Gardening Made Easy

Better Homes and Gardens

Hydrangeas

Vanilla Strawberry page 11

Grow flowers that change colors Best varieties for sun and shade 4 hydrangea garden plans Plus top tips for growing gorgeous blooms

Snow Queen page 13

annabelle page 15

Bouquets on a bush

Gardening Made Easy

Better Homes and Gardens

Hydrangeas
Contents
Mophead Hydrangeas 4 Lacecap Hydrangeas 6 Reblooming Hydrangeas 8

This shade-loving beauty offers huge bouquets of clustered flowers in various arrangements from mophead to lacecap from summer through fall. Varieties differ in size of plant and flower panicle, flower color, and blooming time. Peegee hydrangeas grow into small trees; the flowers turn russet and cling into winter. Oakleaf hydrangeas have the most handsome foliage, which reddens dramatically in fall. Some of the newer hydrangeas feature huge flowers on compact plants, ideal for containers and small gardens. Hydrangeas thrive in a moist, fertile, well-drained soil in partial to full shade. If youre seeking blue flowers, check your soils pH level and apply aluminum sulfate in spring to lower pH to the 5.25.5 range. The change in flower color results from lower pH and higher aluminum content in the soil.

Hydrangeas: Bouquets on a Bush 3

Hydrangea paniculata 10
Oakleaf Hydrangeas 12 Smooth Hydrangeas 14 Climbing Hydrangeas 16 Hydrangea Garden Plans 18
varieties clockwise: Blushing Bride, Cityline Berlin, and Endless Summer

Garden Doctor Q&A 22

Hydrangeas at a glance

Better Homes and Gardens Gardening Made Easy Hydrangeas (ISBN 978-0-696-30014-1). Better Homes and Gardens Gardening Made Easy Hydrangeas is published by Meredith Corp., 1716 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309-3023. COPYRIGHT MEREDITH CORP. 2010. All rights reserved. Printed in China.

Light: Part Sun, Shade Zones: 49 Plant Type: Shrub Plant Height: 318 feet tall Plant Width: 318 feet wide Landscape Uses: Containers, Beds & Borders, Slopes Special Features: Flowers, Attractive Foliage, Fall Color, Winter Interest, Cut Flowers, Dried Flowers, Easy to Grow

Mophead Hydrangeas
Mophead-type hydrangeasthe ones with the big, puffy balls of flowers lend grace and old-fashioned elegance to the garden. Theyre beautiful cut flowers and dry well too. Many offer outstanding fall color to boot. Most mopheads bloom in June and July on last years branches. This makes the plants susceptible to winter damage (the flower buds freeze and die). Late-spring frosts can also kill buds before they open.

MOPHead Hydrangeas FOr yOUr yard & garden

Mophead hydrangeas are what most people think of when they think of hydrangeas. Most mopheads bloom in shades of blue or pink. These shrubs bear large balled blooms and make colorful hedges and foundation plantings.

HydranGEa MacropHylla Lemon DaDDy

Has golden-yellow foliage and clusters of blue or pink flowers. It grows 4 feet tall. Zones 59

clusters of blue or pink flowers. It grows 5 feet tall. Zones 69

HydranGEa MacropHylla Big DaDDy Produces huge

flower color throughout the seasonpetals begin pink and finish emerald green with pink tips. Zones 58

HydranGEa MacropHylla oPaL offers a range of

FlOwers tHat cHange cOlOrs!

