Kritsada Panichgul
Thanks to plant breeding,scores of hydrangea varietiesare available in garden centers.
But when do hydrangeas bloom, so you’ll know when to expect the showy flowers in your garden?
These popular shrubs vary by size, color, hardiness, and yes, bloom time.
Credit:Kritsada Panichgul
Are you looking for a jolt of color in late spring?
Theres a hydrangea for that.
Maybe you need structure and flowers in early fall?
Credit:Proven Winners
Theres a hydrangea for that, too.
This seasonal guide will help you figure out when the different types of hydrangeas bloom.
Bigleaf varieties are some of the most tender hydrangea shrubs.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Expect them to begin blooming in late spring.
They bloom earlier than other types of hydrangeas because they form their flower buds the previous year.
Growing notes:Bigleaf hydrangeas grow best inwell-drained soiland part shade.
Afternoon shade is essential in areas with hot summers.
Cool, moist soil is also necessary for vigorous growth and large, full blooms.
They are hardy in Zones 69.
In Zones 5 and 6, oakleaf hydrangea begins flowering in early summer.
Growing notes:Plant oakleaf hydrangea in cool, moist soil and part to full shade.
They are hardy in Zones 59.
Summer-Blooming Hydrangeas
Summer is prime time for many hydrangeas.
Spring-blooming varieties often continue blooming through summer, or their resplendent flowers take on new tones as they age.
Hydrangeas long-lasting blossoms translate to flowering windows that span several weeks to more than three months.
Plant the followingsummer-flowering hydrangeas to enjoy armloads of flowersin July and August.
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Panicle Hydrangea
Panicle hydrangeas(Hydrangea paniculata)are some of themost popular flowering shrubs.
In Zones 3 to 6, it can toleratefull sun.
Moist, well-drained soil is best.
They are hardy in Zones 38.
Traditional bigleaf hydrangeas bloom on stems produced the previous year.
Reblooming hydrangeas must be thriving to unfurl new blooms every couple of weeks from early summer until frost.
Fertilizer encourages good growth.
Water regularly to encourage vigorous growth.
They are hardy in Zones 59.
Smooth Hydrangea
Loose, delicate flower heads givesmooth hydrangea(Hydrangea arborescens) an informal appearance.
The flowers are green initially, then turn white, and finally become light brown.
One of the most well-known varieties of smooth hydrangea is ‘Annabelle,’ shown here.
Give plants room to spread, and they will create a drift of flowers and foliage.
Growing notes:Plant in part to full shade and well-drained soil.
Smooth hydrangeas spread by underground stems to slowly form a colony.
Prune spent flowers in early summer, and the plant will rebloom in fall.
They are hardy in Zones 39.
Fall-Blooming Hydrangeas
Both reblooming and smooth hydrangeas open new flowers until thefirst fall frost.
Dry conditions and summer heat can slow the growth of these hardworking plants.
Spur them to continue blooming by watering deeply once a week when rain isnt consistent.
Summertime flowers change color as the seasons progress, eventually turning beige in late fall.
