Hydrangeas might well be called the lazy gardener’s plant. They respond to minimum care by producing a wealth of showy blooms in summer, and in autumn, the foliage and flowers of most species turn to rich colors.
The ones mentioned here usually withstand a temperature of 10° degrees Fahrenheit and Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora as low as 20° degrees Fahrenheit.
Hydrangea Macrophylla
Hydrangea macrophylla is at home among shade-loving shrubs such as skimmia, aucuba, and rhododendron, with perennials such as hosta, astilbe, and ferns.
Plants grow into rounded shrubs 8’ to 10’ feet high but can be kept considerably smaller by judicious pruning.
In the summer, use leaves and the white, pink, or blue flowers for cutting; in fall, cut tinted blooms and store them for winter bouquets.
Hydrangeas Paniculata Grandiflora
H. paniculata grandiflora, the peegee hydrangea, is often seen in old gardens. More tolerant of sun than H. macrophylla, it has several garden uses.
As a shrub or trained as a small tree, it is effective beside a garden gate or against a wall or fence.
The creamy flower heads turn bronze-pink in late summer and are lovely against brick or stone walls.
The autumn-tinted flowers may be dried for winter arrangements. Brushed with gilt, they make an unusual Christmas wreath.
Hydrangeas Quercifolia
H. quercifolia is a 5-foot shrub that grows well in the sun or partial shade. Large handsome leaves resemble those of an oak—hence the name oak-leaf hydrangea.
Give this shrub a prominent place in the garden because its long-lasting summer blooms are followed by rich-colored autumn foliage. Flowers may be dried for winter use.
Hydrangeas Petiolaris
H. petiolaris is an excellent climber with aerial rootlets which cling to walls or other supports. This is a particularly fine plant for covering a shaded wall or fence.
The smooth green leaves and flat clusters of white flowers in June make a handsome background for the Siberian iris, lupine, foxglove, thalictrum, and the naked stems of fall-blooming colchicum. This species will withstand 10° to 20° degrees Fahrenheit.
Handsome Flowers of Hydrangea
Large white flowers of Hydrangea paniculata Grandiflora turn bronze-pink in the late summer.
Grown as a shrub, Hydrangea macrophylla makes a strong accent on this weathered wooden fence. This species grows well in partial shade.
Handsome flowers of Hydrangea quercifolia are borne in spring; leaves turn rich colors in fall.
If heavily pruned, Hydrangea macrophylla can be grown in pots. It is an interesting plant to use with tuberous begonias on a terrace.
44659 by Jeannette Grossman