Like many other blue or pink hydrangeas, the soil pH will make the blooms appear more blue or pink. The more acidic the soil is, the bluer the flowers will be; the more alkaline it is, the pinker the flowers will be. Use soil sulfur or aluminum sulfate to make the soil acidic for blue flowers or add dolomitic lime for pinker flowers. Look for these products at your local garden center. Read the packaging directions to determine how much of the product to use in your garden. HydranGEa sErrata PreZioSa features summer HydranGEa MacropHylla BLUe BonneT offers
brilliant periwinkle blue flower heads. Plants grow 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide. Zones 69

How to grow

Mophead hydrangeas typically thrive in morning sun and afternoon shade. They prefer moist, well-drained soil thats full of organic matter. Keep them looking good by watering them during periods of drought. Otherwise the leaves may turn brown and crispy.

flowers with rich pink flowers that mature to a deep crimson. Bushy 3-foot plants excel in full sun. Zones 58

HydranGEa MacropHylla Forever Pink produces large clusters

of pink flowers. Vigorous plants grow 4 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Zones 59

How to Prune

Because these hydrangeas bloom only once a year, the best time to prune them is right after they finish flowering. By late summer theyve already started making next years blooms.
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lacecap Hydrangeas
These beautiful hydrangeas have a more refined appearancethey have a cluster of tiny blooms ringed by starry, bigger ones. Like mopheads, they bear flowers on last years branches and are also good picks for adding fall color to the garden.

lacecaP Hydrangeas FOr yOUr yard & garden

Lacecap hydrangeas offer loose and graceful flowersand are considered more subtle than their bigger-bloomed relatives, the mopheads. Lacecaps fit naturally into any garden or landscape location and look lovely planted with other flowering trees and shrubs.

pale pink flowers on a 5-foottall shrub. Zones 69

HydranGEa MacropHylla BiTS oF Lace produces

delicate clusters of light blue flowers that last for several weeks in early to midsummer. Zones 59

HydranGEa sErrata BLUe BiLLoW produces

HydranGEa sErrata roSaLBa is a pink lacecap

type that grows 3 feet tall and wide. Zones 69

lacecaPs in Pink Or BlUe

You can influence the bloom color of blue and pink lacecap varieties in the same way you change mophead bloomsby changing the pH of your soil. Acidic soil creates blue flowers; alkaline ground makes the flowers pink. Use soil sulfur or aluminum sulfate to make the soil acidic or add dolomitic lime to make it more alkaline. Find these products at your local garden center and read the instructions on their packaging to determine how much to use in your garden.

How to grow

Lacecap hydrangeas prefer morning sun and afternoon shade. They like moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Water them during dry spells to keep them looking good; otherwise their leaves may turn dry and brown.

HydranGEa sErrata BLUeBirD is a lacecap type with deep blue clustered fertile flowers surrounded by pale blue sterile flowers. This variety also features red fall leaf color. It grows 4 feet tall and wide. Zones 69

HydranGEa MacropHylla LigHT-o-Day bears green leaves festively

edged in white. It bears flattened lacecap-type flowers in shades of blue. It grows 4 feet tall and wide. Zones 59

How to Prune

Traditional lacecap varieties bloom only once a year, so prune them right after they finish flowering in summer. By late summer theyve already started making next years blooms.
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reblooming Hydrangeas
It used to be that the beautiful blue- and pink-blooming hydrangeas would bloom once a year, usually in June. But plant breeders have been hard at work, and their efforts are paying off in a new type of hydrangea: rebloomers. Series such as Endless Summer and Lets Dance Moonlight offer big, colorful blooms every few weeks in summer and fall. Many of these varieties offer beautiful fall color.

reBlOOMing Hydrangeas FOr yOUr yard & garden

Hydrangeas have been developed to bloom on both old and new wood. These repeatblooming varieties allow you to enjoy hydrangea flowers all summer long. Plant them everywherefrom foundation plantings, as garden specimens, and in containers.

mophead clusters of pink or blue flowers. It grows 5 feet tall. Zones 49

HydranGEa MacropHylla enDLeSS SUmmer bears

HydranGEa MacropHylla enDLeSS SUmmer BLUSHing BriDe bears

white flowers flushed with light pink. It grows 5 feet tall. Zones 59

HydranGEa MacropHylla enDLeSS SUmmer TWiST-nSHoUT bears blue or pink

lacecap-type flowers. It grows 5 feet tall. Zones 49

want MOre BlOOMs?

