf size and flower form are referred to by the common hydrangea names bigleaf and mophead. Large, rounded flower clusters make up the showy hydrangea blossoms. Leaves can be 4″ to 6″ (10 – 15 cm) across and are large, glossy, and ovate.
Mophead blooms and lacecap blooms are two types of blooms found in bigleaf hydrangea cultivars. The big spherical mophead blooms, which can tint brown in the autumn, bloom for three to six months. Flattened flower clusters make up the laceycap hydrangea. Fertile florets in the centre of the flower heads are surrounded by beautiful petal blooms.
The flowers of bigleaf hydrangeas can change color, which is a common characteristic. Bigleaf hydrangea bloom in pinkish colors in alkaline soils. They bloom blue or lilac in acidic soils. Foundation plantings, a deciduous flowering hedge, or specimen shrub, bigleaf hydrangea shrubs are ideal.
Hydrangea leaves: The simple leaves of bigleaf hydrangea are 4″ to 6″ (10 – 15 cm) broad and serrated on all sides. On stems, the leaves are alternately arranged.
Hydrangea flowers: Depending on the hydrangea variety, the flower clusters may be spherical or flattened. Mophead hydrangea blooms range in size from 6 to 8 inches (16 to 20 cm). Some large-flower hydrangeas, on the other hand, have flowerheads that are 10 to 14 inches (22 to 35 cm) broad. In acidic soil, the flower is blue; in alkaline soil, it is pink.
Zone: 5 to 9
Sun exposure: Full sun in cooler climates and partial shade in warm regions.
Height and spread: 3 to 4 ft. (1 – 1.2 m) tall with a similar spread.
Nikko Blue Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Nikko Blue’)
The flowers of Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Nikko Blue’ are one of the most beautiful mophead hydrangea shrubs. Large green, ovate leaves contrast with deep blue florets on the flowering bush. From early summer to the autumn, the ‘Nikko Blue’ flowers abundantly. In acidic soils, flowers are blue, while in alkaline soils, they become pink.
Hydrangea leaves: The obovate to elliptic leaves are 4″ to 8″ (10 – 20 cm) long and are ‘Nikko Blue.’ All hydrangea leaves have serrated edges, as do the pointed leaves.
Hydrangea flowers: ‘The gorgeous blue or pink florets of Nikko Blue are spherical clusters. For two months, the big panicles blossom in June. Hydrangea blooms range in size from 4 to 5 inches (10 to 12 cm).
Zone: 6 to 9
Sun exposure: Partial shade.
Height and spread: 4 to 6 ft. (1.2 – 1.8 m) tall and wide.
Endless Summer Bloomstruck Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Endless Summer Bloomstruck’)
The bigleaf hydrangea plant, Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Endless Summer Bloomstruck,’ has two-toned lilac or pink flowers and is hardy enough to bloom all season. Large flowerheads with crimson stems are a characteristic of the Bloomstruck cultivar. The rounded growth habit of the Endless Summer cultivar is appealing.
Hydrangea leaves: The dark-green serrated leaves of Hydrangea ‘Bloomstruck’ are 4″ to 8″ (10–20 cm) long and grow on red petioles. In the autumn, the rich green hydrangea leaves become reddish-purple.
Hydrangea flowers: ‘Depending on the soil pH, Endless Summer Bloomstruck flowers range from deep pink to violet-blue. All summer long, the hydrangea shrub is covered in flowers. The 5-inch (12-centimeter) flower heads are globular.
Zone: 4 to 9
Sun exposure: Part shade.
Height and spread: 3 to 4 ft. (1 – 1.2 m) tall and up to 5 ft. (1.5 m) wide.
Blushing Bride Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Blushing Bride’)
The hydrangea cultivar Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Blushing Bride’ has brilliant-white spring blossoms and dark-green leathery leaves. The tints of purple-blue or pinkish-purple on the white florets are referred to as the hydrangeas’ blush. Most soils and places are suitable for bigleaf hydrangea perennial shrubs, which have a mounding growth habit. As an informal hedge, foundation planting, container plant, or specimen bush, grow the ‘Blushing Bride’ hydrangea shrub.
