hydrangea are among the most beloved flowering shrub , look up to for their riotous blooms and vibrant colors . With a wide variety of species and cultivars , these plants can heighten any garden with their unequalled shapes , sizes , and hues . Whether you favour the Graeco-Roman mophead blossom ofHydrangea macrophyllaor the soft lacecap varieties , explore thetypes of hydrangeaswill helper you determine the perfect addition to your landscape painting .
Eachtype of hydrangeahas distinct characteristics , from the towering panicle hydrangeas that flourish in full Dominicus to the tincture - loving climbing hydrangeas that create stunning upright display . Some varieties , like oakleaf hydrangea , volunteer striking foliage transformation in the fall , while others , such as smooth hydrangea , farm massive snowball - like blossom that lighten up any space .
interpret the differenttypes of hydrangeasis key to choose the proper one for your garden . Factors like soil pH , sunshine exposure , and mood conditions all play a role in define which hydrangea will flourish in your environment . This guide will introduce you to 23 sensational hydrangea variety , complete with pictures and identification tip , so you’re able to appreciate their beauty and diversity .

Different Types of Hydrangeas
Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
Bigleaf hydrangea is the most common and wide recognise character of hydrangea . It features large , rounded flower fountainhead known as mopheads or the more frail lacecap varieties . One of its most fascinating traits is its ability to change bloom gloss depend on soil pH — acid grunge bring forth blasphemous blooms , while alkaline land results in pink bloom . Some democratic variety include ‘ Endless Summer ’ and ‘ Nikko Blue , ’ both prized for their vivacious colors and extended bloom sentence .
To care for bigleaf hydrangeas , imbed them in fond tincture with well - draining , moisture - retentive dirt . veritable lachrymation is of the essence , specially in blistering atmospheric condition . These hydrangeas are best suited for USDA hardiness zones 5–9 . add aluminium sulphate can help oneself maintainblue blossom , while linden app encourages pinkish hues .
Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)
Panicle hydrangea are recognise for their cone cell - shaped flower clusters , whichbloom in summeras creamy white and gradually transition to pinkish or reddish tones in the spill . They are more tolerant of full sunshine and colder climate than other hydrangeas , making them a various option for many gardens . Popular varieties let in ‘ Limelight ’ and ‘ Pinky Winky , ’ both appreciated for their showy , long - lasting blooms .
These hydrangeas thrive in well - draining ground with full to fond sunlight pic . They require temperate watering and benefit from annual pruning in former wintertime or other bound to encourage robust growth . Panicle hydrangea are hardy in USDA zones 3–8 , making them ideal for colder regions .
Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)
Native toNorth America , smooth hydrangea are loved for their large , round , snowy flowerheads that resemble snowballs . They are more dusty - hardy than bigleaf hydrangeas and provide a beautiful , classic look in any garden . Popular varieties admit ‘ Annabelle ’ and ‘ Incrediball , ’ known for their tremendous , inflexible blooms .
politic hydrangea fly high in partial to full sun and choose copious , well - drain soil . They expect regular lachrymation , especially in dry condition . dress them back to the land in former winter or early spring promote vigorous growth and turgid flowers . These hydrangea are substantially suited for USDA zone 3–9 .
Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
Oakleaf hydrangea stand out with their unique , oak - shaped leaves and elongated cluster of white bloom that pass to pink as they maturate . In the capitulation , their leaf transforms into sensational refinement of ruby , orangish , or burgundy , adding year - round interest to the landscape . Popular variety include ‘ Snow Queen ’ and ‘ Ruby Slippers . ’
These hydrangeas prefer well - draining , more or less acid soil and thrive in partial spook . They are drouth - tolerant once established and require minimal pruning . Oakleaf hydrangeas are well - suit for USDA zone 5–9 , make them a great selection for various climates .
Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris)
Unlike other hydrangeas , mount hydrangea produce as vine , seize themselves to walls , trellises , or fences with aerial rootlets . They produce arresting white , lacecap - style blossom that create an graceful display in summer . While they take time to establish , once mature , they grow vigorously and postulate little maintenance .
For best results , industrial plant mount hydrangeas in fond to full shade with well - draining , fertile soil . They take consistent wet but are relatively miserable - alimony once established . Hardy in USDA zone 4–8 , these hydrangea bring vertical pastime to any landscape .
