Hi everyone! Welcome back to the Wallace's Garden Center blog. This is Kate from Wallace's Garden Center here in Bettendorf, Iowa. Today, we're diving into one of the most popular topics among gardeners—hydrangeas!
It's hydrangea season, and these beautiful shrubs are starting to bloom both in our yard and here in the nursery. Hydrangeas are our number one selling shrub, primarily because they are awesome bloomers, extremely hardy, and reliable for Midwest gardens. They add vibrant color and interest to any landscape.
Clearing Up the Confusion
Despite their popularity, hydrangeas can be quite confusing. There are just so many varieties, and there is a lot of mixed information out there. Even industry professionals can sometimes be unsure about which hydrangeas prefer sun or shade or when and how they should be pruned. Today, I’m going to debunk some of the common misconceptions and answer your most pressing hydrangea-related questions. Let's get started!
Types of Hydrangea
To begin with, there are six different categories of hydrangeas:
- Mophead Hydrangeas
- Smooth or Annabelle Hydrangeas
- Panicle or PG Hydrangeas
- Oakleaf Hydrangeas
- Climbing Hydrangeas
- Mountain Hydrangeas
In this blog, we'll focus on the three most popular types: Smooth Hydrangeas, Mophead Hydrangeas, and Panicle Hydrangeas.
Smooth Hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens)
Smooth hydrangeas are old-fashioned plants you may remember from your grandparents' garden, with Annabelle Hydrangea being the most famous variety. They have large, ball-shaped flowers, traditionally white, but now available in newer colors like pink and lime. These hydrangeas can tolerate some shade and are perfect for shady garden spots.
Pruning Tips for Smooth Hydrangeas
- They bloom on new wood, meaning new stems and flower buds are produced each season.
- You can prune them back halfway in the fall or down to about 8-10 inches if you prefer shorter plants.
- If you miss fall pruning, you can do it in early spring before the new growth starts.
Mophead or Reblooming Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla)
Mophead hydrangeas are the most confusing and misunderstood type. They have stunning colors and a place in any landscape once you understand their growth habits. These hydrangeas can bloom on old wood, new wood, or both, which means their flower buds for the next year are set in the fall. Unfortunately, cold winters can kill these buds, resulting in beautiful foliage with no flowers if you have one of the older varieties.
Pruning Tips for Mophead Hydrangeas:
- Avoid pruning these in the fall or spring as it will cut off the flower buds.
- Simply deadhead spent blooms and cut out dead wood in the spring.
Color Manipulation
- Mophead hydrangeas can change color based on soil pH.
- Use a soil acidifier to turn pink blooms blue, adding it to the soil every spring and fall.
Panicle or PG Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata)
Panicle hydrangeas are the most versatile and resilient types, thriving in full sun and even in drought conditions once established. They have cone-shaped flowers that transition from white to various shades of pink and red as the season progresses. This variety suits any garden setting, from small to large, sunny spots to partial shade.
Pruning Tips for Panicle Hydrangeas:
- They bloom on new wood, making them reliable bloomers every year.
- Prune them back in the fall or early spring; cutting back to the ground is also an option.
General Hydrangea Care
Regardless of the type, hydrangeas are relatively low-maintenance plants. Follow these general care tips for best results:
- Water new shrubs with 1.5 to 2 inches of water or rain per week.
- Prune out dead wood in the spring.
- Fertilize once a year.
By following these guidelines, your hydrangeas will reward you with spectacular blooms season after season.
We hope this information helps you better understand and care for your hydrangeas. Feel free to visit Wallace's Garden Center in Bettendorf, Iowa, for more tips, plants, and gardening supplies!
Happy gardening!
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Visit Wallace’s Garden Center for more gardening tips and a wide selection of hydrangeas and other plants suitable for Midwest gardens. Don't forget to bring your questions—we’re here to help you make your garden flourish!
