Hydrangeas are a beautiful and varied choice of flower for an outdoor setting. With a splendid range of hues, from powdery pale blues through warm lavender mauves and deep magenta pinks, you can use hydrangeas in several ways — whether individually as a spectacular focal point or planted in clusters for a mass effect.
Here are some key tips for selecting the right hydrangea variety for your landscape. Reap the rewards of these delightful blooms by giving careful consideration to climate conditions, size requirements, and growth characteristics before you make your selection!
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Choose the Right Color
When it comes to choosing the right color hydrangeas for your landscape, think about the effect you’re looking to create. Do you want a bold pop of pink or a subtle lavender hue? With all the different shades, there’s an option that fits perfectly in your garden.
Deep purple hydrangeas are perfect for adding contrast to lighter-colored gardens and can make darker foliage stand out even more. For those with traditional English-style gardens, dark purple varieties blend beautifully with bright green grasses and white roses.
Or if you prefer something vibrant and eye-catching, try planting some light pinks in your garden! Light pink hydrangeas look especially beautiful against a backdrop of evergreens and other neutral plants. When you pair pinks with blues, you also create a calming atmosphere reminiscent of the sky after sunset.
Consider Bloom Time
When selecting a variety of hydrangeas to adorn your garden, keep bloom time in mind. While many varieties will bloom during the summer months, some may bloom earlier or later depending on the climate and specific variety.
If you live in a cooler climate, an early blooming variety such as ‘Snowflake’ can help ensure stunning flowers throughout the season. Alternatively, if you prefer late-blooming plants like ‘Double Down,’ then selecting these varieties will ensure that your garden stays full of colorful blooms long into autumn. Regardless of which type of hydrangea you choose, planning for when they’ll be in peak bloom is key to getting the most out of your garden.
Analyze Your Site’s Light Conditions
When it comes to selecting the best hydrangea for your garden, one of the key factors to consider is the amount of light your site receives. Analyze your site’s light conditions in order to pick a variety that will thrive in those circumstances.
If you’re lucky enough to have full sun, then varieties like ‘Mystical Flame’ and ‘Little Lime’ are great options. However, if partial or full shade is more common on your site, then try something like ‘Invincibelle.’
Consider Plant Hardiness
When selecting the perfect hydrangea variety for your garden, consider its hardiness. The USDA provides a plant hardiness zone map that can help you determine if the type of hydrangea you are interested in is likely to thrive in your area or not.
Different varieties have different levels of cold tolerance, so you want to make sure that the one you choose will survive and flourish through your region’s temperatures and other growing conditions. For example, some panicle hydrangeas thrive in zones 3 to 8, so it’s cold hardy. However, you can grow some oakleaf hydrangeas as low as zone 5.
Doing this research before making a purchase can save you lots of time and money down the line!
Select Disease-Resistant Varieties
Having beautiful hydrangeas in your garden can take some effort to ensure they stay healthy and vibrant. To make this easier on you, selecting disease-resistant varieties like ‘Wesser Falls’ or ‘Eco Pink Puff’ is a great way to save time in the long run.
These hardy flowers can resist common diseases such as powdery mildew, so you won’t have to worry about applying fungicides throughout the season. Not only will they require less maintenance and care, but their stunning blooms will also bring beauty and joy to your garden all summer long!
Choose an Appropriate Size and Habit
When selecting the perfect hydrangeas for your landscape design, consider size and habit. Hydrangeas come in a variety of sizes ranging from small to large, so choose one that will fit nicely in your space.
Additionally, consider their growth habits. Some varieties have an upright form while others have a spreading habit. This way, you can find the ideal hydrangea to fit the style of your garden and ensure that it looks just right.
Purchase From a Reputable Source
When purchasing your hydrangeas, get them from a reputable source. The quality of the plants and the type of soil can have an enormous impact on the success of your plants.
Look for suppliers that come highly recommended by other gardeners or offer genuine reviews from customers. This is usually a good indication of quality. And finally, don’t forget to ask around at local gardening stores too! Their expert advice could be invaluable in helping you make the right decision.
In Summary
With these seven tips in mind, you’ll be sure to find the perfect hydrangea for your outdoor space. By taking into consideration the color, bloom time, size, and disease resistance of each variety, you can enjoy beautiful hydrangeas all season long. Happy gardening! Leave a comment below and share with your family and friends what type of hydrangea you plan on planting this year.
