Types and varieties of hydrangea

Various types and varieties of hydrangeas have been decorating the gardens and parks of Europe for several centuries, and today the fashion for these flowering shrubs has reached Russian latitudes. In nature, they are found in the Far East, most of their varieties adorn the latitudes of South and North America, Asia. Hydrangeas for Russian gardens are mostly represented by cold-resistant hybrids that can withstand frosty winters.

Plants feel good in the Urals and in the Krasnodar Territory, in the middle lane, with some diligence they are grown even in the north-west of the country. In this article, we will consider what types and varieties of hydrangeas exist, what they are famous for, what differences they have and what is their description.

The green, deciduous plant Hydrangea was introduced to Europe from China and Japan, where it grows in its natural form. Here the shrub existed exclusively in 2 colors - white and scarlet, but when it got into breeding work, it quickly acquired many subspecies with a brighter and more varied color. It received its Latin botanical name, indicated in all descriptions, due to the high need for moisture. In addition, the seed pods of the shrub are very similar in shape to a vessel for water, and this is how the word Hydrangea sounds in Latin.

The Japanese name is more poetic - adzisai, and the European version ("hydrangea") is consonant with the popular female name.

The general description of the genus Hydrangea indicates that at the moment there are about 80 known species of this plant. In culture, there are about 100 of them. Most of the species found belong to the category of medium-sized shrubs, reaching 1-3 m in height, there are also hydrangeas in a tree form, and also vines capable of growing whips up to 30 m. In temperate and colder climates deciduous hydrangeas grow, to the south you can grow their evergreen varieties.

All subspecies of Hydrangea are characterized by long and abundant flowering. - it can last 3-5 months, often begins in the spring and ends only in the middle of autumn. The formed inflorescences are spherical, thyroid or paniculate. The color of garden or large-leaved hydrangea depends on the type and composition of the soil, it can vary. This plant produces blue flowers due to its ability to receive and accumulate aluminum from acidic soils - this phenomenon is quite rare in nature.

In cultural cultivation, hydrangea is not used in all types. The botanical names of these horticultural crops give only a small idea of ​​their features, but it is almost impossible to recognize whether it will be a colored form or an ordinary, spherical or paniculate form without additional information. Many gardeners often ask questions about which hydrangeas are suitable for outdoor cultivation, where to look for large-flowered varieties, and what colors and shapes they are.

To understand these issues, it is worthwhile to study in more detail all the features of each species. Then it will be much easier to make the final choice. Among garden hydrangeas, there are many really beautiful and original species that deserve the closest attention.

This species in Latin is called Hydrangea paniculata and is distinguished by cluster-like inflorescences. They look like fluffy, upward panicles with small flowers at the ends and large decorative – around the edges. The petals are painted in white or light beige, there are varieties with a tone from pink to purple, in some subspecies young inflorescences are green, then change color. Hydrangea paniculata has a strong and bright aroma.

This species is distinguished by unpretentiousness, resistance to the effects of various external factors. It is frost-resistant, withstands a drop in atmospheric temperatures down to -29 degrees. Can be grown in tubs and containers, formed on a stem.

Large-leaved hydrangea or Hydrangea macrophylla has the ability to change the color of the petals depending on the acidity of the soil. On alkaline soil, it is purple, lilac and pink, on acidic it is blue. When grown in soil with neutral acidity, the color will be white and light beige. This species is one of the most difficult to grow, as it prefers a mild southern climate. But when wintering in a container, he feels quite well in central Russia.

Luxurious large-leaved hydrangea is the real queen of the garden. Its globular inflorescences are strewn with large flowers that do not give seeds. Thanks to its rich color palette, this species can be included in a variety of group plantings and complex landscape compositions.

The most unpretentious species among hydrangeas. Treelike hydrangea feels good in mid-latitudes, grows up to 2 m, is distinguished by large heart-shaped leaves. Inflorescences on straight branches have a spherical structure, reach a diameter of up to 25 cm, the color of flowers ranges from snow-white to cream. Flowering is long, from mid-summer to late autumn, by the end of August the flowers become lemon-colored.

This species in Latin is called Hydrangea petiolaris and refers to lianas. Climbing shoots without support creep along the ground, in the presence of a lattice or other vertical structure, they braid the surface nearby. The plant has beautiful dark green leaves, wide and rounded, shaped like a heart due to the pointed ends. Flowering begins in June, the thyroid inflorescences are up to 25 cm in diameter, they are white and light pink.

