Siting and Pruning Hydrangea

The showy blooms of the hydrangea are hard to beat for a summertime explosion of color in the garden.  We all remember the big, blue snowball bush of yesteryear.  Now, however, there are new varieties of hydrangea to complement any spot in the garden that can assure continuous bloom and even fall interest.  There are different types of hydrangea, including the mophead, lacecap, oakleaf and panicle, all of which are deciduous.

Here are a few tips for siting and pruning:

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Nikko Blue’ – the traditional hydrangea, blue blooms in acid soil, pink blooms in alkaline soil, grows 3 -5 ft., tolerates part shade, blooms on old wood, so trim in spring about 2 weeks after bloom

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’ – unique, elongated chartreuse blooms in summer change to pink in the fall, regardless of soil pH, grows 6-7 ft., site in sun or part shade, can be trimmed in early spring to boost flower production

Hydrangea macrophylla normalis ‘Blue Lacecap’ – delicate but showy clusters of small blue flowers ringed with larger flowers, blooms throughout the summer, grows 3 -5 ft., tolerates shade

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Endless Summer’ – a new macrophylla that blooms on old and new wood to assure successive color all season, very hardy and mildew resistant, colors range from pink to blue depending on soil pH, grow 3 -5 ft.

Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ – sports large white ‘snowball’ blooms in June and July, grows 3 – 5 ft., blooms on new wood so late winter pruning is feasible, tolerates part shade

Hydrangea anomala petiolaris (Climbing Hydrangea) – a vigorous climber  in shade to part shade, attractive, glossy foliage that adheres itself to mortar or a strong wooden trellis, attractive white blooms May through June, can reach 20 ft., although trimming will contain growth

Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea) – known for its interesting, oak leaf shaped foliage that turns bronze in the fall, elongated creamy blooms, reaches 6 -7 ft., tolerates dry conditions, popular varieties include ‘Snow Queen’ and  ‘Alice’