A Guide to the Most Beautiful Hydrangea Varieties from Around the World
Hydrangeas are cherished worldwide for their abundant blooms and diverse varieties. Here's a guide to some of the most stunning hydrangea varieties from around the globe:
1. Hydrangea macrophylla 'Madame Emile Mouillère' An old French variety known for its large, pure white flowerheads that can reach up to 20cm (8 inches) across. The florets are densely packed with serrated edges, adding elegance to shaded garden areas. The blooms, which appear from July and persist into autumn, may develop subtle pink or lime green hues as they age.
2. Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' This variety stands out with its lime-green flowers that bloom from mid-July to early October. As the season progresses, the blooms deepen in color, often acquiring pinkish tones. Recognized for its upright growth and resilience, 'Limelight' was awarded the RHS Award of Garden Merit.
3. Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' Native to the United States, 'Annabelle' produces impressive, near-spherical white flowerheads that can be up to 25cm (10 inches) across. Blooming from mid-July, the flowers transition from pale green to cream and back to pale green by October. This variety thrives in light shade and is known for its hardiness.
4. Hydrangea macrophylla 'Ayesha' Also known as Mophead Hydrangea 'Ayesha', this variety boasts large flower heads that bloom for up to six months, starting in early summer. The florets can range from pink to blue, depending on soil pH. 'Ayesha' grows to be 4-6 feet tall and thrives in part shade, making it ideal for borders or large containers.
5. Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bavaria' A mophead variety featuring remarkable near-indigo flowers with broad white borders, creating a striking contrast. 'Bavaria' blooms during summer into early autumn and reaches a height and spread of up to 1.2 meters, making it a compact choice for gardens.
6. Hydrangea paniculata 'Vanille Fraise' This variety is celebrated for its large, creamy white flower heads that bloom from mid-summer into fall. As the season progresses, the blooms often take on pinkish hues, resembling vanilla and strawberry ice cream, hence the name. 'Vanille Fraise' thrives in full sun to partial shade and is both easy to grow and long-lived.
7. Hydrangea macrophylla 'Shining Angel' Part of the Black Diamonds series, 'Shining Angel' produces multi-hued flowers ranging from soft blue-violet through purple to red-magenta. It boasts a long flowering season, covering summer and most of autumn, and reaches a height and spread of 1-1.5 meters.
8. Hydrangea macrophylla 'French Bolero' A very floriferous variety with large flowers in gentle shades of pink and white. 'French Bolero' blooms through summer to early autumn and has a spreading habit, reaching about 1 meter in height and spread.
9. Hydrangea macrophylla 'Hamburg' Depending on the soil's pH, 'Hamburg' produces large clusters of purple to rose-colored flowers. This variety grows 4-5 feet tall and thrives in sun to part shade with medium moisture, well-drained soil.
10. Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris (Climbing Hydrangea) Native to Asia, this climbing hydrangea produces beautiful clusters of fragrant white flowers in late spring to early summer. It can grow to be 30-40 feet tall and thrives in part shade to full shade, making it ideal for covering walls or trellises.
When selecting hydrangeas for your garden, consider factors such as climate, soil pH, and available space to ensure each variety thrives and showcases its unique beauty.
