Guide to Hydrangea Varieties Around the World
Hydrangeas are beloved flowering shrubs known for their vibrant blooms and versatility in gardens. Native to Asia and the Americas, they have been cultivated globally, resulting in numerous varieties suited to different climates and aesthetics. This Landmark Florist guide explores key hydrangea species and their popular varieties, highlighting their characteristics and regional significance.
1. Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf Hydrangea)
Origin: Native to Japan and Korea.
Characteristics: Known for large, rounded flower heads (mopheads) or flatter clusters (lacecaps). Blooms in shades of blue, pink, purple, or white, often influenced by soil pH.
Popular Varieties:
Endless Summer: A reblooming mophead with blue or pink flowers, widely grown in temperate regions like North America and Europe.
Nikko Blue: A classic mophead with deep blue blooms, popular in Japan and North America.
Glowing Embers: A vibrant pink mophead, favored in warmer climates like Australia.
Global Appeal: Common in temperate gardens worldwide, especially in the United States, Japan, and Western Europe, due to its adaptability and color-changing ability.
2. Hydrangea paniculata (Panicle Hydrangea)
Origin: Native to East Asia, particularly China and Japan.
Characteristics: Features conical flower heads that shift from white to pink or bronze as they age. Hardy and sun-tolerant.
Popular Varieties:
Limelight: Large, lime-green blooms turning creamy white, popular in North America and Europe for its bold look.
Pinky Winky: Two-toned flowers (white and pink), widely planted in colder regions like Canada and Russia.
Grandiflora (PeeGee): A historic variety with large white blooms, common in East Asian and North American gardens.
Global Appeal: Thrives in colder climates, making it a favorite in northern Europe, Russia, and northern North America.
3. Hydrangea arborescens (Smooth Hydrangea)
Origin: Native to the eastern United States.
Characteristics: Produces large, white, snowball-like blooms. Tolerant of shade and cold winters.
Popular Varieties:
Annabelle: Known for its massive white flower heads, a staple in North American gardens.
Incrediball: An improved version of Annabelle with stronger stems, popular in the U.S. and Canada.
Global Appeal: Primarily grown in North America but gaining traction in Europe for its shade tolerance and low maintenance.
4. Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea)
Origin: Native to the southeastern United States.
Characteristics: Distinctive oak-shaped leaves and conical white blooms that turn pink or burgundy in fall. Excellent for fall color.
Popular Varieties:
Snow Queen: Large, showy white blooms, widely planted in the U.S. and parts of Europe.
Alice: Noted for its large flowers and vibrant fall foliage, popular in North America.
Global Appeal: Primarily used in North America and parts of Europe for its unique foliage and autumn interest.
5. Hydrangea serrata (Mountain Hydrangea)
Origin: Native to Japan and Korea.
Characteristics: Smaller, more compact than H. macrophylla, with delicate lacecap flowers. Often used in traditional Japanese gardens.
Popular Varieties:
Bluebird: Blue lacecap flowers, a favorite in Japan and increasingly popular in Western gardens.
Tuff Stuff: A reblooming variety, gaining popularity in North America for its resilience.
Global Appeal: Strongly associated with Japanese and Korean gardens but increasingly cultivated in Europe and North America for its compact size.
6. Hydrangea aspera (Rough-Leaved Hydrangea)
Origin: Native to China and the Himalayas.
Characteristics: Features large, fuzzy leaves and lacecap flowers with a wild, natural look.
Popular Varieties:
Villosa Group: Purple or blue flowers with white centers, popular in the UK and parts of Asia.
Macrophylla: Large leaves and flowers, used in ornamental gardens in China and Europe.
Global Appeal: Less common but prized in Asia and Europe for its unique texture and exotic appearance.
Regional Cultivation Notes
Asia: Japan and Korea lead in H. macrophylla and H. serrata cultivation, with varieties like Nikko Blue and Bluebird deeply embedded in traditional garden designs. China cultivates H. aspera and H. paniculata for ornamental and medicinal purposes.
North America: H. macrophylla (Endless Summer) and H. arborescens (Annabelle) dominate due to their adaptability to diverse climates. H. quercifolia is a favorite in southern states for its fall color.
Europe: H. paniculata (Limelight) and H. macrophylla are widely grown in temperate regions like the UK, France, and Germany. H. aspera is popular in specialized gardens.
Australia and New Zealand: H. macrophylla varieties like Glowing Embers thrive in milder climates, with increasing interest in H. paniculata for sunnier gardens.
South America: Hydrangeas are less common but grown in temperate regions like southern Brazil and Argentina, with H. macrophylla being the most popular.
Care Tips
Soil: Most hydrangeas prefer well-drained, moist soil. H. macrophylla’s bloom color can be adjusted by altering soil pH (acidic for blue, alkaline for pink).
Light: H. macrophylla and H. serrata prefer partial shade, while H. paniculata and H. arborescens tolerate full sun.
Pruning: Prune H. macrophylla and H. serrata lightly after flowering; H. paniculata and H. arborescens can be pruned heavily in late winter.
Climate: Select varieties based on local climate—H. paniculata for colder regions, H. macrophylla for milder ones.
Florist guide
Hydrangeas offer a stunning array of varieties suited to diverse climates and garden styles worldwide. From the vibrant mopheads of Japan to the hardy panicles of northern Europe, there’s a hydrangea for every garden. By understanding their unique traits and regional preferences, gardeners can select the perfect variety to enhance their landscapes.