Hydrangea leaves: The leaves of the bigleaf hydrangea, sometimes known as the Blushing Bride, are ovate with serrated edges. From the rounded base to the tip, the leaves are 4 to 8 inches (10 – 20 cm) long.
Hydrangea flowers: ‘The white floret clusters on Blushing Bride hydrangeas have a bluish or pinkish tint, which is stunning. The 9” (22 cm) wide blossoms are showy.
Zone: 5 to 9
Sun exposure: Partial shade.
Height and spread: 3 to 6 ft. (1 – 1.8 m) tall and up to 4 ft. (1.2 m) wide.
Lacecap Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla normalis)
The flowers of Hydrangea macrophylla hydrangea normalis are lovely blooming shrubs. The form of the flowers distinguishes lacecap hydrangeas from mophead hydrangeas. Flower clusters of lacecap flowering bushes are flattened panicles. The core is formed by a group of tiny ball-shaped florets, with 4- or 5-petalled blooms surrounding it.
The same as with mopheads, the rising demand for attractive bigleaf lacecap hydrangeas is growing. In fertile, moist soil, shrubs generally perform best in partial sun. The frilly hydrangea lacecap blooms may be blue or pink depending on the soil pH levels.
Hydrangea leaves: Lacecap hydrangea leaves have serrated, wavy edges and are lush, green ovate blades. Lacecap varieties have 4″ to 8″ (10 – 20 cm) long leaves that are a kind of bigleaf hydrangea.
Hydrangea flowers: Large, colorful buds at the center of showy lacecap hydrangea blossoms are surrounded by showy flowers. In acidic soil, the flowers are blue; in alkaline soil, they are pink.
Zone: 4 (with some protection) to 9
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
Height and spread: 3 to 5 ft. (1 – 1.5 m) tall and wide.
Tree Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)
The tree hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) is a multi-stemmed landscape shrub that may be trained to grow as a single-stemmed hydrangea tree. The cone-shaped panicles of this winter-hardy, easy-care hydrangea bloom from summer to winter. As the season progresses, the gorgeous hydrangea blooms turn from white to light pink. The conical flower clusters inspired the botanical name for this hydrangea species, paniculata. Depending on the cultivar, the Hydrangea paniculata may have upright or arching, cascading branches.
Tree hydrangeas are an excellent option if you live in a cold environment. The winter-hardy Panicle hydrangea bushes may tolerate severe cold and harsh winters. In addition, they are more drought resistant than bigleaf hydrangeas. By removing suckers growing around the main stem, you may grow panicle hydrangeas as an ornamental specimen tree. Instead, as a foundation planting or flowering hedge, you may plant this hydrangea. As cut flowers, the lovely cone hydrangea blooms are particularly stunning.
Hydrangea leaves: Green leaves with serrated margins that are 3″ to 6″ (7.5 – 15 cm) long and 3″ (7.5 cm) wide grow on tree hydrangeas, which have an ovate or elliptical shape. In the autumn, the rough leaves becomes a little yellow.
Hydrangea flowers: White pyramidal flower clusters range from 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) long on Panicle hydrangeas, which turn pinkish-rose in the autumn.
Zone: 3 to 9
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
Height and spread: 8 to 15 ft. (2.4 – 4.5 m) tall and 6 to 12 ft. (1.8 – 3.6 m) wide.
Pee Gee Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’)
The Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’ cultivar is the best tree hydrangea cultivar. Train this multi-stemmed deciduous shrub to look like a lovely specimen tree with ease. Throughout the summer until the fall, the blooming tree, known as the ‘Pee Gee,’ has an umbrella-like canopy. This hydrangea cultivar is one of the most popular to cultivate in garden settings because of its stunning beauty.
Hydrangea leaves: Dark-green, serrated ovate blades with a fuzzy feel characterize the leaves of hydrangeas like ‘Pee Gee.’ 3″ to 6″ (7.5 – 15 cm) leaves are 3″ (7.5 cm) broad and 3″ (7.5 cm) long. The large leaves create thick foliage and grow oppositely on woody stems.
