There are many different types of hydrangeas, including smooth hydrangeas, oakleaf hydrangeas, reblooming hydrangeas, big leaf hydrangeas, and panicle hydrangeas. In this article I will discuss the best hydrangea varieties within each group.
Varieties of Hydrangeas
Smooth Hydrangea Varieties
Annabelle Hydrangea
Growing Zones 4-9
Mature Height: 3 to 4 feet
Mature Width: 5 to 6 feet
Sunlight: Sun to Part Shade
Description: This stunning bush has huge white pouf blooms that grow up to 12 inches across! These amazing flowers bloom and rebloom from summer to fall. A similar white hydrangea variety is the Incrediball hydrangea.
Invincibelle Ruby Hydrangea
Growing Zones 3-9
Mature Height: 3 to 4 feet
Mature Width: 2 to 3 feet
Sunlight: Sun to Part Shade
Description: This little gem of a hydrangea is pure romance. The large ruby bloom clusters have individual flowers that are backed with deep wine red and kissed with pink and white on the front.
Oakleaf Hydrangea Varieties
Alice Oakleaf Hydrangea
Growing Zones 5-9
Mature Height: 8 to 10 feet
Mature Width: 6 to 10 feet
Sunlight: Sun to Shade
Description: Oakleaf hydrangeas have wonderful oak-like leaves and long conical flowers. The fall foliage of the fast-growing ‘Alice’ shines with deep purples and reds. The white flowers bloom in summer.
Ruby Slippers Oakleaf Hydrangea
Growing Zones 5-9
Mature Height: 3 to 4 feet
Mature Width: 4 to 5 feet
Sunlight: Sun to Part Shade
Description: This dwarf oakleaf hydrangea has bold blooms that are white and red. Enjoy the ruby red display in autumn.
Big Leaf Hydrangea Varieties
Cityline Paris Bigleaf Hydrangea
Growing Zones 5-9
Mature Height: 1 to 2 feet
Mature Width: 2 to 3 feet
Sunlight: Sun to Part Shade
Description: This miniature hydrangea is perfect for containers and the smallest spaces! It only grows 1 to 3 feet tall and wide at maturity! The color ranges from pink to purple to blue depending on the acidity of your soil.
Glowing Embers Hydrangea
Growing Zones 6-9
Mature Height: 4 to 5 feet
Mature Width: 4 to 5 feet
Sunlight: Part to Full Shade
Description: Enjoy pink to red blooms throughout summer and fall. This is one of the many new varieties of hydrangeas on the market with pest and disease resistance
Nikko Blue Hydrangea
Growing Zones 6-9
Mature Height: 3 to 4 feet
Mature Width: 4 to 5 feet
Sunlight: Sun to Part Shade
Description: The Nikko is a popular blue hydrangea that is extremely low maintenance. Be sure your soil is acidic to maintain that amazing pure blue color.
Reblooming Hydrangea Varieties
Blushing Bride Hydrangea
Growing Zones 4-9
Mature Height: 3 to 4 feet
Mature Width: 3 to 4 feet
Sunlight: Part Shade
Description: This pretty little white hydrangea blushes pink or blue depending on your soil acidity. Either way it is irresistibly charming! With flowers for months, this hydrangea is a must have.
Endless Summer Hydrangea
Growing Zones 4-9
Mature Height: 3 to 4 feet
Mature Width: 4 to 5 feet
Sunlight: Part Shade
Description: The Endless Summer hydrangea is one of the most popular hydrangeas of all time. It is the ‘Original’ from the Endless Summer collection.
L.A. Dreamin’ Hydrangea
Growing Zones 5-10
Mature Height: 4 to 5 feet
Mature Width: 4 to 5 feet
Sunlight: Sun to Part Shade
Description: This hydrangea has huge multi color blooms that bloom on new and old wood. ‘L.A. Dreamin’ blooms throughout the summer and fall.
Pistachio Hydrangea
Growing Zones 5-9
Mature Height: 2 to 3 feet
Mature Width: 3 to 4 feet
Sunlight: Part Shade
Description: This disease resistant macrophylla hydrangea is a site to behold. It’s phenomenal flowers boast a rainbow of color from green and blue to pink and purple!
Panicle Hydrangea Varieties
Little Lime Hydrangea
Growing Zones 3-8
Mature Height: 4 to 5 feet
Mature Width: 4 to 5 feet
Sunlight: Sun to Part Shade
Description: The Little Lime is the dwarf version of the popular Limelight Hardy hydrangea. This small hydrangea has large white to green conical blooms.
Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea
Growing Zones 4-8
Mature Height: 4 to 5 feet
Mature Width: 3 to 4 feet
Sunlight: Sun to Part Shade
Description: This First Edition’s plant is a dwarf version of the Vanilla Strawberry hydrangea. The pretty white to pink flowers have a long bloom period, from midsummer through fall.
Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea
Growing Zones 4-9
Mature Height: 6 to 8 feet
Mature Width: 4 to 5 feet
Sunlight: Sun to Part Shade
Description: This popular hydrangea has amazing large white blooms that turn pink to red as the season progresses. This gorgeous hydrangea is disease resistant, hardy, and easy to grow.
Now you know about some of the very best varieties of hydrangea on the market. Hopefully you have found the perfect hydrangea plant for the perfect spot in your yard. Happy planting!
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