Petiolate hydrangea is characterized by slow growth in the first years of life. The plant does not require complex shelter, it overwinters easily and well with minor precautions. This type is preferred by summer residents and gardeners with little experience, getting good results when decorating gazebos, pergolas, and hedges.

Hydrangea quercifolia is a shrub hydrangea that grows up to 2 m. Its distinctive feature is the leaves covering the shoots: they are wide, carved, dark green and shiny on top, and fluffy, felt-white underneath. The lobed shape of the edge, divided into 5-7 fragments, vaguely resembles oak. The inflorescences are snow-white, conical in shape, in the fall they turn pink and look especially impressive against the background of crimson foliage. Flowering continues throughout the summer and most of the fall.

Oak-leaved hydrangea is a rare, delicate species that requires full-fledged shelter for the winter. When freezing, the bush completely loses its surface shoots, but is able to recover, grow shoots and bloom profusely.

A species rarely used in gardens. Radiant hydrangea has erect shoots; during the winter it freezes to the surface of the snow cover. The shoots are edged, the foliage of the bush is dense and green, with jagged edges. Flowering occurs in July, the inflorescences are thyroid, small in the center and large in a circle.

The shrub Hydrangea cinerea has a spreading shape and strong, lignified shoots, directed upwards. The maximum length of the branches is up to 1.8 m, they are covered with green heart-shaped leaves with a jagged edge, pubescent below. Inflorescences are corymbs, up to 17 cm in diameter, formed from small flowers, snow-white. Long-lasting flowering begins in mid-July.

A compact shrub of this species is well suited for creating hedges, border plantings. Shelter is required for the winter, in addition, this species does not take root well in regions with a very cold climate.

A compact shrub with a height of 1.8-2 m, it has thin and flexible shoots, which can have a smooth or pubescent surface. The leaves are green, smooth, with a serrated edge. The flowers are large, pale blue or pink in color, collected in inflorescences about 9 cm in diameter. On acidic soils, the shade of the petals becomes bright blue.

The serrated hydrangea is a re-flowering species that blooms in early spring and late summer. In autumn, the foliage acquires an orange-red color, which gives the garden a special decorative effect. The plant cannot be classified as winter-hardy, it is poorly suited for the northern regions, in cold winters it requires shelter even in the south.

Hydrangea sargentiana is distinguished by the original type of inflorescences. They are double – with a shallow purple center and large pink-purple flowers around the edges. This rather rare and original species is characterized by short shoots no more than 1.2 m in length. The leaves are oblong, serrated along the edges, with a velvety surface. Flowering begins in July and lasts the rest of the summer.

Hydrangea Sargent is distinguished by the ability to restore the volume of shoots after freezing., tolerates cold well without shelter, but with intensive mulching of the root part of the bush.

Beautifully flowering varieties of hydrangea invariably attract the attention of fans of garden and landscape design. Luxurious terry and royal, dwarf and tall, delicate lilac, white, pink, green and multi-colored varieties look incredibly beautiful in the design of the infield.

To better understand the diversity of these shrub plants, pay attention to their decorative properties.

Lush snow-white inflorescences, similar to sea foam, and a delicate sophisticated aroma - this is how novice growers usually imagine hydrangeas. Do not be disappointed - many varieties do have milky petals. Let's see which ones have gained the most popularity.

• Summer Snow. A low-growing variety belonging to the type of panicle hydrangea. The bush grows no more than 80 cm in height; on dwarf shoots, lush panicles of inflorescences with large petals look especially impressive. The variety is very popular for growing in pots and containers.

• "Phantom". An unpretentious variety, distinguished by the splendor of the bush and a bright aroma. It is considered winter-hardy, does not require frequent transplanting, grows well in illuminated areas.

• Skyfall. Compact panicle hydrangea with lush and large panicles of inflorescences. The bush grows up to 120 cm in height, is easy to grow, grows quickly. Snow-white lush inflorescences become pink by the end of the season.

• Dentel de gorron. A panicle hydrangea variety with cream-white inflorescences reminiscent of the foam of expensive lace.The bush grows up to 200 cm in height, the pyramidal clusters of flowers decorating it reach a length of 35 cm, abundantly cover the juicy green foliage.

• "Bounty". A low variety of tree hydrangea with rounded inflorescences. The petals are rather small. The bush itself grows up to 100 cm, well suited for growing in pots or for decorating the local area, flower beds, lawns.

