9 beautiful hydrangeas to add to your garden
Hydrangeas are one of the most beautiful blooms that we can grow in our gardens, brightening borders in mid to late summer with their flamboyant and long-lasting flowers.
And there are so many different varieties to choose from – with some preferring certain weather conditions and others even changing colour or shape as the season progresses.
We asked experts to share the ones they would recommend and shed light on some of their all-time favourites.
So, if you’re looking to add a plant that adds immediate interest and texture, as well as a wonderful pop of colour, keep reading…
Endless Summer (Hydrangea macrophylla)
If you want to enjoy your hydrangeas for as long as possible, the Endless Summer variety should be at the top of your list. “A standout mophead hydrangea known for its repeat blooming throughout the summer, its large, rounded flower heads can shift in colour from pink to blue, depending on the pH of your soil,” Lucie Bradley, gardening expert at Two Wests & Elliott, tells Country Living.
“Acidic soils will produce blue blooms, while more alkaline conditions result in pink flowers,” with them being ideal if your garden receives partial sun throughout the day.
Limelight (Hydrangea paniculata)
If you’d prefer your hydrangea's colours to change as the season progresses, be sure to consider Limelight. Starting out a vibrant lime green – as the name may suggest – it then begins to mature into a creamy white before eventually turning pink in the autumn.
It also tolerates full sun better than most hydrangeas, meaning you should be able to plant it in a variety of different spots in your garden.
Nikko Blue (Hydrangea macrophylla)
Blue more your thing? Nikko Blue hydrangeas are a real showstopper. They also have the added benefit of being one of the most low-maintenance, making them great for those just getting into gardening, or anyone who prefers sitting back and enjoying their blooms rather than constantly tending to them.
Annabelle (Hydrangea arborescens)
With harsh winters in the UK, the Annabelle hydrangea will still flower even after severely cold weather.
“Known for its enormous white flower heads that can reach up to 30cm across, this variety is very hardy and provides a dramatic, classic look that works well in both contemporary and traditional gardens,” says Haute Florist’s Maryam Ghani.
Pinky Winky (Hydrangea paniculata)
“A unique two-toned flower panicle that starts white at the base and turns pink as it ages, this hardy variety tolerates a range of conditions, including full sun,” according to Lucie.
As it blooms from mid-summer into autumn, it’s lovely to watch it transform as the seasons change.
Snow Queen (Hydrangea quercifolia)
Another one that changes as the months progress is the Snow Queen. Starting off a snowy white, it soon turns pink before becoming a rich burgundy. The large, cone-shaped flowers make it a real standout too.
Bluebird (Hydrangea serrata)
This more delicate lacecap hydrangea, with flat clusters of small flowers surrounded by larger, showy blooms, is another fantastic option for those who have a smaller garden or only a patio or balcony to play with.
Again, depending on the pH of your soil, the flowers may appear blue or pink, with it also liking cooling temperatures.
Little Lime (Hydrangea paniculata)
“A dwarf version of Limelight, Little Lime is perfect for smaller UK gardens or for growing in containers,” Lucie explains.
Yet it still offers you the same striking lime-to-pink colour transition in a more compact form. Blooming from around mid-summer to autumn, “this hardy, easy-to-grow variety thrives in both full sun and partial shade.”
Incrediball (Hydrangea arborescens)
Similar to the Annabelle, the Incrediball benefits from large round white flowerheads. However, it has a stronger stem to support the heavy blooms, making it the better choice if the weather can be particularly windy or stormy where you live.
How do you care for hydrangeas?
As moisture-loving plants, hydrangeas require regular watering, especially during dry spells of weather. In most cases, watering them once or twice a week, taking care not to let them become waterlogged, should more than suffice.
Adding a layer of mulch around the base can also help to retain moisture and keep the roots cool. Hydrangeas also tend to thrive in the rather inconsistent and temperate British weather conditions.
While different varieties have different preferences, whether that be in terms of the soil pH or how much sun or shade they can tolerate, you should aim to have a well-draining and fertile soil for your hydrangeas.
Where should you plant hydrangeas in your garden?
Each individual hydrangea variety can have its own preferences but “for the UK, it's best to plant hydrangeas in partial shade, as even though they do love the sun, just not too much of it as it can scorch their incredibly beautiful flowers in summer,” says Andrew White, gardening expert at Rhino Greenhouses Direct.
Ideally, they should also have some shelter too, “so try and plant them in a place that doesn't get exposed to the elements too much, especially particularly windy areas of your garden,” he adds.
Which is the best month to plant hydrangeas?
There are actually two windows during the year when you can plant hydrangeas – in early spring after the last frost and in the autumn. “Planting in spring allows the plants to establish their roots before the summer, while autumn planting gives them time to settle before winter,” Lucie explains.
Essentially, they shouldn’t be planted in the extreme cold and frosts of winter or the extreme heat and humidity of summer. Instead, planting in early spring or autumn should give their roots a chance to establish before they face what might be harsher weather conditions.
When should you prune hydrangeas?
Pruning hydrangeas very much depends on the variety, but doing so ultimately “helps maintain the plant’s shape, encourages healthy growth, and ensures abundant flowering in the next season,” Lucie reveals.
“Hydrangea macrophylla (Mophead and Lacecap) are best being pruned after they flower in late summer or early autumn to encourage new growth, while Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf) is best pruned lightly after flowering, only by shaping the plant or removing dead wood,” Maryam explains. “For hydrangea paniculata and arborescens, prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. These types bloom on new wood so pruning encourages more blooms to grow.”
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