It's no secret that we love hydrangeas here at Wallace's; after all, they're one of Bettendorf's most popular landscaping plants! With their large, showy blooms and vibrant green leaves, hydrangeas can be effortlessly worked into any garden design, making them as versatile as they are gorgeous. In this blog, we're exploring some of our top picks for the Quad Cities, along with a few expert tips and tricks to help you keep them looking fabulous year after year. 

Our Best Hydrangeas

If your search history is full of questions like "What are the best hydrangeas for sale near me?" we've got you covered! Here's what's in stock at the garden center right now: 

 

Panicle Hydrangeas

Panicle hydrangeas are known for their striking cone-shaped blooms that come in shades of white, pink, and even lime green. They are incredibly hardy, making them perfect for the Quad Cities climate. These hydrangeas can grow quite large, providing a dramatic focal point in any garden. Because they bloom on new wood, they are guaranteed to bloom for you every summer. 

Care Tips:

• Soil: Panicle hydrangeas thrive in well-draining, fertile soil.
• Water: Regular watering is crucial, especially during dry spells.
• Sunlight: Panicle hydrangeas prefer full sun to partial shade.

Panicle hydrangeas are ideal for homeowners looking to add a bold statement to their garden. Their large, showy blooms make them perfect for hedges, borders, or even as stand-alone features.

 

Mophead Hydrangeas

Mophead hydrangeas are famous for their large, round flower heads that come in a rainbow of colors, including blue, pink, purple, and white. Their vibrant hues can vary depending on the soil pH, adding an element of surprise to your garden. In Iowa, hydrangeas will be more often pink than blue as our soils tend to be more alkaline.

Care Tips:

• Soil pH: To get blue flowers, ensure your soil is acidic. Try adding Espoma Soil Acidifier to your soil to make it more acidic. For pink flowers, keep your soil more alkaline.
• Pruning: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Mophead hydrangeas are a favorite among gardeners for their versatility and vibrant colors. They are perfect in mixed borders, containers, or as eye-catching stand-alone specimens.

 

Arborescens Hydrangeas

Arborescens hydrangeas, also known as smooth hydrangeas, boast smooth, velvety leaves and clusters of white flowers that resemble snowballs. These hydrangeas are more compact, making them great for smaller gardens. Newer varieties are available in lime, mauve and pink flower colors as well. 

Care Tips:

• Planting: Plant Arborescens hydrangeas in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. Use grow through grid plant supports to keep hydrangea stems from flopping under the weight of the large flowers. 
• Maintenance: Regularly remove spent blooms to encourage new growth.
• Common Issues: Watch for aphids and powdery mildew, and treat them promptly once noticed.

Anyone can appreciate arborescens hydrangeas for their ease of care and ability to brighten up any garden space. Their compact size makes them perfect for foundation plantings or smaller garden beds.

Some Unique Varieties

 

Oakleaf Hydrangeas

Oakleaf hydrangeas are distinctive for their oak-shaped leaves that turn stunning shades of red, orange, and purple in the fall. Their large, white flower clusters add a touch of elegance to any garden.

Care Tips:

• Optimal Planting Conditions: Plant in well-drained soil with dappled sunlight and place your Oakleaf hydrangea in a spot sheltered from harsh winter winds..
• Seasonal Care: Mulch in winter to protect roots from freezing temperatures.

Oakleaf hydrangeas are perfect for gardeners looking to add year-round interest to their landscapes. Their unique foliage and stunning fall color make them a standout choice for any garden.

Climbing Hydrangeas

Climbing hydrangeas are a wonderful way to add vertical interest to your garden. Their beautiful white flowers and lush green foliage can cover walls, fences, or arbors, creating a lush, romantic ambiance.

Care Tips:

• Support Structures: Provide sturdy supports for them to climb on, like trellises or pergolas.
• Training Methods: Train young plants to climb and secure them as they grow.
• Care: Keep their soil consistently moist and provide a balanced fertilizer in spring.

Climbing hydrangeas are perfect for creative gardeners looking to add height and drama to their garden spaces, even adding some winter interest to your landscape with their attractive bark and climbing limbs. Use them to soften the look of a wall or create a beautiful floral canopy over a seating area.

General Hydrangea Care

Soil and Planting:

The success of your hydrangeas starts with the right soil, so ensure your soil is rich in organic matter and well-draining. When planting, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and as deep as the plant was in its pot. We also recommend spacing plants according to their mature size to prevent overcrowding.

Watering and Fertilizing:

Hydrangeas naturally need frequent watering, especially during their first year of growth and dry periods. A deep soak once a week is often sufficient, aiming to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. We also recommend using a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the spring to promote healthy growth and vibrant blooms.

 

Pruning and Maintenance:

Pruning hydrangeas at the right time is crucial for their health and blooming. Panicle and arborescens hydrangeas can be pruned in late winter or early spring, while mophead and oakleaf varieties should be pruned right after flowering. Make your cuts right above a healthy looking bud or growth node. Remove dead or damaged wood and shape your plant to encourage proper air circulation. Allowing the flower heads on your plant to dry on the shrub is a fantastic way to appreciate the beauty of hydrangeas year-round as the flowers will persist until spring.

Hydrangeas are a delightful addition to any Bettendorf garden, offering a variety of shapes, colors, and growth habits to suit any landscape. From the dramatic panicle and mophead varieties to the unique oakleaf and climbing hydrangeas, there's a perfect hydrangea for every garden. By following our hydrangea care tips and hydrangea planting guide, you'll be well on your way to cultivating a stunning, healthy garden. 

So, what are you waiting for? Come down to Wallace's today, and we'll get you started on your own hydrangea journey!