Encourage your hydrangea to produce more blossoms by cutting off the flowerheads as they start to fade.

How to grow

or pink mophead-type flowers. It grows 5 feet tall. Zones 59

HydranGEa MacropHylla LeTS Dance moonLigHT bears rich blue

HydranGEa involucrata BLUe BUnny is a

HydranGEa sErrata SPreaDing BeaUTy

Reblooming hydrangeas do best in a spot that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. Like other hydrangeas, they prefer moist, well-drained soil that has a lot of organic matter in it. The plants arent very drought-tolerant, so youll probably need to water them during dry spells.

reblooming lacecap with blue flowers from midsummer to frost. It grows 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide. Zones 69

is a reblooming lacecap type that bears pinkish or bluish flowers from summer to fall on a low, spreading shrub. It grows 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Zones 49

How to Prune

Rebloomers produce blossoms on both last years branches and this years stems, so you can prune them at any time without significantly affecting their flowering cycle. Many gardeners find the plants grow and bloom best if they only cut off parts of branches that died over winter.

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Hydrangea paniculata
While most hydrangeas do best in shade, varieties of Hydrangea paniculata prefer sunny spots. Most selections have large clusters of white flowers in summer. The showy blooms fade to shades of pink or red before drying to beige. In many areas, they dry right on the plant in fall and stay looking good through most of the winter.

HYDRANGEA PANICULATA FOr yOUr yard & garden

Paniculata hydrangeas form cone-shaped flowers called panicles. Hydrangea paniculata is more pruning-tolerant than other hydrangeas. You can prune them any time except when they begin forming bloom heads in the summer. This is the only hydrangea that can be pruned into a tree form. Use in sunny locations with mixed perennial borders.

sometimes called Peegee hydrangea. Its a large shrub or small tree to 20 feet tall. Zones 48

HydranGEa paniculata granDiFLora is

HydranGEa paniculata Pinky Winky is hardy to

Zone 4, blooms midsummer to frost, and tolerates drought. Massive flowerheads are bicolored pink and white. Zones 48

selection with large green flowers in midsummer into autumn. Blooms deepen to pink in cooler weather. It grows 8 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Zones 38

HydranGEa paniculata LimeLigHT is a sun-loving

perfect for smaller gardens (grows 4 to 6 feet tall) and easy to grow. Plant in sun or part shade. Zones 48

HydranGEa paniculata LiTTLe LamB is

offers dense, creamy flower spikes that open on red stems, then turn to deep pink with red highlights. Zones 48

HydranGEa paniculata QUick Fire

neW!
While Hydrangea paniculata likes full sun, it also does well in part shade. It prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter, so its helpful to amend your soil with compost, peat moss, or other similar materials before you plant it. Hydrangea paniculata is one of the hardiest varieties; it thrives in Zones 48.

How to grow

How to Prune

Because this hydrangea blooms on current years growth, the best time to give it a trim is winter or early spring.

HydranGEa paniculata TarDiva is a sun-loving, white-flowering variety with large clusters of white blooms. It grows 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Zones 48

a creamy vanilla white, changing to a soft pink and finally ripening to strawberry red. Grows 6 to 7 feet tall. Zones 48

HydranGEa paniculata vaniLLa STraWBerry Enormous blooms start out

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oakleaf Hydrangeas
Most hydrangeas are grown for their summer blooms, but oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) has the additional attributes of rich crimson fall color, attractive fruit sprays, and peeling bark on old stems. Unlike other common hydrangeas, this species has large leaves that are lobed like oak leaves. It is also more drought-tolerant than some of its cousins, but it still rewards its owner with superior performance in rich, moist soil in a shady location. It never looks like a tree, but it can reach 10 feet tall on favorable sites, although 6 feet is average. Flowers develop gradually into colorful seed clusters, prolonging their appeal. Oakleaf hydrangea is native to the southeastern United States but is broadly adaptable. Zones 5 to 9.

