Hydrangeas: A Favorite Summer Bloomer

Mophead, lacecap, oakleaf and pinnacle are just a few varieties of Hydrangea in a family of over 700 species. Around 4^th of July in the Northwest, this deciduous shrub produces large flowers made up of tiny blooms on the end of year branch. Their flowers range in color from white, pink, red, purple and blue. In the case of many of the blue and pink hydrangeas you can actually change the color of their bloom by changing the pH of the fertilizer they are taking in.   The more acidic soil the bluer the hydrangea blooms will be, the sweeter the soil the pinker the blooms. Most hydrangeas thrive in the shade, but as of the last few years breeders have created more and more hydrangeas that will perform even if planted in the full sun.

 

Here are a few of our favorite hydrangea that available this year:

 

‘Oregon Pride’ Hydrangea – Bred in the in Oregon, this hydrangea offer lots of plant interest. The stems are deep red, which makes a beautiful addition to your fall and winter landscape. The 6 inch blooms are red to purple depending on your soil conditions. Mature size will be around 5 feet wide to 5 feet tall, but can be pruned to be kept smaller.

‘Lady in Red’ Hydrangea – This lacecap hydrangea begin by opening to a pinkish white bloom that turns a lush burgundy rose as it matures. The foliage is a rich reddish-purple in the fall with distinctive red stems. Mature size will be around 5 feet wide to 6 feet tall, but can be pruned to be kept smaller.

‘Glowing Ember’ Hydrangea – This mophead hydrangea is popular for its large 8 inch crimson red blooms that mature to a reddish purple. Slightly smaller than other hydrangeas, mature size is around 4 feet wide by 4 feet tall.

‘Nikko Blue’ Hydrangea – A tight very, round mophead hydrangea that with the right pH is a beautiful blue. This is a great hydrangea from cut and dry flower arrangements. Mature size will be 3-5 feet tall and wide.