Hydrangea flowers: The 12″ to 18″ (30 cm) long and broad hydrangea blooms with the ‘Pee Gee’ cone shape range from 12 to 18 inches (30 cm). During the season, the white florets acquire pink tones. From mid-summer to early autumn, the flowers are in bloom. Zone 3 through Zone 8
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
Height and spread: 10 to 20 ft. (3 – 6 m) tall and up to 15 ft. (4.5 m) wide.
Limelight Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’)
The hydrangea cultivar ‘Limelight,’ with its huge, showy cone-like flowers that point upward, is a stunning flowering deciduous shrub. The ‘Limelight’ flowers, like other varieties of Hydrangea paniculata, change color throughout the season from lime-green to creamy-white and finally rose pink. As an accent plant, flowering privacy screen, shrub border, or front-of-house plantings, the low-maintenance ‘Limelight’ hydrangea is ideal.
Hydrangea leaves: In the autumn, the leaves become pointed and dark green, then red.
Hydrangea flowers: Luscious conical flower clusters that range in size from 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm). During the winter, the attractive white summer blooms turn pink-rose and stay beige.
Zone: 3 to 9
Sun exposure: Partial sun to full sun.
Height and spread: 6 to 8 ft. (1.2 – 1.8 m) tall and wide.
Little Lime Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Little Lime’)
The hydrangea shrub Hydrangea paniculata ‘Little Lime’ comes from the ‘Limelight’ cultivar and is a compact, dwarf hydrangea shrub. The lime-green flowers, huge pointed green leaves, and a round moundy growth are all attractive features of the ornamental hydrangea shrub. This superb shrub is perfect for growing in containers and is also known as the dwarf ‘Limelight’ hydrangea. Mass plantings along borders, foundation plantings, container gardens, or in front of walls or fences are some of the ideas for growing the Little Lime hydrangea.
Hydrangea leaves: Leaves on the hydrangea known as the ‘Little Lime’ range in length from 2.5″ (6 cm) to 5″ (13 cm).
Hydrangea flowers: Throughout the season, lime green pyramidal flower clusters fade from lime green to pink.
Zone: 3 to 8
Sun exposure: Full or partial sun.
Height and spread: 3 to 5 ft. (1 – 1.5 m) tall and wide.
Pink Hydrangea ‘Pinky Winky’ (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Pinky Winky’)
The hydrangea shrub Hydrangea paniculata has small flower cluster cones in pink and white hues that produce a spectacular display. The enormous pointed white and pink panicles stand upright on stiff stems, which is an outstanding growth feature. The hydrangea blossoms cover the thick, dark-green leaves of the shrub in full bloom. A low-maintenance decorative shrub is the Pinky Winky hydrangea cultivar. As a foundation plant, shrub border, blooming screen, or accent shrub, grow the landscaping plant.
Hydrangea leaves: 6-inch (15 cm) long pointed, oval yellowish-green leaves with serrated edges. The ‘Pinky Winky’ cultivar, like other Hydrangea paniculata cultivars, lacks spectacular autumn colors.
Hydrangea flowers: 12-inch (30 cm) tall bold, majestic hydrangea cone blooms The white florets turn deep pink as they mature. The pink hydrangea has a two-toned appearance as a result of this feature.
Zone: 3 to 8
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
Height and spread: 6 to 8 ft. (1.2 – 1.8 m) tall and 6 ft. (1.2 m) wide.
Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
Oakleaf hydrangea is a multi-stemmed shrub with conical clusters of white flowers that is grown as an ornamental. The oakleaf hydrangea has an irregular branching habit and a rounded shape as a mounding shrub. The leathery leaves have an ovate or obovate form with serrated margins and are glossy and lobed. Oakleaf hydrangea has distinctive leaves, as the name suggests.
The massive oak leaves look like the deeply lobed, broad green leaves. The rich hydrangea leaves turn orange, purple, lavender, or red in the autumn. As background plantings, informal summer hedges, or masses along shrub borders, grow oakleaf hydrangea plants.
Hydrangea leaves: The leaves of Oakleaf hydrangea are three to seven lobed and feel like soft oak. The fuzzy leaves gradually become smoother as they develop. 3″ to 8″ (7.5 – 20 cm) long and 2″ to 6″ (5 – 15 cm) wide, the leaves of hydrangea are 3″ to 8″.
