Frequently asked questions
What is the most common type of hydrangea?
H. macrophylla is the most widely grown. Commonly known as hortensia or French hydrangea (even though it is native to Japan), it has large mophead or lacecap flowerheads that are usually mid-pink in alkaline soils and mauve or blue in acid soils.
How many different varieties of hydrangea are there?
Almost 2,000! Choose the best for your garden by considering the colour and size you want. Some hydrangeas are large shrubs, while others are compact enough to grow in containers. There are also lovely climbing hydrangeas for north or east-facing walls.
How do I know what type of hydrangea I have?
Look at the shape of the flowers. If the flowers look like lacecaps, it could be a form of H. macrophylla, H. serrata, H. arborescens or H. aspera. If they are rounded mopheads, you probably have H. macrophylla or
H. arborescens.
And if they are cone-shaped, it is likely to be H. paniculata or H. quercifolia. H. quercifolia has unique foliage: somewhat reminiscent of oak leaves and producing great autumn colour.
What is the best hydrangea for wildlife?
The lovely climbing hydrangeas – such as H. anomala subsp. petiolaris and Pileostegia viburnoides – are best for pollinators, such as bees. But some of the shrubby hydrangeas also attract wildlife.
What is the best method for drying hydrangeas?
Mophead hydrangeas are one of the best blooms for producing beautiful dried flowers for the house. The trick to success is to avoid harvesting them as soon as they flower because they will wilt and the colour won’t be as good. It is best to wait until early to mid-autumn when they have developed gorgeous colour tones and the petals have developed a slightly papery texture. Cut the longest stems for ease of drying, bind the stems with twine and then hang upside down in a cool, dry, airy place for a fortnight.