Mountain Hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata)
Mountain hydrangea resemble bigleaf hydrangeas but are smaller and more delicate , sport lacecap flowers . They are more cold - hardy than Hydrangea macrophylla , make them an excellent choice for colder clime . Popular varieties include ‘ Tuff Stuff ’ and ‘ Bluebird , ’ known for their resilience and vibrant blooms .
These hydrangeas prefer fond shade and well - draining , hummus - copious soil . Regular tearing is essential , and mulching helps retain moisture . Mountain hydrangea are best suited for USDA zone 5–9 and require minimal pruning to maintain their natural shape .
Hydrangea involucrata
Hydrangea involucrata is admire for its alone blossom structure , featuring mild , bud - like formations that gradually open into delicate heyday . The petals are thin and airy , often display shades of bluish - purple or white , tot up an graceful good luck charm to any garden . A well - have intercourse potpourri , ‘ Yoraku Tama , ’ is particularly cherished for its refined mantrap .
This species thrives in mild climate and prefers moist , well - draining grease . It flourishes in partial shade , requiring steady lacrimation , peculiarly during dry spells . Hydrangea involucrata is best become for USDA zones 6–9 .
Hydrangea aspera (Rough-leaved Hydrangea)
Hydrangea aspera is well distinguished by its gentle yet slightly rough - textured farewell . It bring forth big , eye - catching bloom clusters with a striking demarcation — tiny bluish - royal flower at the centre surround by prominent snowy blooms . This dramatic burden makes it a darling among gardeners . Notable varieties let in ‘ Macrophylla ’ and ‘ Villosa . ’
boom in partial shade , this hydrangea requires consistently moist , well - draining soil to maintain its lush appearing . It grow best in USDA zones 6–9 .
Hydrangea heteromalla (Woolly Hydrangea)
Hydrangea heteromalla is a hardy and adaptable species , valuate for its power to hold up colder climates . It produces cluster of creamy white heyday that bit by bit take on a pinkish hue as they grow , adding seasonal stake to the landscape . Due to its vigorous growth , it is often used as a foundation flora in woodland gardens .
This species thrives in well - draining , damp soil and adapts to various abstemious conditions , from full Lord’s Day to fond spook . It is well - suited for USDA zones 4–7 .
Hydrangea radiata (Silverleaf Hydrangea)
Hydrangea radiata is best eff for the distinctive silvery - whitened underside of its leaves , which creates a shimmering effect when captivate in the breeze . Its delicate lacecap - style whitened bloom add an airy , elegant contact to shaded garden areas , enhancing the overall artistic .
This hydrangea fanfare in partial ghost , preferring humus - productive , well - draining soil . It requires consistent wet to boom and is well - adapt to USDA zones 5–8 .
Hydrangea serratifolia
aboriginal to South America , Hydrangea serratifolia is a vigorous climbing hydrangea capable of attaching itself to wall , trees , or other structures . Its plush greenish leaf provides excellent insurance coverage , making it a great choice for vertical gardens or shaded trellises . The creamy to pale yellow flowers have a elusive fragrancy , adding a hint of elegance to their environs .
This species thrives in well - draining , moist soil and prefers partial shade to full sun . Due to its adaptability , it is well - beseem for USDA zone 7–10 , where it can flourish in meek to warm climates .
Hydrangea davidii
A rare metal money , Hydrangea davidii is primarily found in mountainous part of Asia . It features ticklish lacecap - flair flower cluster in shade of blueish - regal or bloodless , create a soft , understated beauty . Though less commonly cultivated , it is measure for its resilience and unique show .
This hydrangea flourish in cool , moist environments and requires well - draining grunge racy in organic matter . It prefer partial shadowiness and is good suited for USDA zones 6–9 , where it do good from coherent moisture and protection from intense heat .
Hydrangea sikokiana
Endemic to Japan , Hydrangea sikokiana stands out with its deep lobate leaves , giving it a typical foliage grain unlike other hydrangea coinage . It produces little , touchy white or palepink flowersarranged in broad , circularize clump , making it a striking addition to shaded gardens .
This species ask moist , well - draining soil and a coolheaded , shaded environment to thrive . It is best suited for USDA zones 6–9 , where it can thrive in woodland garden or other sheltered locations .
