There are 3 types of hydrangeas:
Read about all three types of hydrangeas on this page
• Macrophylla • Oakleaf • Paniculata
You can never have too many! We will have all types at the MBG Spring Plant Sale!
Macrophylla Hydrangeas
- Mophead or Lacecap, otherwise known as Hyrangea macrophylla or Hydrangea serrrata
- Blue mopheads are the backbone of every Southern garden. Whether it is the old varieties like Nikko Blue or Merrits Supreme, or newer, smaller introductions like Penny Mac or Wee Bit Innocent, blue mopheads are a must.
- For a great mix, mopheads show well with the more delicate lacecap varieties.
- For fun, add newer lacecap introductions like Ayesha (wonderful 4′ x 8′ plant with blue cup like blooms) and Fuji Waterfall (stunning white star-like blooms), and you have a garden show!
- Aluminum sulfate, not a ph change as is commonly claimed, will make macrophylla hydrangeas bloom purple
Quercifolia – Oakleaf Hydrangea
- Early spring blooms- in late March and April locally
- Generally: 6-8 feet tall, half again as wide
- Tall, so nice at the back of borders and beds
- Can tolerate some morning Sun but need afternoon shade
- Prefer good drainage and good organic soil mix
- “Ellen Huff” is a favorite variety
Paniculata Hydrangeas
- Limelight, others
- These are the only Sun-loving hydrangeas
- Blooms summer-fall
- From the big boys like Limelight to smaller versions like Little Lime and Little Hottie, if you have sun – you need a paniculata. -Barbie Whitaker
Hydrangea Care and Feeding
- Lots of hydrangeas are best planted in fall.
- Hydrangeas do not need heavy fertilizer.
- In general, do not fertilize in the fall; instead, use a slow-release fertilizer applied in spring.
- You could use 10-10-10, 8-8-8, even 13-13-13- though use less overall if using this stronger mix, of course!
- More important than fertilizer is to amend soil with organic matter. Use compost or Black Kow, for example.
We will look forward to seeing you at Plant Sale at Nita’s Marketplace here at MBG!