Hydrangea Plant Guide
Hydrangea macrophylla
Spectacular flowering shrubs with massive bloom clusters that last for months. Hydrangeas offer blue, pink, purple, and white flowers in shade or sun.
Quick Facts
Why Grow Hydrangeas
Few plants deliver the visual punch of hydrangeas. Their enormous flower heads — some reaching 12 inches across — bloom for months and transition through beautiful color changes as they age. They thrive in the partial shade that challenges most flowering shrubs, making them invaluable for north-facing gardens and woodland edges.
Popular Types
Mophead (H. macrophylla) produces the classic round flower balls in blue or pink. Lacecap has flat flower clusters with a ring of showy flowers around tiny central blooms — more elegant and naturalistic. Panicle hydrangeas (H. paniculata like 'Limelight') bloom on new wood and are the most cold-hardy. Oakleaf hydrangeas (H. quercifolia) offer fall foliage color and exfoliating bark for winter interest.
Blue vs Pink: Controlling Color
Mophead hydrangea color depends on soil pH. Acidic soil (pH below 6) produces blue flowers. Alkaline soil (pH above 7) produces pink. Add aluminum sulfate to make soil acidic for blue blooms, or add lime for pink. White hydrangeas stay white regardless of pH. Panicle and oakleaf types are not affected by soil pH.
Care and Pruning
Most hydrangeas need minimal pruning. Mopheads and lacecaps bloom on old wood — prune only dead wood in spring. Never cut them to the ground or you'll lose next year's flowers. Panicle hydrangeas bloom on new wood and can be pruned hard in late winter. Water deeply during dry spells — wilting leaves are the first sign of thirst. Mulch heavily to retain moisture.
Companion Plants
Hydrangea pairs beautifully with:
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn't my hydrangea blooming?
Can hydrangeas grow in full shade?
How do I make my hydrangeas blue?
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