Monthly Archives: July 2024

Hydrangea Varieties- A Fun and Fascinating Tour of Floral Variety

Hydrangeas Unveiled: A Fun and Fascinating Tour of Floral Variety

Welcome, fellow garden enthusiasts, to the hydrangea extravaganza! Today, we’re diving headfirst into the world of these fabulous blooms that grace gardens with their charm and color. Get ready to learn about different types of hydrangeas in a light-hearted and entertaining way. Let’s roll!

Mophead Hydrangeas: The Glam Queens

Picture this: big, fluffy balls of flowers that look like they belong on a wedding cake. That’s our mophead hydrangea crew. They come in all sorts of shades from powder blue to candy floss pink. These divas love a bit of shade and moist soil to strut their stuff. Perfect for adding a pop of color and a touch of drama to your garden ensemble.

AKA Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)

Overview: Bigleaf hydrangeas are perhaps the most well-known type, cherished for their large, rounded flower clusters and lush foliage. They are often the stars of the garden, providing spectacular color from early summer to fall. PH will change their flower color; acidic soils make them blue and alkaline soils make them pink.

Varieties:

  • Mophead Hydrangeas: These have large, ball-shaped flower clusters and are the classic bigleaf variety most people recognize. Examples: Endless Summer® The Original Bigleaf Hydrangea, BloomStruck® , Summer Crush®, , Let’s Dance® Blue Jangles®
  • Lacecap Hydrangeas: Featuring flat, delicate flower heads surrounded by a ring of showy blooms, lacecap hydrangeas offer a more understated beauty.  Example: Twist-n-Shout®

Care Tips:

  • Sunlight: Prefer morning sun and afternoon shade.
  • Soil: Thrive in moist, well-drained soil.
  • Pruning: Bloom on old wood; prune after flowering to avoid cutting off next year’s blooms. Newer varieties will bloom on old and new wood but it is still best to avoid pruning.

Mountain Hydrangeas: Elegant Yet Approachable

Meet the mountain hydrangeas – the sophisticated cousins of the mopheads. They’re like the hydrangea version of a chic Parisian soirée. What sets them apart? Instead of big, round flower clusters, they sport a delicate arrangement of tiny flowers surrounded by larger, showy ones. It’s like having a floral work of art right in your garden. They prefer a similar lifestyle to mopheads: partial shade and a bit of moisture to keep their delicate demeanor intact.

Overview: Mountain Hydrangeas are naturally found in the mountains making them extremely cold hardy. This means that if bigleaf hydrangeas don’t always bloom reliably for you, a mountain hydrangea might make a much better choice. Though most mountain hydrangeas have lacecap flowers, you’ll still enjoy the fantastic blue, purple, or pink color and handsome glossy foliage you seek in bigleaf types.

Care Tips:

  • Sunlight: Prefer morning sun and afternoon shade.
  • Soil: Thrive in moist, well-drained soil.
  • Pruning: Bloom on old and new wood; pruning should be avoided. They should never be cut or trimmed back, except to remove any dead wood (especially in spring in cold climates). You may safely remove any dead or very old/non-productive stems at the base to increase air flow and enhance the plant’s habit.

Panicle Hydrangeas: The All-Season Performers

Now, let’s talk panicle hydrangeas. These guys are the rockstars of the hydrangea world. They bloom later in the summer and keep the party going well into fall when other hydrangeas are taking a nap. Their cone-shaped clusters start out creamy white and can turn shades of pink, red, or even a sultry burgundy as they mature. They’re easygoing too, thriving in full sun or light shade and tolerating a variety of soil conditions. Talk about low-maintenance cool!

Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)

Overview: The flowers begin as white, but as summer progresses and the days shorten while nights become cooler, they start to change to pink or red tones. The exact color varies by variety; some transition to a new color entirely, while others change gradually, creating a multi-colored effect. These hardy shrubs are more tolerant of sun and can add dramatic height to your garden.

Varieties:

  • ‘Limelight’: Boasts large lime-green flowers that age to pink.
  • ‘Pinky Winky’: Features white flowers that gradually turn pink from the base up.