Hydrangea flowers: The cone-shaped clusters of Oakleaf hydrangea are stunning. The perennial shrub blooms last throughout the summer and emerge in the spring. White flowers become pink, then tan before fading.
Zone: 5 to 9
Sun exposure: Partial shade.
Height and spread: 4 to 8 ft. (1.2 – 2.4 m) up to 10 ft. (3 m) wide.
Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala)
The subspecies Hydrangea anomala The tallest of the hydrangea species, petiolaris (climbing hydrangea) is a shade-loving plant that climbs. You can prune the shrub to control its height, despite the fact that the massive flowering hydrangea vines may reach up to 80 ft. (24 m).
The Hydrangea anomala (subspecies) White flower clusters with tiny buds and colorful blooms characterize petiolaris. A support such as a sturdy arbor, large pergola, or sturdy lattice fence is required to grow climbing hydrangeas as a garden vine.
The hydrangeas plant will quickly climb up walls and attach itself to buildings because of its twining vines and aerial roots. You’ll have to trim the quickly spreading vines on climbing hydrangeas as a garden shrub on a regular basis. The arching branches of the mounding shrub grow to 3 to 4 feet (1.2 to 1.2 meters). For lush flowering, fast-growing ground cover in full sun, leave the creeping vines alone.
Hydrangea leaves: Heart-shaped, glossy green leaves up to 4″ (10 cm) long grow on climbing hydrangeas. The hydrangea leaves turn a lovely golden-yellow color before they fall in the autumn.
Hydrangea flowers: Lacecap blooms resemble climbing hydrangea blooms. The showy flowers surrounding infertile flower buds give the blooms a lace-like appearance, and the flat-topped white flower clusters have fewer flowers. Between 6 and 10 inches (15 to 25 cm) across, the climbing hydrangea flat clusters.
Zone: 5 to 7
Sun exposure: Full sun or partial shade.
Height and spread: 30 to 50 ft. (10 – 15 m) and 6 ft. (1.8 m) wide.
Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)
The smooth hydrangea shrub has dark green oval leaves and clusters of tiny yellowish-green flowers with a few showy petals around the edges. A variety of hydrangea cultivars feature beautiful, spherical white blooms. The wide branching growth of the smooth hydrangea is a feature. The hydrangea smooth hydrangea, a warm-hardy variety that prefers moist soil and cannot withstand drought, is a popular choice. In colder climates, it dies back in the winter as a hardy perennial.
The larger shrubs have a tree-like appearance, which is why the botanical name smooth hydrangea arborescens means “tree.” As a shrub border or perennial privacy screen, smooth hydrangeas are ideal plants for mass plantings. Pick one of the Hydrangea arborescens cultivars if you want to select a showy hydrangea for your garden.
Hydrangea leaves: The egg-shaped leaves of smooth hydrangea are 2″ to 6″ (5 – 15 cm) long. Serrated edges and a pale green bottom distinguish the pointed, green oval leaves. Dense foliage turns yellow in the autumn.
Hydrangea flowers: Like lacecap hydrangeas, smooth hydrangea blooms are little bud-like yellowish-green blooms that aren’t as showy. Ball-shaped blossoms are seen in several cultivars. From May until late July, the flattened flower clusters bloom and measure 2″ – 6″ (5 – 15 cm) across.
Zone: 3 to 9
Sun exposure: Partial shade.
Height and spread: 3 to 5 ft. (1 – 1.5 m) tall and wide.
Annabelle Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’)
The hydrangea cultivar Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ has 12″ (30 cm) broad blooms that are beautifully white. ‘Annabelle’ hydrangea has a small, rounded form that makes it ideal for foundation planting, as background for mixed beds, or in a woodland garden. Its beautiful flower heads sit on the ends of sturdy stems to prevent them from drooping.
Hydrangea leaves: The dark green leaves of the ‘Annabelle’ hydrangea are 3″ to 8″ (7.5 cm) long and serrated along the edge.