OakleaF Hydrangeas FOr yOUr yard & garden

Oakleaf hydrangeas offer lovely white blooms and four-season interest. They thrive in dryer soils than other hydrangeas. Plant oakleaf hydrangeas in mixed shrub borders where their lacy blooms will brighten the area. Upright varieties are also good in perennial borders.

HydranGEa quErcifolia vaUgHnS LiLLie displays spectacularly dense clusters of white flowers. It grows 4 feet tall. Zones 59

How to grow

Give oakleaf hydrangea a spot in shade or partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It stands up to dry soil a bit better than most other types but still appreciates moisture during drought. Like any other hydrangea, it will perform best if theres a lot of organic matter in the soil. Oakleaf hydrangea is hardy in Zones 59.

How to Prune

double white flowers. It grows 8 feet tall. Zones 59

HydranGEa quErcifolia SnoWFLake bears clusters of

Oakleaf hydrangeas bloom on last years branches, so the best time to prune them is right after the flowers fade in late summer. Because the bark is interesting as it matures, many gardeners do not prune their oakleaf types.

habit that makes it perfect for smallspace gardens. It takes full sun. Large white flowerheads are held on rigid stems. Zones 59

HydranGEa quErcifolia SnoW QUeen features an upright

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smooth Hydrangeas
Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens), also sometimes called hills of snow or snowball hydrangea, is an especially easy-growing type thats native to areas of North America. Its also the best pick for growing in colder climates. Smooth hydrangea features clusters of pure white flowers from midsummer into autumn; the older flowers often fade to green before they turn brown and dry.

sMOOtH Hydrangeas FOr yOUr yard & garden

Smooth hydrangeas are excellent landscape shrubsand look great in groupings of three. They produce large creamy flowerheads, which makes them ideal choices for mixed shrub borders.

neW!

HydranGEa arBorEscEns annaBeLLe bears extra-large

clusters of white flowers. It grows 5 feet tall. Zones 49

Hydrangea arborescens that blooms pink. Flowers emerge dark hot pink and mature to rich clear pink. Zones 39

HydranGEa arBorEscEns invinciBeLLe SPiriT is the first

encOUrage FlOwers, Maintain sHaPe.

On new plants, prune old flowerheads from your smooth hydrangea. As the plant gets larger, cut back older stems to the ground in early spring to encourage new growth. Remove suckers at the base to keep the shrub in a compact shape.

neW!
How to grow

Grow smooth hydrangea in part shade and moist soil thats rich in organic matter. Its not very drought-tolerant, especially if its in a spot that gets afternoon sunso be sure to water it during dry spells and apply a 2- to 4-inch-deep layer of mulch on the soil. This extra-hardy hydrangea thrives in Zones 39.

HydranGEa arBorEscEns increDiBaLL

How to Prune

Features flowerheads four times the size of Annabelle. Blooms progress from lime green to white and back to green. Grows 4 to 5 feet tall. Zones 49

HydranGEa arBorEscEns WHiTe Dome bears fluffy clusters of creamy

white flowers. It grows 6 feet tall and is hardy in Zones 49

Smooth hydrangea blooms on new growth, so if you need to prune it, the best time is in winter or early spring. Some gardeners cut it back to 6 or 8 inches tall every year to keep it dense and compact.
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climbing Hydrangeas
The most majestic member of the clan, climbing hydrangea is a slow-growing vine that matures at about 50 feet. In summer, it bears lacecap-like clusters of white flowers over its rich green foliage.

cliMBing Hydrangeas FOr yOUr yard & garden

A vine version of hydrangea produces lovely creamy ,white blooms that measure 6 to 10 inches. They appear in late June or early July. Climbing hydrangeas can attain heights of 50 to 80 feet if planted near a large tree. Grow on pillars, walls or cascading down a hillside.