• Magic Starlight. A variety of panicle hydrangea with good winter hardiness. Not very tall, growing well. White decorative inflorescences look good against the background of dark green foliage, are of medium length. Flowering lasts from July to September.

• "Pearl of the Festival". A French variety with a paniculate type of snow-white inflorescences, decorated with a pink-green border. The young petals are creamy with a light hint of lime; at the end of the season they take on pink and coffee shades. Hydrangea has a long flowering, compact bush, no more than 1.5 m in height, with a rounded crown.

• Hayes Starburst. A variety of tree hydrangea with a characteristic umbrella type of inflorescences, resembling a star in appearance. The flowers are rather large, white, with a greenish tint. The variety is considered southern; in cold regions, a thorough shelter for the winter is recommended. The bush is rather loose, it needs additional supports, but its insufficient density is compensated by the abundant and prolonged flowering from June to October.

• Sterilis. A tree-like hydrangea variety with pure white inflorescences. Differs in high winter hardiness, practically does not require care or shelter for the winter. The bush grows up to 1.9 m, the shoots are weak, drooping under the weight of flowering hemispherical inflorescences.

Colored hydrangeas are very popular, but few people know that the lilac or blue color of petals that looks spectacular in catalogs often depends on the type of soil and the original shade. For example, rose petals can become tender-violet if the plant is regularly (every 10 days) watered with a solution of potassium alum at a concentration of 0.5%. In a similar experiment with white varieties, the shade of the petals will change to blue.

Besides, planting on soils with high acidity, fertilizing the soil with coal ash or iron salts can show a cobalt shade.

• Royal Red. The variety of hydrangea is large-leaved, it grows up to 2 m, the crown is wide, spherical. "Royal red" - this is how the name sounds in translation, the plant belongs to shrubs with medium frost resistance, which are recommended for shelter for the winter. Long-lasting flowering, begins in July and ends in late autumn. The variety has a rare and pure scarlet shade of petals that do not change their color, umbrella inflorescences, very decorative.

• "Countess Kozel". A short, large-leaved hydrangea that forms a compact bush with lush umbellate inflorescences. The color of the petals on acidic soils is blue or light blue, on neutral soils it is pink-lilac. The variety has long been well known to gardeners, looks great in group and single plantings, is used to compose dry bouquets. Hydrangea needs pruning, as flowers appear on last year's shoots, the variety is not very winter-hardy, suitable for southern regions.

• Alpengluchen. Spectacular large-flowered hydrangea with rich red or pink-red inflorescences, needs to be planted in acidic soil. The bush grows up to 150 cm, the shoots are straight, rather strong. Inflorescences are spherical, up to 20 cm in diameter. The variety is recommended for planting in central Russia and further south, in the northwest it can freeze out.

• "Magic Amethyst". An unusual, flowering variety of large-leaved hydrangea.The bush grows no more than 120 cm in height with a maximum width of 90 cm. Chameleon flowers change color throughout the flowering season - from July to August. First they are lemon, then pink, and then they become almost crimson, with light green edging around the edges. Low frost resistance, the variety is recommended for cultivation in southern regions or container planting.

• Peppermint. A very beautiful variety of large-leaved hydrangea. Two-colored petals, depending on the acidity of the soil, have a white border and a mauve or blue center. The dwarf bush grows only up to 60-80 cm, perfect for growing in pots and flowerpots.

• South and Me Forever. Large-leaved hydrangea variety, popular among gardeners. Bright double flowers are at first white, then become a rich pink or lilac color, abundantly decorate the surface of a compact bush with thick massive shoots. The crown is spherical, up to 80 cm in diameter. Inflorescences are round, up to 18 cm in diameter. This subspecies is quite frost-resistant and can be grown outdoors without shelter.

• Bodensee. One of the most famous dwarf forms. The bush is formed up to 50 cm high, the spherical inflorescences of a pale blue shade are very decorative. Traditionally considered a potted plant, it can be displayed in containers in flower beds in summer. Low winter hardiness.

• "Yu and Mi". One of the most popular large-leaved French hydrangeas, bred in double form. The series includes varieties with the prefixes "Romance", "Tugese", "Symphony", "Expression". It produces blue or lilac-pink flowers, depending on the type of soil.

• Aisha. A variety of large-leaved hydrangea, undersized, up to 1 m in diameter. The leaves grow abundantly, dark green, umbellate inflorescences, the shade of the petals varies depending on the type of soil: from dark purple to blue. Flowering is long, from July to October, the variety does not differ in winter hardiness, it must be covered.

