Assorted Hydrangea

Assorted Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.)

Hydrangeas bring big, showy blooms and an easy, established look that makes beds feel finished fast. Whether you plant them as a foundation shrub, a border anchor, or a patio container feature, they deliver long-season color and strong texture. Flower color and bloom timing vary by type, but most offer a dependable summer display with attractive foliage that carries the plant beyond peak bloom. Because this is an assorted selection, you may receive different hydrangea types, each with its own flower form and pruning needs.

Distinctive Features

Hydrangeas are known for generous flower clusters that can be mophead, lacecap, cone-shaped, or ball-like depending on the variety, with colors commonly ranging from white and green to pink, blue, and purple. Many selections bloom in summer, and some bloom again later, extending the show into early fall. Foliage is typically broad and full, creating a lush backdrop, and some types offer added seasonal interest with peeling bark or fall color.

Growing Conditions

• Sun: Part shade is ideal for most, with morning sun and afternoon shade often producing the best balance of bloom and leaf quality.
• Soil: Rich, well-drained soil that holds moisture evenly, and avoid persistently soggy sites.
• Water: Medium to high, keep soil consistently moist, especially during heat and the first growing season.
• Zones: USDA Zones 3 to 9 depending on the hydrangea type and selection.
• Mature Size: Varies by type, commonly about 3 to 8 feet tall and 3 to 8 feet wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Use a hydrangea as a focal point near an entry or patio where bold blooms can define the space all summer.
• Foundation Planting: Plant along the home for a lush, classic look with strong seasonal flower impact.
• Mixed Shrub Borders: Combine with evergreens and flowering shrubs to build layers of texture and color.
• Hedging and Massing: Repeat plants in groups for a cohesive, high-impact bloom display.
• Containers: Grow compact types in large pots to bring bloom color to decks, steps, and outdoor seating areas.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water deeply during dry spells, since hydrangeas flower and look best with consistent moisture.
• Mulching: Mulch to keep roots cool and help soil stay evenly moist through summer heat.
• Pruning: Prune based on type, since some bloom on old wood and others on new wood, and incorrect timing can reduce flowers.
• Feeding: Feed lightly in spring with a balanced fertilizer or compost to support steady growth and bloom.
• Winter Protection: In colder areas, protect buds with mulch and a sheltered site, especially for types that bloom on old wood.

Why Choose Hydrangea?

• Big Bloom Impact: Large flower clusters create instant presence and a classic garden look.
• Long Season Interest: Many types bloom for weeks, with some offering repeat bloom and attractive aging flowers.
• Landscape Versatility: Works as a foundation shrub, border anchor, hedge element, or container feature.
• Color Range: Offers a wide palette from white and green to pink, blue, and purple depending on type and conditions.
• Reliable Structure: Full foliage and a sturdy shrub form help landscapes look finished even when not in peak bloom.

Hydrangeas are a dependable way to add strong summer color and lush structure to almost any landscape. Give them consistent moisture, rich soil, and the right pruning timing for the type you receive, and they will reward you with years of bold bloom. For the best visual payoff, plant in groups and let the flowers create a clear seasonal moment in your garden.