Which Hydrangea Type To Choose?

Sep 20

1. The Best Hydrangea Varieties for Georgia Landscapes

Hydrangeas are one of the South’s most loved flowering shrubs, and for good reason. Hydrangeas bring big, beautiful blooms from spring through summer. In Georgia, we’re lucky enough to grow several different types. Here are the best varieties for local landscapes;

Mophead Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) – The classic “bigleaf” with large, rounded blooms in generally pink or blue, with some purple depending on soil pH. Perfect for shady garden beds. Perform very well with 4-6 hours morning sun and shade from the intense hot afternoon sun. Do note that deer do enjoy feasting on a nice fresh growing hydrangea. Bloom on last years growth.
Oakleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia) – Native to the Southeast, they thrive in Georgia’s climate. They offer white cone-shaped blooms and bold fall foliage. Distinctly different rounded lobes on leaves. Very easy to identify leaf vs other hydrangea types. Another shade loving variety commonly found in woods in the understory of trees. Morning sun / afternoon shade preferred. Conicle flower shape. Bloom on last years growth.
Panicle Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) – Tough and sun-tolerant, with upright conicle white flowers that fade to pink. Different than other hydrangeas in terms of loving full sun! So for a nice sunny spot these panicle hydrangea will thrive. Very commonly known panicle varieties are limelight and little lime hydrangeas. Identify this type by noticing smaller leaves, while having a much more cone shaped flower along with the oakleaf hyderangea. Bloom on new growth.
Smooth Hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens) – Known for reliable white blooms, like the ‘Annabelle’ variety. Hardy and low-maintenance. Bloom on new growth. Very circular shaped flowers, majestic looking neat blooms with very small lace like petals.

Design Tip: Mixing hydrangea types adds layered interest and ensures a longer bloom season.
At Green and Gold Landscape, we can help you choose and install the perfect mix of hydrangeas to make your yard pop year after year.

2. Hydrangea Color Secrets: Why They Change and How to Control Them

One of the most fascinating things about hydrangeas is their ability to change bloom colors. But what causes this, and can you control it?

Soil pH is the key:
- Acidic soil (pH below 6) = Blue blooms.
- Alkaline soil (pH above 7) = Pink blooms.
How to shift colors:
- To encourage blue: Add garden sulfur or aluminum sulfate.
- To encourage pink: Add lime to raise soil pH.
White hydrangeas don’t change color based on soil, they’ll always be white.

Pro Tip: Always test your soil before adding amendments. It takes time and consistency to see color shifts.
Our team at Green and Gold Landscape offers soil testing and care plans so your hydrangeas bloom in the shades you love.