Hydrangeas

Choosing the right variety of hydrangea for your garden can be a daunting task. We’ve all heard fellow gardeners complain about that stubborn bigleaf variety that failed to bloom for three years in a row, or that panicle hydrangea that soared to 20 feet tall in just one season. Few flowering shrubs inspire as much affection—or as many questions—as hydrangeas. Their billowing blooms, long-lasting color, and varied textures make them a go-to for nearly any landscape, but it’s important to select the right one for the size and location of your yard.

This chapter highlights the pros and cons of the five main groups of hydrangeas: oakleaf, bigleaf, panicle, mountain, and smooth. It also explores special groups of like dwarf varieties and new cultivars that are showing promise. You’ll find insights into native pollinator–friendly selections, top-performing options from trials, and expert recommendations tailored to specific regions—from the Southeast to the Pacific Northwest.

Whether you’re seeking low-maintenance options, winter-hardy selections, or standout foliage and climbing forms, this chapter provides the inspiration and practical advice needed to grow hydrangeas that will always bloom and never get too big. After all, everyone loves hydrangeas, but you don’t want them to swallow your patio.

If you ever worked in a nursery or garden center in spring, you likely heard the following question at least 1 million times, “How do I turn my pink hydrangeas blue?” Although this is the most common inquiry about this popular genus, it’s far from the only conundrum folks have about the wonderful world of hydrangeas. In this chapter our experts write about which hydrangeas don’t get eaten by deer, how to ensure your shrubs always bloom prolifically, and, of course, how to alter the color of those flowers (hint: sometimes you can’t change the hue.) If you’re also wondering about which hydrangeas are best in containers, or how to use the giant panicle types in a border as a focal point, we can help with actionable advice and step-by-step instructions. From design ideas to practical tips on over-wintering frost-sensitive varieties, this chapter addresses all your most pressing concerns. Growing hydrangeas can be complicated, but the following articles can help make it easier.

Pruning hydrangeas can make even very seasoned gardeners cry in frustration. It is one of the most confusing—and often intimidating—tasks. With so many species, bloom times, and growth habits, it’s no wonder pruning mistakes are common. Chances are, if your bigleaf hydrangea hasn’t bloomed in a few years, you may actually be cutting away the flower buds by accident during normal spring pruning. But ignore pruning altogether, and your shrub may become leggy or overgrown. Fortunately, understanding when and how to prune each type doesn’t have to be a mystery.

This chapter breaks down the complexities of hydrangea pruning with clear, expert-backed guidance. Whether you’re dealing with panicle, smooth, or bigleaf varieties, these resources will help you identify your plant type and choose the right pruning technique to maximize its beauty and health. You’ll learn why timing matters, how regional climate influences your approach, and even how to use pruning to shape and revitalize older shrubs.