Hydrangeas
Common Questions about Hydrangea
Where do Hydrangeas like to grow?
Hydrangeas prefer moist, well-drained soil that has been amended with pine soil conditioner or peat moss. Full sun or part shade is preferred. Moisture is a necessity as plants tend to wilt in hot dry sites and will not perform well.
Why is my blue hydrangea pink?
Flowers in some cultivars are strongly affected by the pH of the soil in which they are grown. The color range depends on the cultivar but the bluest shades are always produced in the most acidic soils. By adding Soil Acidifier, you will get blue flowers on your hydrangea. Adding lime will help turn your flowers pink. A range of 5.0 to 5.5 is listed as satisfactory for inducing blue coloration while a pH 6.0 to 6.5 and higher is best for pink coloration.
Why doesn’t my Hydrangea bloom?
Some hydrangeas bloom from old wood—meaning the previous year’s growth is what produce the flowers. If any of this old wood has been trimmed back, or died through the winter then the likelihood of flowers the next year are slim. To keep hydrangeas these flowering, we recommend selective pruning and using Super Phosphate to encourage blooms.
Hydrangea Varieties
Hydrangea arborescens – native species found growing in damp, shady areas of central and southern Ohio. Will flower in deep shade.
- a. ‘Annabella’ a cultivar with large 12” flowers adaptable to sunny and partially shaded sites. 4’ x 4’
Hydrangea macrophylla – the majority of familiar cultivated hydrangeas are derived from this species..
- m. ‘All Summer Beauty’ large flower heads of blue or pink all summer. Blooms on old wood 3’ x 3’
- m. ‘Endless Summer’ large flower heads of blue or pink on new or old wood. Flowers all summer. 3.5’ x 3.5’
- m. ‘Blushing Bride’ large flower heads of pink on new or old wood. Flowers all summer. 3.5’ x 3.5’
- m. ‘Big Daddy’ 12-14” large flower heads blue or pink on new and old wood. Flowers all summer long. 5’ x 6’
- m. ‘Forever Pink’ rich clear pink flowers on old wood. 3’ x 3’
- m. ‘Glowing Embers’ large fluorescent pink to red flowers on old wood. Compact plant habit. 3’ x 3’
- m. ‘Twist and Shout’ a lacecap variety with flower heads of blue or pink. 3’ x 3’
Hydrangea paniculata – flowers on new wood and likes the same conditions as other hydrangeas.
- p. ‘Limelight’ flowers open to a lime green color. 6’ x 6’
- p. ‘Little Lamb’ smaller and more compact version of P.G. hydrangea. 6’ x 6’
- p. ‘Pink Diamond’ large 8” x 12” lacy flowers in July/August. Turns pink later in the season. 6’ x 6’
- p. ‘Tardiva’ large showy white clusters on strong upright stems. 6’ x 8’
- p. 'Quickfire' large white clusters of flowers turning pink with age. Nice red stems contrast the green leaves. 6' x 6'
Climbing Hydrangea – an attractive vine or ground cover with large flat flower heads with white blossoms. Flowers in late June. These plants are somewhat slow to develop after transplanting, requiring rich, well drained, moist soil in full sun or partial shade. For best results, plant so that the root system is in a cool soil environment.
Oakleaf Hydrangea – large, coarse textured oak leaf foliage with large white flowers in June. These plants require moist, fertile, well drained soil in sun or partial shade. Mulch to maintain a cool, moist root environment. Prune after flowering as plants bloom on old wood and buds form the prior year.
- ‘Snow Queen’ an improved selection with large, pure white flowers. 6’ x 5’
- ‘Alice’ flowers are white and 10 to 12” long. 6’ x 6’
- ‘Sikes Dwarf’ low growing form. 3’ x 3’
- ‘Pee Wee’ low growing form. 3’ x 3’
