Hydrangea is a well-known plant that blooms beautifully. The flower heads can provide months of color in the garden and they often smell wonderful. It is therefore no surprise that hydrangeas can be found en masse in gardens and on patios. There are now all kinds of different species of hydrangeas grown. Some bloom on new wood, others on old wood. Some grow large, others remain quite small. In short: plenty of varieties and choices to make. Here are examples of 6 different types of hydrangeas.
1. Hydrangea Macrophylia (farmer’s hydrangea).
The Macrophylia is the best known of all hydrangea species. In the past you usually saw the plants in a border along farms. Nowadays you find them everywhere. The plant grows best in partial shade and can become quite large. The farm hydrangea blooms on old wood and has large umbels. It can bloom with pink flowers, but if the soil has a different PH value (acidity), it can also bloom with purple or blue flowers.
2. Hydrangea Serrata (mountain hydrangea).
The mountain hydrangea looks a bit like the country hydrangea and is sometimes confused with it. The difference is mainly in the flower heads. The umbels of the mountain hydrangea have a typical division with very small flowers in the middle and larger flowers along the edge. The leaf of the Mountain hydrangea is also somewhat different than that of the Farm hydrangea: it is somewhat darker and often has a brown edge. The plant blooms, just like the farmers hydrangea, on old wood.
3. Hyndrangea Anomala (climbing hydrangea).
The climbing hydrangea has a very special way of growing. Most hydrangeas grow from a root portion and remain in that spot their entire lives. But climbing hydrangeas are less base-attached. They develop adhesive roots, offshoots that can attach themselves to all surfaces. So they can also grow up along walls and fences. The climbing hydrangea can grow up to 4 meters. The inflorescence is the same as that of the mountain hydrangea and it also blooms on old wood.
4. Hydrangea Arborescens (tree hydrangea).
Why this plant is called tree hydrangea is not clear. Perhaps because the species is often found under trees or because it can also grow on trunks. This hydrangea is very popular because it blooms on new wood. So you can prune the plant back completely every year. The inflorescences are striking: huge white spheres that bloom beautifully for months.
5. Hydrangea Paniculata (panicle hydrangea)
Like the tree hydrangea, the panicle hydrangea also blooms on new wood. This hydrangea is recognizable by its typical panicle-shaped flowering, which differs from the normal round flowering of the hydrangea. The panicle hydrangea also comes in quite small variants, making it popular for smaller gardens. You’ll also see it a lot in parks.
6. Hydrangea Quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea)
The Oakleaf Hydrangea can be distinguished from the other species because it has striking leaves. They are deeply incised and look somewhat like oak leaves. The flowers are also striking: they grow in the shape of cones. The plant grows best in the semi-shade. If it is in a lot of sun, the flowers will take on an autumnal brown color which can also be very beautiful. This hydrangea grows on old wood. Flower bulbs are often placed under the plant in the fall. In the spring, part of the plant is pruned back and beautiful spring flowers appear underneath.
Hydrangeas come in many shapes and sizes. It depends largely on your style and taste which hydrangea suits you best. Still not sure what you want? Then it is good to take a look at a garden center.