Hydrangea flowers: The species hydrangea blooms hide their beauty better than the showier ‘Annabelle’ hydrangea. From June until August, the flowers emerge in white dome-like clusters that grow up to 12 inches (30 cm) wide.
Zone: 3 to 9
Sun exposure: Partial shade.
Height and spread: 3 to 5 ft. (1 – 1.5 m) tall and 4 to 6 ft. (1.2 – 1.8 m) wide.
White Hydrangea ‘Incrediball’ (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Incrediball’)
The hydrangea cultivar Hydrangea arborescens ‘Incrediball’ has large greenish-white or pure white flowers and dark green egg-shaped leaves. It is a spectacular deciduous flowering shrub. All summer, this hydrangea cultivar produces a smooth flower. It has larger flower heads than the similar cultivar, ‘Annabelle.
Hydrangea leaves: ‘The leaves of the Incrediball hydrangea are ovate to rounded with serrated margins. The top surface of the leaves is dark green, while the bottom surface is pale green. From stem to pointed tip, the leaves are 2″ to 6″ (5 – 15 cm) long.
Hydrangea flowers: The little florets of ‘Incrediball’ hydrangea bloom sit upright on strong stems and are densely packed. The lime-green petals of the Incrediball transform to dazzling white as they bloom. For two months in June, this hydrangea flowers. The zone ranges from 4 to 9.
Sun exposure: Partial sun.
Height and spread: 3 to 5 ft. (1 – 1.5 m) tall and 4 to 6 ft. (1.2 – 1.8 m) wide.
Types of Dwarf Hydrangea (With Pictures)
For tiny, compact gardens, dwarf hydrangeas are the best choice. Hydrangea containers and patios, deck areas, entryways, and container gardens add color to the most miniature or small hydrangea shrubs. Dwarf hydrangeas seldom grow above 4 feet (1.2 meters) in height. Dwarf hydrangea plants are among the most stunning you can cultivate in your garden or yard.
Mountain Hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata)
Mountain hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata) has lovely light pink or light blue blooms and lush green leaves, making it one of the smaller hydrangea varieties. Three or four times each season, the magnificent blossoms change color. With lacecap flowers, this dwarf hydrangea resembles a miniature form of a bigleaf hydrangea. Grow in front of the house, in containers, or as a colorful shrub border.
Hydrangea leaves: Serrated edges on tiny, narrowly ovate leaves.
Hydrangea flowers: Lacecap hydrangea clusters are smaller than other types of lacecap hydrangea. They are pale pink or pale blue.
Zone: 6 to 9
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial sun.
Height and spread: 2 to 4 ft. (0.6 – 1.2 m) tall and wide.
Mountain Hydrangea ‘Bluebird’ (Hydrangea serrata ‘Bluebird’)
The tiny lacecap flowers of Hydrangea serrata ‘Bluebird’ are blue, pinkish-white, and lilac hues. The dark green leaves contrast with the delicate, colorful flowers. The hydrangea ‘Bluebird,’ which has blue leaves that become rich crimson hues in the fall, is a standout.
This plant is a popular option for container gardens, foundation plants, and small, informal hedges because of its long blooming season of the Hydrangea serrata ‘Bluebird’.
Hydrangea leaves: Mountain hydrangea leaves are narrower than typical hydrangea leaves, with very serrated borders and a tiny size.
Hydrangea flowers: Pretty lacecap flowers change color with the soil pH, and ‘bluebird’ mountain hydrangea blooms are beautiful. Depending on the soil acidity, the little blossoms may be blue or pink.
Zone: 6 to 9
Sun exposure: Full sun or part shade.
Height and spread: 3 to 4 ft. (1 – 1.2 m) tall and wide
Oakleaf Hydrangea ‘Sike’s Dwarf’ (Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Sike’s Dwarf’)
Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Sike’ is a tiny oakleaf hydrangea cultivar with a height of no more than 3 feet (1 meter). The cone-like flower clusters of the dwarf hydrangea range from white to pink to light brown, and they are showy. The lobed leaves of ‘Sike’s Dwarf’ are similar to those of other oakleaf hydrangeas. This hydrangea is suited for huge containers because to its tiny, compact form.
