Hydrangea Demystified
- Elliott's Garden Center
- Mar 4
- 2 min read
Why Isn't My Hydrangea Blooming?
Which Hydrangea do you grow?
Hydrangeas Demystified
Which Hydrangea do you grow?
There are six main types of hydrangeas
commonly grown in North American gardens.
Hydrangea Fun Fact:
There are about 49 species of hydrangeas. Four species are native to North America, including smooth hydrangea and oakleaf hydrangea.
Color
All hydrangeas undergo some color change as their flowers age, but only bigleaf and mountain hydrangeas can change their color in a predictable, controllable way. It is not solely the pH of the soil that is responsible for this change – it is actually the presence of aluminum in the soil.
Certain varieties of bigleaf hydrangeas cannot change color. The rich red blooms of Cityline® Paris hydrangea are a good example. Similarly, white varieties of bigleaf hydrangea will not change color.
It is easier to change a hydrangea from pink to blue than from blue to pink, but both endeavors involve making chemical application in specific amounts at specific times. A soil test is necessary to determine the best course of action. If you decide to try to change the flower color, shop for products carefully and read all directions.
Pennies, nails, aluminum foil, or coffee grounds in the soil will not change the color!
Tips for Success
Moist but well-drained soil (hydrangeas will not tolerate wet feet – ever!)
Some sun each day. Most people think of hydrangeas as shade plants, but they look and flower best with at least four hours of sun, ideally in the morning. Panicle hydrangeas are the most sun tolerant, and can take full sun in northern climates.
Plenty of water, especially as they are getting established. Hydrangeas have shallow roots, so they dry out quickly. A two to three inch layer of shredded bark mulch is a useful addition to any hydrangea planting.
Hydrangea Fun Fact
Hydrangeas are notoriously water-needy, but the “hydra” part of their name actually refers to the seed capsules’ resemblance to ancient Greek water-carrying vessels.