There are many jobs that hydrangeas can fill in the garden
Now that the summer months are approaching, it’s time to take a look at a plant that serves multiple purposes: Hydrangea.
Hydrangeas come in many shapes, heights and colors, making them the perfect design plant for most gardens. Hydrangeas are long-lived plants that bloom most of the summer and into fall. Check out some ideas that you can talk about with your clients when it comes to different ways to use hydrangeas in their landscape.
Climbing hydrangea
Climbing hydrangeas have massive vines capable of climbing poles, trees, pergolas, brick walls and other types of supporting structures with ease. These typically grow anywhere from 30 to 80 feet tall and can tolerate pruning to shorter heights. They can also be grown as shrubs. Its vines grow well in full sun or partial shade, and attach to surfaces via tiny roots that can attach to almost any surface. It may take about three to five years for it to fully grow and bloom, but in the end the beauty that emerges is worth the wait.
Photo: Monrovia
Miranda climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea petiularis ‘Miranda’
These vines are vigorous and have variegated foliage that is dark green with yellow to creamy white margins. Fragrant white flowers appear in late spring and early summer, and mature plants can begin to show scaly reddish-brown bark.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
- Full sun or partial shade
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A focal point in container gardens
For those clients who may not yet be ready to dive into full landscape life, suggest this Container gardens. And what better way to make these containers really pop than by adding an array of colorful hydrangeas to the mix? These containers can be placed along walls, on patios, on roofs and more. They will require more of your attention when it comes to care, but just assure your clients that you are more than willing to provide this kind of dedicated assistance. Be sure to check humidity levels daily, as their larger flowers require more water.
Photo: Confirmed Winners
Excited hearts (Hydrangea ‘Horheart’ USPP 22,368)
An interesting two-tone hydrangea, Edgy Hearts blooms in summer with almost heart-shaped petals of light pink edged with white. The plant can be used in mixed borders or garden plots. Its flowers are found on old wood, so it is important to prune it after flowering. It can grow 2 to 4 feet tall and wide.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
- Partial sun to sun
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Add excitement to a formal garden
Your client’s initial idea may be to exclude plants that don’t seem to fit into a “formal” setting, but be sure to tell them not to splurge on hydrangeas. Their large blooms can help amplify the impact of other flowers around them, and with the varieties available, your customers are sure to find some options that keep with the formal style while still adding pizzazz.
Photo: Maria de la Vishniewski/Flickr
Annabelle (planting hydrangea)
These hydrangeas can grow up to 10 inches in size and work well with the geometric lines that typically accompany formal beds. Their color palettes bring silver, white and green to the table and provide a subdued, yet commanding look in the landscape.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 through 9
- Partial shade or sun
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Dress up your slopes
Admit it, you know you’ve been eager to suggest something to your clients on how to spice up that ramp in their yard. Well, look no further than the reliable Cuban. Slopes can be difficult because they are subject to erosion and are not always the easiest terrain to maintain, but hydrangeas are an excellent solution for this. Unless your clients want to keep these plants small, they won’t need much pruning. They will continue to grow and thrive as long as they are in or near an area where they can get enough rainwater Irrigation system.
Photo: Monrovia
Blue witch (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Monmar’ PP #25,209)
The hydrangea that really excels at producing a blue color worth talking about is the Blue Enchantress of Monrovia. These flowers contrast well with the deep ruby stems, and can turn an electric shade of blue if the soil pH is acidic enough. Enchantress is also a frequent bloomer and is ideal for borders and group plantings. It can grow 3 to 5 feet tall and wide
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
- Partial shade to partial sun
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Transitional plants
To reach a point in the landscape where your clients want a clear transition from yard to forest, hydrangeas can serve as the perfect dividing line. Shade-loving hydrangeas can thrive in a woodland environment, but they should be planted away from trees so they don’t have to compete for water. Mix in some native plants or spring-flowering bulbs to make the transition less disruptive and look natural.
Photo: Lana Dick/Flickr
Snowflake, oak leaves, hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Bride’)
These white flowers eventually turn pink and bear oak-like leaves that can turn purple and crimson in the fall. Its flowers will continue to open throughout the summer and will have large flower heads with complex double blooms.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
- Partial shade to full sun