HydranGEa anoMala pEtiolaris is a vigorous

deciduous vine that features heart-shape foliage and large white clusters of June flowers. Plant on a wall, fence, or large tree. Zones 47

Be Patient.
Climbing hydrangeas are notorious for taking a few years to get established. The vine may not appear to grow at all for three or four years. But once started, the vine grows and grows.

How to grow

Give climbing hydrangea a spot in part to full shade and a sturdy support to climb on. This vine is great at scaling walls and other structures because roots grow from the stems and cling to a surface. Be sure to give climbing hydrangea moist, well-drained soil that has a high organic matter content.

How to Prune

This hydrangea typically doesnt need pruning. Remove wayward shoots any time between winter and midsummer.

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garden plans

garden plans

Summer Cottage Garden

Fill a partially shaded spot in your yard with easy-growing color all summer long.
I

Formal Hydrangea Garden

Create a formal garden with standard hydrangeas that add structure and beauty to your yard.

A G B J G B F

F A B E D

F C D

K E

A D C

PLanT LiST a. B. c. D. e. F. g. H. i. J. k. 6 Hydrangea Light-O-Day: Zones 59 8 Hydrangea Endless Summer Blushing Bride: Zones 59 4 Shrub rose (rosa Little Mischief): Zones 49 2 Dwarf mock orange (philadelphus Miniature Snowflake): Zones 48 9 geranium Rozanne: Zones 48 6 Siberian iris (iris sibirica Sky Wings): Zones 39 4 Switchgrass (panicum virgatum Prairie Sky): Zones 49 2 Lilac (syringa Tinkerbelle): Zones 37 1 oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia Snowflake) Zones 59 5 Hydrangea Endless Summer: Zones 49 3 astilbe Snowdrift: Zones 39

PLanT LiST a. B. c. D. e. F. 82 Littleleaf boxwood (Buxus microphylla Compacta): Zones 59 56 Ladys mantle (alchemilla mollis): Zones 48 4 Tardiva panicled hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata Tardiva), trained as standards: Zones 38 24 Bigtooth ligularia (ligularia dentata): Zones 48 4 common boxwood (Buxus sempervirens Green Gem): Zones 59 4 Hosta Patriot: Zones 39

Plants may be substituted based on availability.

Plants may be substituted based on availability.

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garden plans

garden plans

Hydrangea Container Plan

Add sumptuous blooms to your patio or terrace with hydrangeas planted in decorative pots.

Hydrangea Rose Arbor Plan

A welcoming arbor entryway features a mixed border with hydrangeas and roses.

B A A

A F

I B E D F G H F G E D D C C C C E

PLanT LiST a. B. c. D. e. F. g. H. i. 2 Bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla Pia): Zones 69 1 rose (rosa Anne Boleyn): Zones 59 2 geranium (pelargonium spp.): Zones1011; annual elsewhere 2 Wandering Jew (tradescantia zebrina): Zones 911; annual elsewhere 2 Sedum sieboldii: Zones 69 2 Begonia Pink Minx: Zones 1011; annual elsewhere 6 Hens-and-chicks (sempervivum tectorum): Zones 48 1 Dichondra Silver Falls: Zones 911; annual elsewhere 1 new Zealand flax (phormium tenax): Zones 910; annual

PLanT LiST a. B. c. D. e. F. 1 rose (rosa multiflora Carnea): Zones 59 1 rose (rosa Ballerina): Zones 59 12 verbena: Zones 3-11, depending on species 6 Pink (dianthus): Zones 310, depending on species 1 Hills of snow (Hydrangea arborescens): Zones 49 3 common foxglove (digitalis purpurea): Zones 48

Plants may be substituted based on availability.

Plants may be substituted based on availability.