Care Tips:

  • Sunlight: Can tolerate full sun to partial shade.
  • Soil: Adaptable but prefers well-drained soil.
  • Pruning: Bloom on new wood; prune in late winter or early spring for best results.

 

Oakleaf Hydrangeas: Rustic Charm with Flair

If you’re into foliage as much as flowers, then oakleaf hydrangeas are your soulmates. These beauties boast leaves that resemble – you guessed it – oak leaves, turning fiery shades of red, orange, and purple come fall. Their flowers are elegant panicles of creamy white blooms that add a touch of rustic charm to any garden corner. They like a bit of shade and moist soil to keep those leaves happy and vibrant all season long.

Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)

Overview: Oakleaf hydrangeas are named for their distinctive oak-shaped leaves, which provide fantastic fall color. Their elongated flower clusters add a unique texture to the garden, making them a standout choice.

Varieties:

  • ‘Alice: Features large white flowers that gradually turn pink.
  • ‘Ruby Slippers’: Compact variety with flowers that age from white to deep pink.

Care Tips:

  • Sunlight: Thrive in partial shade.
  • Soil: Prefer rich, well-drained soil.
  • Pruning: Bloom on old wood; prune after flowering.

Climbing Hydrangeas: Nature’s Vertical Artist

Meet the climbing hydrangeas, the botanical explorers that add a touch of whimsy and vertical elegance to any garden landscape. Imagine a plant that not only blooms clusters of white delicate flowers but also scales walls, fences, and trellises with grace and poise. They aren’t one-season wonders, their dark green leaves provide a lush backdrop that gives way to yellow and gold hues come Autumn.

Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris)

Overview: Climbing hydrangeas are perfect for adding vertical interest to your garden. They can cover walls, fences, and trellises with their lush foliage and lacy white flower clusters.

Care Tips:

  • Sunlight: Prefer partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
  • Soil: Like well-drained, fertile soil.
  • Pruning: Prune to control size and shape as needed.

Smooth Hydrangeas: The Bold and Beautiful

Last but not least, we have the smooth hydrangeas, led by the iconic ‘Annabelle’. Imagine giant, snowball-like flowers that make a bold statement wherever they go. These guys are the showstoppers, blooming with huge white flower heads in mid-summer. They’re tough cookies too, handling more sun than their cousins and loving a good drink of water now and then.

Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)

Overview: Smooth hydrangeas are native to North America and are celebrated for their reliability and ease of care. They produce large, rounded flower heads and are excellent for naturalistic gardens.

Varieties:

  • ‘Annabelle’: Famous for its massive, white flower clusters that can reach up to 12 inches in diameter.
  • ‘Incrediball’: Known for its sturdy stems and enormous blooms.

Care Tips:

  • Sunlight: Prefer partial shade but can tolerate more sun with adequate moisture.
  • Soil: Grow well in a variety of soil types.
  • Pruning: Bloom on new wood; prune in late winter or early spring.

Bringing Hydrangeas Home – Let’s Get Planting!

So, there you have it – a whirlwind tour of the hydrangea family. Whether you’re into drama, elegance, all-season bloomers, rustic vibes, or bold statements, there’s a hydrangea type that’s just right for your garden. Go ahead, plant some hydrangeas, and let them dazzle you with their beauty and charm. Your garden will thank you, and you’ll have a blast watching these floral superstars do their thing! Happy hydrangea gardening, everyone!

 

 

Our Favorite Ways to design with Hydrangeas

 Hydrangeas: our favorite ways to use them in the garden 

Here at D.R. Snell Nursery we are passionate about plants and garden design. One plant that consistently steals our hearts and captures the imagination of gardeners everywhere is the hydrangea. With their large, showy blooms and lush foliage, hydrangeas are the stars of any garden. Whether you’re looking to add a pop of color, create a lush privacy screen, or brighten up a shady corner, hydrangeas are the perfect choice. Here are some of our favorite ways to use these versatile beauties in the garden.

