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How to Choose the Right Hydrangea

Endless Summer Blushing Bride’ Hydrangea macrophylla

Written by Matt Kerske

August 4, 2020

When choosing the right hydrangea, there are a couple things to consider first:

– Will the hydrangea go in full sun, partial sun, or shade?
– What size shrub were you looking for?
– Does you want colorful blooms or just white?

Our staff is happy to help if you need more advice or any help deciding which of these options to go with!

Full Sun Hydrangeas

These hydrangeas can tolerate partial sun but prefer full sun (6-8 hours)

‘Bobo’ Hydrangea Paniculata
‘Bobo’ Hydrangea paniculata – This dwarf flowering bush grows to
about 3’ x 3’ and blooms during the summer with white blooms.
They bloom on new growth and would need to be pruned in late
winter or early spring. These make good border plants and have
strong stems that do not droop with full blooms.

‘Limelight’ Hydrangea Paniculata
‘Limelight’ Hydrangea paniculata – With white summer blooms that eventually turn white and fade to a rosy shade, these grow to about 6’- 8’ x 6’- 8’. They
bloom on new growth and need to be pruned in late winter
or early spring. Stems occasionally need support when in bloom.

‘Little Lime’
‘Little Lime’ Hydrangea paniculata – This is a dwarf form of
the Limelight and grows to about 3’- 5’ x 3’- 5’.

‘Quick Fire’ Hydrangea Paniculata
‘Quick Fire’ Hydrangea paniculata – This bush grows
to about 6’- 8’ x 6’- 8’ and blooms white fading to red into
the fall. They need to be pruned in late winter or early spring.
This hydrangea begins blooming in the summer about
1 month before other summer blooming hydrangeas.

‘Incrediball’
‘Incrediball’ Hydrangea arborescens – This gorgeous white flower grows
to about 5’ x 5’ and is a native type. The
Incrediball is an improved variety of the Annabelle that has larger
white blooms and sturdier stems to support them.
Cut back in late winter to early spring.

‘Annabelle’
‘Annabelle’ Hydrangea arborescens
– These flowers grows to
about 5’ x 5’ and is a native type. These hydrangeas
bloom white and make a nice addition to rain gardens.

Partial Sun Hydrangeas

These hydrangeas can handle shade but prefer partial sun (4-6 hours)

‘Ruby Slippers’ Hydrangea Quercifolia
‘Ruby Slippers’ Hydrangea quercifolia – This is a dwarf hydrangea
that grows to about 4’ x 4’ and blooms white fading to red.
Oakleaf hydrangeas are a native type. Prune after blooming ends in fall.

‘Pee Wee’
‘Pee Wee’ Hydrangea quercifolia – This is a dwarf version that grows to
about 3’ x 3’ and blooms white. Oakleaf hydrangeas
are a native type. Prune after blooming ends in fall.

Alice’ Hydrangea Quercifolia
‘Alice’ Hydrangea quercifolia- This hydrangea grows to about
6’ – 8’ x 6’ – 8’ and blooms white. It is a native variety and is pruned
after blooming ends in fall. This type is known for pest and disease resistance.

‘Snow Queen’
‘Snow queen’ Hydrangea quercifolia – This hydrangea grows
to about 6’ x 6’ and blooms white. It is a native variety and
is pruned after blooming ends in fall.

Shade Hydrangeas

These hydrangeas can tolerate partial sun but prefer full shade

Endless Summer Bloomstruck
‘Endless Summer Bloomstruck’ Hydrangea macrophylla
These beauties grow to about 4’ x 4’ and bloom ranging from
purple to pink depending on pH of soil. More acidic soil makes
them more blueish purple and lime can help them to turn pink.
The endless summer collection can bloom on old and new
growth enabling them to be pruned throughout the year.

Endless Summer Blushing Bride Hydrangea
‘Endless Summer Blushing Bride’ Hydrangea macrophylla-
These grow to about 3’- 6’ x 3’- 6’ and bloom white.
The endless summer collection can bloom on old and new
growth enabling them to be pruned throughout the year.

With any of these hydrangeas, it is important to know that they need a lot of water and will need to be watered regularly the first couple seasons after planting until they are established. The ideal time to plant is in the fall!

Stop by the store to shop, and our knowledgeable staff will be happy
to help find you the perfect plant for your landscape!

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