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Shrubs

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are deciduous flowering plants known for their abundant clusters of colorful blooms and large, textured foliage. Hydrangeas come in shades of blue, pink, white, and purple, adding beauty and charm to any space.

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Hydrangea bush for sale with blue flowers that are lace cap

What are Hydrangeas?

Hydrangeas are beloved flowering shrubs known for their large, showy blooms and timeless elegance in the landscape. A classic hydrangea bush can add instant curb appeal, seasonal color, and lush texture to garden beds, borders, and containers. There are several popular types—including the mophead-style bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), cone-shaped panicle hydrangea, and the bold, textural oak leaf hydrangea—each offering unique flower forms, colors, and seasonal performance. Whether you're drawn to their ability to change color with soil pH or their long-lasting blooms that span from summer into fall, hydrangeas are a favorite for gardeners of all experience levels.

How to Care For Hydrangeas

Caring for a hydrangea bush is relatively easy with the right conditions. Most hydrangeas thrive in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil and prefer morning sun with afternoon shade, though some varieties like panicle hydrangeas can tolerate more sun than others. Regular watering is key, especially during hot or dry periods—these shrubs love moisture but don’t like soggy roots, so good drainage is a must.

Each hydrangea type has its own personality: Bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) bloom on old wood and may need winter protection in colder climates, while panicle hydrangeas are cold-hardy and bloom on new wood, making them easy to prune and dependable bloomers. Oak leaf hydrangeas thrive in part shade and are prized for their large, lobed leaves that turn brilliant shades of red and bronze in fall. To keep your hydrangeas looking their best, prune according to their blooming habit and apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring.

  • Lots of Pink hydrangea flowers from Endless Summer hydrangeas planted in the landscape

    Which Type of Hydrangea Should I Buy for My Landscape?

    We sell three notably different species: Paniculata, Macrophylla, and Quercifolia. Each type has its strengths in the landscape.

    Hydrangea Paniculata - Panicle Hydrangea

    Paniculata (or Panicle) types include varieties such as the White Wedding Hydrangea. These shrubs are traditionally summer bloomers and are ideal for Full Sun applications. They produce cones of white panicle blooms that age to varying degrees of pink, depending on the breed. This species is known for its fast growth.

    Hydrangea Macrophylla - Mophead Hydrangea

    Macrophylla (or Mophead) selections, like the Bloomstruck Hydrangea and Summer Crush Hydrangea, are perfect for Partial Shade
    gardens. This is the group that features color-changing blooms depending on the soil pH. Lacecap varieties also fall under this category. Some varieties from this species bloom only in summer, while
    others, such as Endless Summer Hydrangea varieties, rebloom from late spring through fall.

    Hydrangea Quercifolia - Oakleaf Hydrangea

    Quercifolia varieties include the Semmes Beauty Oakleaf Hydrangea. This type is perfect for partial Shade gardens, requiring a taller element with attractive white blooms. They bring an indisputable elegance to any landscape. All three types are deciduous, meaning they'll go dormant every winter. Therefore, they're all impressively cold-hardy.

    Do hydrangeas need to be cut back for winter?

    It depends on the type. Panicle hydrangeas, like the White Wedding Hydrangea, and other varieties that bloom on new wood can be pruned in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth. Bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla), such as the Twist-n-Shout® Hydrangea, bloom on old wood and should not be pruned heavily after midsummer. Instead, remove only dead or damaged stems in early spring to avoid cutting off next year’s flowers.

  • Where is the best place to plant hydrangea bushes?

    The best place to plant a hydrangea bush is in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade, ideally with well-drained, rich soil that holds moisture without staying soggy. Most hydrangeas prefer some protection from harsh afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates. They're beautiful planted along foundations, in mixed borders, or as standalone accents in cottage or woodland-style gardens. For smaller spaces or container gardening, compact varieties like the Pop Star® Hydrangea are an excellent choice.

    Do hydrangeas like sun or shade?

    Most hydrangeas thrive in part sun—ideally 4 to 6 hours of morning light with dappled shade in the afternoon. Too much sun can cause leaf scorch, especially in bigleaf hydrangeas, while too much shade can reduce blooming. If you're planting in a sunnier spot, choose a more sun-tolerant variety like a panicle hydrangea, which can handle more direct sunlight and still deliver gorgeous blooms.

Types of Hydrangeas