• Daruma. Panicled bicolor hydrangea variety, forming first white and then pink flowers. A very cold hardy variety, suitable for growing in mid-zone climates. Withstands frosts down to -35 degrees, can hibernate without special shelter. An adult shrub is undersized, reaches no more than 120 cm in height with a diameter of up to 90 cm, suitable for creating hedges.

• "Confetti". Very decorative panicle hydrangea with good winter hardiness. The bush grows up to 120 cm, compact, the inflorescences are lacy, conical, pale cream at the ends and pink at the base. Hydrangea "Confetti" begins to bloom in mid-July and remains covered with lush panicles until October. The bushes have both fertile (smaller) and large sterile flowers.

The pink color is not uniform, the petals have different shade variations. The inflorescences are well shaded by the rich green color of the leaves. The variety is suitable for container cultivation, decoration of balconies and terraces, grows best in sunny and semi-shady places.

• "Big Ben". An original panicle hydrangea that changes the shade of its inflorescences from white to pale pink, and then to a shade of dark rose. The whole range can be present in a lace flower cone at the same time. The variety has a strong aroma. It blooms for a long time, from July to October, shoots grow from 180 to 240 cm in height, the width of the bush reaches 120 cm, it grows quite luxuriantly.

Hydrangea "Big Ben" has a high winter hardiness, but does not like windy areas. It grows well in the sun and in partial shade, the best soil will be neutral or slightly acidic.Awarded by the Royal Horticultural Society for its merits, it is resistant to diseases and pests. The shrub is actively used in landscape design: in single and group plantings, as well as when creating general compositions with flowering perennials.

• Darts Little Dot. A variety of dwarf panicle hydrangea, it grows no more than 80 cm in height. The flowers are creamy with a pink tint. The bush is quite compact, suitable for planting in pots and containers. The variety has good winter hardiness, the flowering period is short - in July and August.

• Diamond Rouge. "Red diamond" - this is how the name of this variety of panicle hydrangea is translated. And Diamond Rouge really deserves the utmost attention thanks to its multi-colored pyramidal inflorescences. At first they are white, then they turn pink, cherry and wine red.

Hydrangea "Diamant Rouge" forms a lush, widely growing bush - at a height of 150 cm, it can reach a width of 200 cm. The variety is winter-hardy, withstands frosts down to -40 degrees, the flowering period is short - from July to August.

• Weems Red. A beautiful variety of panicle hydrangea with erect stems up to 200 cm high. The branchy bush tolerates frosts well, withstands temperatures down to -29 degrees. The inflorescences are conical, with small fertile flowers and large sterile ones. Their shade is white at first, then pink and burgundy red.

Often the hydrangea is multi-colored until the colors of the petals have changed. The variety "Weems Red" is distinguished by a bright honey aroma and long flowering - from July to October, is a real decoration of the garden.

• Strawberry Blossom. A low-growing variety of panicle hydrangea with a short flowering period in July-August. Strawberry Blossom is loved by gardeners for the lush and abundant formation of strawberry-colored inflorescences with ivory tone tips. Conical panicles grow up to 30 cm in length, covering almost the entire surface of a well-branched, undersized bush. Interestingly, this variety is a miniature version of the popular Vanille Fraise and has a fairly good winter hardiness.

• Miss Saori. Miss Saori is a terry hydrangea variety bred by the Japanese breeder Ryoji Iri. In 2014, he received the status of the plant of the year at the prestigious exhibition in Chelsea (UK). The bush is lush, up to 100 cm high and up to 100 cm wide, with rich green foliage, framing rounded pink inflorescences with a raspberry-scarlet border. The plant is a decoration of the garden, it looks impressive and expressive.

Hydrangea "Miss Saori" belongs to varieties with poor winter hardiness - it is fatal for it to drop temperatures down to -18 degrees. In cold regions, only container growing is recommended. Long bloom, from June to September.

• Pink percussion... Luxurious treelike hydrangea with hemispherical inflorescences of pale pink color and a rounded crown. The bush grows up to 130 cm and gains the same diameter. The variety is characterized by a bright honey aroma, long flowering from June to August, buds are formed on the shoots of the current year. The variety is suitable for growing in the suburbs, provided that the roots are thoroughly mulched for the winter. After pruning, the bush quickly grows young shoots.

