14 hydrangea tree varieties 🌳🌸 Discovering the blooming stars of the garden (2024)

FAQs

What is the hardiest hydrangea tree? ›

Hydrangea paniculata is one of the hardiest species; it thrives in Zones 4-8.

What is the difference between tree hydrangeas and hydrangea bushes? Tree hydrangeas are technically a shrub just like the bush varieties. They just have a more upright growth habit and can be trained into a tree-like form via pruning.

So, when is the best time to plant hydrangeas? Aim for late spring, well after any danger of frost has passed, or early fall, when night temperatures usher in cooler air. If you garden in a region where the ground freezes, get plants into the ground at least six weeks prior to fall's first killing frost.

Hydrangeas are long-lived shrubs, sometimes living for up to 50 years if properly cared for. They enjoy morning sun but afternoon shade, and they need frequent watering during the growing season. Prune them in the fall after the blooms fade so they can grow on strong stems the following summer.

Panicle hydrangeas are a fantastic choice for adding late-season interest to your garden. As other plants start to fade, panicle hydrangeas burst into bloom, stealing the spotlight with their showy panicles of flowers. Their long-lasting flowers persist well into the fall, extending the beauty of your garden.

Not all plants pair well with hydrangeas. Here are some combinations to avoid: Sunflower prefers full sun and hotter conditions than hydrangeas, which require some shade. Lavender is a sun-loving perennial that performs best in dry conditions and leaner soil, so will not thrive near hydrangeas.

Most of the varieties in Endless Summer will reach 3-4′ wide at maturity. I would give them at last two feet away from the foundation. Or even a little more if you don't want them touching the house.

This is because hydrangeas love the warm morning sun, but they dislike the heat of the afternoon. The best place to plant hydrangeas is in a sheltered location with sunny mornings and shady afternoons. You often find this on the north or south side of your home.

With some pruning and proper care, it can grow up to 25 feet tall! Grandiflora, known among gardeners as Pee Gee Hydrangea, is your best bet for growing a hydrangea tree. Before you plant, set yourself up for success. Check your hardiness zone, as hydrangea trees thrive in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 8a.

When you deadhead hydrangeas, you aren't harming the plants at all. Removing the spent blooms triggers flowering shrubs to stop producing seeds and instead put their energy toward root and foliage development. This makes plants stronger and healthier, so by deadheading, you'll be doing your hydrangeas a favor.

Do hydrangea trees have deep roots? ›

Like many forest plants, Hydrangeas have shallow root systems – this means that their roots do not grow deep, but rather broadly, they remain close to the ground surface. You should therefore dig a very wide planting hole in the flower bed.

All parts of a hydrangea plant are toxic to dogs. Do not leave your dog alone in an area where hydrangeas are located. If your pup is showing signs of mild or severe toxicity, take them to an emergency vet clinic immediately.

Regular hydrangeas bloom once per season, while reblooming varieties produce a second set of flowers later in the season on new stems. For hydrangeas, deadheading is about making the shrubs look neater, and focusing plant growth on roots and leaves instead of seeds.

Water your hydrangeas in the morning before the heat of the sun is strong enough to quickly evaporate soil moisture. Try to avoid watering at night, which can encourage mold and mildew as the moisture sits through the cool night. Water your hydrangeas through the growing season as well as in late fall.

These hydrangeas are able to withstand temperatures as low as -30°F, making them a hardy and reliable addition even in zone 3. Some of the most popular cold hardy hydrangeas include the smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) and panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata).

Oakleaf varieties are the easiest type of hydrangeas for beginners to grow. Why are oakleaf hydrangeas so easy? They aren't picky! Oakleaf hydrangeas can tolerate colder weather, handle more sun, withstand drought, are more disease/pest resistant and grow in sandy soil better than other hydrangeas.

Panicle hydrangeas are cold hardy and drought tolerant

Candelabra™ (Hydrangea paniculata 'Hpopr013', Zones 3–9) is unique due to its larger flowers, which are white and fade to pink. They are also slightly fragrant and able to withstand drought and wilting.

Mophead hydrangeas have significant root hardiness, meaning the plants can survive during really cold winters. But the stems, while somewhat hardy, are not as resilient as the roots.