It’s Hydrangea season! Almost everywhere you look at this time of year you’ll see one kind or another of the Hydrangea family in glorious bloom. Hydrangea is an old fashioned plant with many new and improved cultivars. Some do well in shade, some prefer sun, but all of them bloom during the summer months, bringing pleasure to us at a time when we are likely to be relaxing in our own garden.
These are the ones we recommend:
An Endless Summer and an Annabelle.
Annabelle Hydrangea Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ bears white snowball flowers that open white, fade to green, then pink, then brown. Best in shade. 3-5′
Endless Summer Hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Endless Summer’ bears mounded, mophead clusters that are blue in acidic soil or pink in alkaline soil from July thru October. An annual addition of sulfur or chelated iron brings out the blue color. Best in some shade. 3′
A young Oakleaf in the fall.
Oakleaf Hydrangea Hydrangea quercifolia is native to the US, and bears white cone shaped flowers, with gorgeous foliage shaped like–you guessed it– oak leaves (the photo at right shows a young Oakleaf; the oak leaf shape takes form after about two years). An added bonus: leaves turn a fantastic purplish red in the fall. Best in part to full shade. 3-5′
A hedge of Limelights.
Limelight Hydrangea Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’ bears green cone shaped flowers that open white, turn green, then fade to pink-but all colors may be on the plant at the same time. Very showy! Best in full sun. 4-7′
Tardiva Hydrangea needs room to grow.
The “hydra” in the word hydrangea gives you an idea of what kind of care this plant requires. Water often. If the leaves are looking wilted, it’s become very thirsty. A hydrangea that receives lots of water in the spring (a crucial time when the buds are setting) will reward you with more flowers in the summer.
Look around your garden… sunny or shady, there is a special place for at least one of these summer beauties.
