Hydrangeas 101

Hydrangeas are one of THE most popular plants on the market. They bloom much longer than most plants and typically have blooms so big they tend to droop the branches. In Central Ohio, typically the flowers are white, however pink and blue varieties can be cultivated with lots of extra care. Hydrangeas prefer a shadier site for an overall healthier plant but bloom much better in the full sun. Limelight’s are one of the most commonly used Hydrangea varieties. The flower blooms a lime color, fades to a light pink, and dries to a tan color. Hydrangeas typically start blooming in July and can last until the first frost.

Annabelle Hydrangeas from gardengoodsdirect.com/products/annabelle-hydrangea

Annabelle Hydrangeas are the most common variety. They are more of an old-fashioned farmhouse Hydrangea being about 3 feet tall with round, ball shape, flowers. Annabelle Hydrangeas are almost always white that flower mid-May until mid- summer.

Oakleaf Hydrangeas from marthastewart.com/8098441/oakleaf-hydrangea-grow-care-guide

Oakleaf Hydrangeas get their name from the shape of the leaf. They also flower earlier in the season, like Annabelles. However, Oakleaf Hydrangeas, unlike the other hydrangea varieties, really shine in the fall. Most hydrangea leaves typically just fall off with a pale yellow “fall color”. Oakleaf Hydrangea leaves turn a brilliant purple-red color before falling away for the winter.

Climbing Hydrangeas from needhamsnursery.com/products/hydrangea-anomala-petiolaris-climbing-hydrangea-1-gallon

Climbing Hydrangeas are a wine form that grows slowly, but once established will be beautiful.  They can group up a wall or arbor providing great impact to a plain space.

Hydrangeas are fairly easy to maintain. They do not need much pruning and do not have many insect and disease issues. The shrubs may dieback a bit from Central Ohio winters, thus the plants will typically need some cutting-back early each spring before the buds break open. One big issue for hydrangeas is deer. Deer love to eat hydrangeas. We have found the Oakleaf varieties are eaten less than the other varieties, making them one of our favorite plants to use overall, due to their dependability and long color.

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