• "Selection". A variety of panicle hydrangea with lush conical inflorescences. The shade of the petals is first in ivory and cream, and then changes to pink. The height of the shoots reaches 2 m, the variety is winter-hardy, tolerates a cold snap to -30 degrees, blooms abundantly and luxuriantly from July to October.

• Limelight. A beautiful panicle hydrangea variety, actively cultivated in personal plots and as part of landscape compositions. Luxurious conical inflorescences initially have a shade of juicy lime, then brighten and become almost white.The variety differs in height up to 240 cm, the shoots are strong, which allows them to be used in cutting, when creating bouquets. "Limelight" is a green hydrangea of ​​Dutch selection, it can withstand temperatures down to -29 degrees and does not require additional shelter for the winter.

• Magic Fire. The panicle hydrangea of ​​this variety has an average height of the bush - up to 150 cm, refers to winter-hardy plants. The leaves are green, rounded, beautifully frame inflorescences with petals of white, pink, purple hues. Flowering is short - in July-August, not very plentiful.

• Magic Vesuvio. The hydrangea variety got its name in honor of the famous volcano and is part of the Magical series. Paniculate subspecies with large (15-25 cm) pyramidal inflorescences, has good winter hardiness, grows up to 100-150 cm. The variety is suitable for growing on a trunk, blooms profusely from July to October.

At first, the petals are white, but rather quickly acquire pink, red, and in late autumn and crimson color, they hold their shape to the end without dropping. Very strong shoots of a red-brown shade do an excellent job of maintaining the inflorescences, do not require additional support. The variety is suitable for planting in the sun or in partial shade.

• "Cotton cream". The Cotton Cream variety of panicle hydrangea changes color during the flowering season. The bush grows rather compact, no more than 80 cm tall. The inflorescences are lush and large, initially green, then creamy, and turn pink at the end of the season.

The variety is quite unpretentious, it can winter without shelter. Duration of flowering is from July to October.

• "Angel Blush". A beautiful frost-resistant variety of panicle hydrangea with small inflorescences. The bush grows up to 2.5 m, has a symmetrical crown with a diameter of up to 2 m. The Angel Blush hydrangea is characterized by a long (from July to October) flowering, cone-shaped inflorescences are first white, then pink and dark red. The shoots are strong, do not require additional supports.

• Schloss Wackerbart. This variety, one of the few cultivated, is suitable for growing in pots and containers. The bush is medium-sized, reaches 100 cm, compact, beautifully and abundantly blooming from July to October. This variety is referred to as a chameleon for its ability to change color from green to bright crimson.

Mature flowers have a bright blue eye in the center; on acidic soils, it can occupy most of the petal. Hydrangea "Schloss Wackerbart" produces buds on the shoots of the current and last year, to stimulate early flowering, it is recommended to cover the plant for the winter.

• "Invizible Spirit". A spreading variety with a bush height of no more than 150 cm, bred by the American breeder Thomas Early. Treelike hydrangea is winter-hardy, does not require special shelter.

On the lush crown, racemose inflorescences of dark pink color are formed. Retains decorativeness only when planted in the sun. Buds are formed on the shoots of the current year, form-building pruning can be carried out.

The most winter-hardy and frost-resistant varieties are suitable for Russian gardens. For example, large-leaved hydrangea tolerates long winters and late spring quite well; container growing is recommended in very cold regions. So, early blue variety with large purple-blue flowers tolerates planting in a pot.

For the southern regions of Russia, the tree hydrangea, belonging to the light-loving species, is perfect. True, it is still planted in partial shade, but a long daylight hours favorably affect the flowering of the plant. Winter hardiness in varieties of tree hydrangea is low, it is better to grow them not north of the Chernozem region.

The serrated hydrangea also does not belong to frost-resistant varieties; a warm climate is more suitable for it. It is quite decorative, changing colors depending on the acidity of the soil. Panicle hydrangea is suitable for the climate of the Moscow region or north-west of Russia, it tolerates planting well in swampy areas of the soil. The species is distinguished by beautiful flowering with lush clusters of inflorescences. High frost resistance, among the popular varieties - Grandiflora, which changes color during the season.

For planting in the Far East, Sakhalin, the following species are successfully used: large-leaved, paniculate, treelike and variegated hydrangea. This climate is well suited for growing members of the Hydrangea genus, and growers always have a wide variety of varieties to choose from.

For the types and varieties of hydrangea, see the next video.