  1. Hydrangeas in Planters: Portable Beauty

One of the most delightful ways to use hydrangeas is in planters. This method offers flexibility and allows you to experiment with different placements in your garden or on your patio. Choose planters that complement the colors of your hydrangea blooms. Terra cotta pots provide a rustic charm, while ceramic planters can add a touch of elegance.

Grouping planters of different heights creates visual interest and allows the mass of hydrangea flowers to be displayed at varying levels. The dense clusters of blooms, whether in soft pastels or vibrant hues, add a striking focal point to any space. Plus, having hydrangeas in containers means you can move them around to suit your mood or the changing seasons.

Quick Tips:

Choose a container that is at least 20” in diameter, with appropriate drainage.

Plant with a nutrient dense potting soil; we recommend Gardeners Gold.

Consider using Soil Moist at the time of planting to keep hydrangeas hydrated.

  1. Lining Pathways: A Floral Journey

Imagine walking through your garden along a pathway lined with hydrangeas in full bloom. This vision can easily become a reality by planting hydrangeas along the edges of your garden paths. The rounded, dense flower heads create a sense of continuity and guide the eye, making your garden feel like a whimsical journey.

The texture of the large, lush leaves contrasts beautifully with the delicate petals, adding depth and interest to your landscape. For a cohesive look, choose hydrangea varieties that match or complement your garden’s color scheme. Every stroll down your garden path will feel like a walk through a fairytale.

  1. Illuminating Shady Spaces: Light Up the Dark

Hydrangeas thrive in partial shade, making them the perfect choice for brightening up those dim corners of your garden. Their light-colored blooms can transform a shady spot into a serene and inviting space. The volume and mass of hydrangea flowers bring life and vibrancy to areas that might otherwise be overlooked.

Combine hydrangeas with other shade-loving plants like hostas and ferns to add texture and variety. The interplay of different foliage textures will enhance the overall visual appeal, creating a lush and dynamic environment. You’ll be amazed at how these beautiful blooms can light up even the darkest corners of your garden.

  1. Welcoming Entryway: A Grand Entrance

Create a warm and welcoming entryway by planting hydrangeas near your front door or along the path leading to it. The generous blooms of hydrangeas add a touch of elegance and charm, making guests feel immediately at home. Opt for compact varieties that won’t overwhelm the space but still provide enough volume to make a statement.

Pair hydrangeas with other seasonal flowers or evergreen shrubs to ensure your entryway remains attractive year-round. The line of hydrangeas creates a sense of direction, guiding visitors toward your front door with their inviting presence. Your entryway will be the talk of the neighborhood, exuding beauty and warmth.

  1. Enchanting Hedges: Privacy with Panache

Hydrangeas make for enchanting hedges that offer both privacy and beauty. Their dense foliage and abundant flowers create a lush barrier that is as functional as it is visually pleasing. When planting hydrangea hedges, consider the overall height and width to ensure they fit well within your garden’s design.

The mass and volume of hydrangea flowers can create a stunning backdrop for other garden elements, such as seating areas or water features. Regular pruning will help maintain the desired shape and encourage prolific blooming. With hydrangea hedges, you can enjoy a private sanctuary while surrounded by breathtaking floral beauty.

  1. Designing with Color: A Custom Palette

One of the most exciting aspects of hydrangeas is their ability to change color based on soil pH. This unique trait allows you to play with color in your garden design. Acidic soils produce blue flowers, while alkaline soils result in pink blooms. By adjusting the soil pH, you can create a personalized color palette that enhances your garden’s overall theme.

For a cohesive look, consider planting hydrangeas in groups of the same color. Alternatively, mix and match different hues to create a vibrant and dynamic display. The soft, pastel tones of hydrangeas can complement a cottage garden aesthetic, while vibrant shades can add a pop of color to modern landscapes.

  1. Embracing Texture and Line: Adding Depth

The texture of hydrangea leaves and flowers adds a tactile dimension to garden designs. The large, serrated leaves contrast with the delicate, fluffy blooms, creating a multi-layered visual experience. Incorporate hydrangeas along garden lines to define spaces and create structure.