Hydrangea leaves: Oakleaf hydrangea leaves with the genus ‘Sike’ are round, lobed leaves that grow to be 5″ (13 cm) long. In the autumn, the green leaves take on rich red and bronze hues.
Hydrangea flowers: Sike’s Dwarf is a cultivar of Hydrangea quercifolia that produces showy conical spikes of dainty white or pink flowers. The blooms change color in the autumn and stay that way until winter.
Zone: 5 to 9
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
Height and spread: 2 to 3 ft. (0.6 – 1 m) tall and 3 to 4 ft. (1 – 1.2 m) wide.
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Dharuma’
The hydrangea paniculata ‘Dharuma’ is a slow-growing, 5-foot (1.5-meter) tall dwarf shrub that takes 10 years to mature. The pointed flowering clusters of pink or white petals and buds on the compact, bushy hydrangea are its most notable feature. The hardy hydrangea is a compact shrub that thrives in pots and small gardens where space is restricted.
Hydrangea leaves: The narrow ovate leaves of the ‘Dharuma’ hydrangea have a rounded tip. In the autumn, the deep green leaves turn golden yellow.
Hydrangea flowers: During the summer, Hydrangea paniculata blooms turn deep pink and produce flower panicles that are pinkish-white.
Zone: 3 to 8
Sun exposure: Full sun to partial shade.
Height and spread: 3 to 5 ft. (1.5 m) tall and 3 ft. (1 m) wide.
Bigleaf Hydrangea ‘Masja’ (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Masja’)
One of the most spectacular dwarf hydrangeas for pots and small gardens is Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Masja. The hydrangea with the little mophead has huge spherical bloom heads that measure 6 inches (15 centimeters). The dark green, glossy, leathery leaves contrast with the pink or red florets. The high-growing dwarf bigleaf hydrangea may reach 3 feet (1 meter).
Hydrangea leaves: The edges of the leaves of the Masja hydrangea have a little serration. The dark green leaves take on crimson tones in the autumn.
Hydrangea flowers: Large domed flower heads made up of 4-petalled red or pink florets, Mophead hydrangea ‘Masja’ flowers are gorgeous.
Zone: 6 to 9
Sun exposure: Partial sun.
Height and spread: 2 to 3 ft. (0.6 – 1 m) tall and wide.
Bigleaf Hydrangea ‘Charm’ (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Charm’)
The mophead hydrangea, Hydrangea macrophylla, is a small rounded shrub with lustrous leaves and large spherical rosy-pink blooms. The ‘Charm’ shrub’s blossoms alter depending on soil acidity, ranging from blue in acidic soil to pink in alkaline soil, like other Hydrangea macrophylla cultivars. The dark green glossy foliage contrasts with the appealing spherical flower heads.
Hydrangea leaves: Large, dark green serrated leaves turn reddish-orange in the fall with dwarf bigleaf hydrangea ‘Charm.’
Hydrangea flowers: The huge dome-shaped pink or blue blooms of the mophead ‘Charm’ hydrangea may be up to 6″ (15 cm) broad.
Zone: 5 to 9
Sun exposure: Partial sun.
Height and spread: 4 to 5 ft. (1.2 – 1.5 m) tall and wide.
Mophead Hydrangea ‘Pia’ (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Pia’)
The bigleaf hydrangea cultivar Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Pia’ has thick foliage and compact showy flowers. It is a slow-growing dwarf shrub. The flowers of the mophead hydrangea ‘Pia’ stay pink even when the soil acidity changes. This magnificent hydrangea is ideal for containers, window boxes, a tiny flowering hedge, and small backyards. It grows to be 3 feet (1 meter) tall over many years.
Hydrangea leaves: Large leathery, rough leaves characterize the bigleaf dwarf ‘Pia’ hydrangea.
Hydrangea flowers: Deep, dusty pink blooms with a domed form up to 4″ (12 cm) wide characterize the flowers on hydrangea cultivars like ‘Pia.’
Zone: 5 to 9
Sun exposure: Partial shade.
Height and spread: 2 or 3 ft. (0.6 – 1 m) tall and wide.