Hydrangea Care

Hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs or small trees. They are grown for their beautiful domed or flattened flowers which appear in mid-summer for a month.

The flowers normally consist of a mass of fertile flowers surrounded by infertile flowers which give the hydrangea its large flower heads. Some varieties however have almost all sterile flowers.

Hydrangea arborescens and quercifolia are natives of North America, Hydrangea serratifolia is native to South America. The remainder of hydrangeas are natives East Asia.

Recommended for the amateur and experienced gardener.

Key Hydrangea Facts

Botanical Name Hydrangea

Common Name Lacecap, Mop head, Oak leaf

Type Deciduous shrub or small tree; summer flowering.

Size
(after 5 years) Varies considerably depending on the variety

Position Full sun or partial shade depending on variety.

Soil Light and well-drained

Hardy Yes but depends on the variety

Flower Blue, pink or white

Foliage Mid green

Scent No

Season of
Interest Summer.

Propagate Greenwood cuttings when flowers are dying or by layering,

Hydrangeas which are either blue or pink are dependant on the level of acid in the soil for their colour. The deepest blue flowers are grown on acid soils whereas the pink flowers come from neutral to alkaline soil.

Click on the link below to our next hydrangea page. The complete set of pages will describe how to care for and prune your hydrangeas. We have a section on hydrangea pest and disease plus our unique hydrangea picture gallery.

NEXT PAGE HYDRANGEA VARIETIES

Links to Other Garden Sites || Privacy Policy