Hydrangea angustipetala
A rare and fragrant lacecap hydrangea , Hydrangea angustipetala is prise for its delicate , thin petals in tone of bloodless or voiced green . Unlike many other hydrangeas , this species is known for its pernicious yet pleasant scent , making it a favorite among aggregator and enthusiasts .
It prefer a temperate , humid climate with well - draining , nutrient - rich soil . Partial shade is ideal for maintaining its touchy blooms . This hydrangea is well suited for USDA zones 7–10 , where it can fly high with steady moisture and protection from harsh sunlight .
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Mariesii’
A highly cosmetic variety of Hydrangea macrophylla , ‘ Mariesii ’ features stunning lacecap efflorescence that can appear in sunglasses of blue or pink , calculate on dirt pH. Its bass unripened , glossy leaves with serrate border provide a lush backdrop for its flashy flowers , raise any garden place setting .
This hydrangea flourishes in fond shade , preferring systematically moist , well - draining soil . It is best suited for USDA zone 6–9 , where it benefits from moderate temperature and regular watering to maintain its vibrant bloom .
Hydrangea integrifolia
Hydrangea integrifolia , also have intercourse as the Entire Leaf Hydrangea , is a climbing evergreen species aboriginal to Taiwan and the Philippines . Unlike most hydrangea , this variety feature shining , leathery leaves measure up to 15 cm in length , provide class - round greenery . It climbs using aerial roots , take it perfect for covering walls , trellises , or large tree diagram .
This species choose partial to full spook , fly high in systematically dampish , well - draining soil . It requires regular watering and tribute from rough sunlight to maintain its succulent foliation . considerably accommodate for USDA zones 7–10 , Hydrangea integrifolia is an first-class choice for shaded garden and vertical landscapes .
Hydrangea chinensis
Hydrangea chinensis is a lesser - known coinage , yet it captivates with its fragile lacecap flowers and elegant growth habit . Native to East Asia , it make clusters of small , pale blue to lavender flowers that blossom gracefully against a backdrop of deep fleeceable foliage .
This species favour cool , humid environs with well - draining filth and partial shade . It requires ordered moisture to thrive and benefits from organic mulch to retain soil humidness . worthy for USDA zones 6–9 , Hydrangea chinensis is an first-class choice for woodland garden and shaded borders .
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’ (PeeGee Hydrangea)
Hydrangea paniculata ‘ Grandiflora ’ , usually known as PeeGee Hydrangea , is celebrated for its large , cone - form flower bunch . These flower come out in virtuous white-hot and gradually transition to a soft pink as they mature , adding dynamical seasonal interest to the landscape . This various industrial plant can be pruned into a small tree diagram or allowed to grow as a large , free - form bush .
One of the hardiest hydrangea , it thrive in full Sunday to fond nuance and is signally tolerant of cold temperature . It prefers well - drain grease and regular lacrimation but can adapt to a variety of conditions . comfortably suited for USDA zone 3–8 , this hydrangea is a resilient and elegant pick for many gardens .
Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snowflake’
A stunning oakleaf hydrangea variety , Hydrangea quercifolia ‘ Snowflake ’ is known for its alone two-fold - flowered blooms . The layered petals make a lush , full show , hold this variety particularly eye - catching . In autumn , its orotund , lobed farewell transform into rich shades of Burgundy wine and deep red , enhancing the seasonal beauty of any garden .
This hydrangea thrive in partial nuance and prefer well - draining soil racy in organic matter . It require regular lachrymation to uphold its health and smasher . adapt to USDA zones 5–9 , it is a arrant addition to forest gardens and shaded edge .
Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’
Hydrangea arborescens ‘ Annabelle ’ is one of the most famous hydrangea varieties , prized for its tremendous , snowball - same bloodless bloom . These flower heads can produce up to 12 inch ( 30 cm ) in diameter , creating a dramatic visual event in the garden . Despite their sizing , the branches remain sturdy , back up the weight of the abundant blossoms .
This fearless bush is well - suited for various climates and can hold tough condition , include frigid winters . It prefers partial shade to full Sunday and thrives in moist , well - draining soil . idealistic for USDA zone 3–9 , ‘ Annabelle ’ is often used as a focal point in landscape painting designs .
























