With their large, elegant globes of flowers, hydrangeas are among the most popular flowering shrubs in the US. They come in several varieties, allowing them to fit well in a range of garden settings, and some can even be persuaded to bloom in bright colors. Because of the different types, knowing which one you have and how to properly care for it will help your hydrangea look its best.
The 6 Most Popular Types of Hydrangeas
Six species of hydrangeas are widely cultivated in the US, and knowing which you have is the first step to properly caring for them. They include smooth, bigleaf, climbing, panicle, oakleaf, and mountain hydrangea, with bigleaf, panicle, and oakleaf being the most common.
To learn more about the different species and how to identify them, take a look at this guide on types of hydrangeas.
How to Care for Hydrangeas
Though some care, such as pruning, will vary based on the species, all hydrangeas like partial shade and fertile, well-draining soil. Regular watering, especially during drought, is also appreciated. Hydrangeas are fairly easy to transplant and can be propagated by cuttings.
This hydrangea care guide offers a good overview, from planting to pruning.
How to Change Hydrangea Colors
Hydrangeas are somewhat unique in that you can encourage the plant to produce different colored blooms by changing the soil pH. First, you’ll have to start with a hydrangea variety that is capable of changing colors. Then add sulfur, aluminum sulfate, or garden lime to the soil to change the acidity an thus the hue.
Learn more about how to change hydrangea colors.
How to Prune Hydrangeas for Gorgeous Summer Flowers
You can, of course, get away without trimming your hydrangeas, but giving them a proper annual pruning will help them look their best. At the very least, trim away any dead or dying branches to help the bush appear less scraggly and more healthy. Prune hydrangeas that bloom on new wood to encourage new growth and more blooms.
Check out this hydrangea pruning guide for more detailed instructions.
Grow Hydrangea Trees in Any Garden
Did you know you can train hydrangeas to grow like trees? Start with the right variety, ideally a panicle hydrangea, and prune it so that it grows in the shape of a tree. It will likely require ongoing pruning to keep this shape, but it will be stunning!
Read more growing tips for hydrangea trees.
Tips for Landscaping with Hydrangeas in Any Garden
With the different varieties available and classic appearance, hydrangeas belong in almost any type of garden. Plant them in a cottage garden, put taller varieties in a back border, or choose native species for a pollinator garden. Smaller types can be grown in containers, and climbing hydrangeas will cover a trellis in lacey flower clusters.
Find more landscaping ideas here.
Why Aren’t My Hydrangeas Blooming?
If your hydrangea fails to produce masses of beautiful blooms, don’t dig it up just yet! It could be a problem of improper pruning, weather extremes, or inappropriate growing conditions. If your hydrangea isn’t blooming, first make sure it’s getting what it needs.
Learn more in this hydrangea troubleshooting guide.