Use hydrangeas to border a lawn or delineate different garden areas. The flowing lines of hydrangea hedges or mass plantings can soften hard edges and create a more organic, natural look. Their presence adds a sense of continuity and harmony, tying together various elements of your garden design.

  1. Volume and Visual Impact: A Garden Statement

Hydrangeas are unmatched in their ability to create volume and visual impact in a garden. Their large flower heads and bushy growth habit provide a sense of fullness and abundance. Planting hydrangeas in groups enhances this effect, creating a mass of color and texture that draws the eye.

Use hydrangeas to fill empty spaces or to create focal points within your garden. Their sheer volume can transform any area into a vibrant, lush paradise. Whether you’re designing a new garden or enhancing an existing one, hydrangeas will add that wow factor you’re looking for.

Incorporating hydrangeas into your garden design offers endless possibilities for creating a beautiful and inspiring outdoor space. From planters to pathways, shady spaces to entryways, and hedges to color palettes, hydrangeas bring a unique combination of color, mass, texture, line, and volume. Visit our garden center today to explore our wide selection of hydrangeas and get expert advice on making these stunning shrubs the star of your garden. Happy gardening!

10 Hydrangea Design Tips

Hydrangeas are a versatile and beautiful addition to any garden. Here are the top 10 garden design tips to help you incorporate hydrangeas into your landscape:

  1. Choose the Right Variety:
    • Select hydrangea varieties that thrive in your climate and suit your garden’s specific conditions (e.g., soil type, sunlight, moisture). Popular varieties include Hydrangea macrophylla (bigleaf), Hydrangea paniculata (panicle), Hydrangea arborescens (smooth), and Hydrangea quercifolia (oakleaf).
  2. Consider Bloom Color:
    • Some hydrangeas, like bigleaf hydrangeas, can change color based on soil pH. Acidic soil (pH below 6) tends to produce blue flowers, while alkaline soil (pH above 6) yields pink flowers. Test your soil and amend as necessary to achieve the desired color.
  3. Plan for Size and Space:
    • Hydrangeas can range from compact shrubs to large bushes. Make sure to provide enough space for them to grow without crowding other plants. Check the mature size of the variety you choose and plan your garden layout accordingly.
  4. Sunlight Requirements:
    • Most hydrangeas prefer morning sun and afternoon shade. However, some varieties like panicle hydrangeas can tolerate more sun. Place your hydrangeas in spots where they receive the appropriate amount of sunlight.
  5. Soil Preparation:
    • Hydrangeas thrive in well-draining, fertile soil. Enrich the planting area with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility.
  6. Watering Needs:
    • Hydrangeas require consistent moisture, especially during the first year after planting and during dry spells. Mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
  7. Pruning Techniques:
    • Prune hydrangeas to maintain their shape, encourage new growth, and enhance blooming. Different varieties have different pruning requirements. For instance, bigleaf and oakleaf hydrangeas bloom on old wood, so prune after flowering, while smooth and panicle hydrangeas bloom on new wood and can be pruned in late winter or early spring.
  8. Companion Planting:
    • Pair hydrangeas with other plants that complement their growth habit and aesthetic appeal. Ferns, hostas, astilbes, and Japanese forest grass are excellent companions that thrive in similar conditions and add texture and variety to your garden.
  9. Seasonal Interest:
    • Hydrangeas can provide year-round interest. Their large, showy blooms in summer and fall are the highlight, but some varieties also offer attractive foliage and bark in winter. Choose varieties with multi-season appeal to keep your garden vibrant year-round.
  10. Incorporate Hydrangeas into Garden Design:
    • Use hydrangeas as focal points, hedges, borders, or foundation plantings. Their versatility allows them to fit into various garden styles, from cottage gardens to formal landscapes. Experiment with different arrangements and groupings to create visual interest and harmony in your garden.

By following these tips, you can successfully incorporate hydrangeas into your garden design, enhancing the beauty and diversity of your outdoor space.