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garden doctor q&a

Grow successful and beautiful hydrangeas by following the expert care advice of the Better Homes and Gardens Garden Doctor. Here are answers to the most commonly asked hydrangea questions: Question:

my hydrangea wont bloom. its had only one flower in six years. Why? am i pruning it at the wrong time?
Answer:

Because these hydrangeas bloom only once a year, the best time to prune them is right after they finish flowering.
Question: Answer:

How do i take care of my bigleaf hydrangeas so that they bloom well?

Plant bigleaf hydrangea in well-drained soil high in organic matter. Wet soil may cause root rot and kill the plant. Bigleaf hydrangeas like morning sun and afternoon shade. Provide water, especially during dry spells, because bigleaf hydrangea is not drought-tolerant.
Question: Answer:

can i grow any hydrangea in a cold climate?

Consider your gardening zone. Bigleaf hydrangea is hardy in Zones 6 to 9. In the northern end of its range, harsh winters may kill flower buds, resulting in no blooms. If you live in a cold climate, try varieties such as Endless Summer which is the first bigleaf selection that blooms reliably in Zone 4. Even if Endless Summer dies back to the crown in cold weather, it can bloom on new growth. It produces 4- to 6-inch mophead flowers, blue in acidic soil and pink in alkaline soil.
Question:

i am concerned about the upcoming winter that is supposed to be harsh. How do i protect my 3-year-old hydrangea tree from the winter?
Answer:

Be sure to mulch your hydrangea at the base with shredded bark or leaves to help insulate the root system. And consider using a product designed to protect foliage during cold weather.

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Question: When can i transplant my hydrangea? its gotten too big in the place ive planted it. i want to move it to a different place in my yard. Answer:
The best time to move a hydrangea is in the early spring, just before it breaks dormancy. If you must move it in another season, do so in the fall after its completely dormant. If you transplant in fall, however, you may break plant roots that wont have a chance to regenerate late in the year. Make sure that the new location has the appropriate soil and light requirements.

Question: How do i dry my hydrangea flowers? Answer:

In mid to late summer, cut hydrangea blooms when they feel papery (about six weeks after the flowers open). With pruning shears, cut stems at an angle, strip the leaves, and place the stems in jars containing about four inches of water. Place jars out of direct sunlight or bright light for one to two weeks. Once the blooms are dry, arrange them in vases, wreaths, and topiaries. When displayed away from humidity and direct sunlight, dried hydrangeas will last indefinitely.

garDen SULFUr Correct

alkaline soils for more colorful flowers. Applying organic, elemental garden sulphur is a safe and effective way to lower soil pH and bring out blue color in hydrangeas.

FeLco PrUnerS Once you

make your first cut, youll know why Felco pruners are the standard by which all others are measured. We offer this precision pruner in two models: Classic No. 2 is the all-purpose garden workhorse. No. 6 is 1 inches shorter to suit smaller hands.

PH SoiL TeSTer Test your soil before applying sulfur. This easy pH Soil Tester takes the guesswork out of knowing the pH of your gardens for best plant performance.

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A Lilac that Reblooms

Bloomerang is a lilac that does what most garden lovers dream ofit blooms once in spring, then keeps on going. This amazing lilac produces fragrant blossoms in May, then continues to flower until frost. Bloomerang is compact for a lilac, making it an excellent choice for small gardens or mixed flower borders. It grows 4 to 5 feet tall. Like big-flowering hydrangeas, Bloomerang is an excellent flower for bouquetsyou only need a few in a vase to make a big statement. And since it blooms so long, youll enjoy vaseloads of sweetly perfumed flowers from spring to fall. Bloomerang is easy to grow in full sun and average soil. These long-lived shrubs are hardy in Zones 4 to 7.
Bloomerang
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A frAgrAnt compAnion for hydrAngeAs

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limited supplies of Bloomerang, so order yours now! Sorry, we are unable to ship to APO/ FPO addresses or addresses outside the contiguous United States.