Hydrangea Shrubs
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History
Hydrangea is a species of shrubs that are native to southern and eastern Asia (China, Korea, Japan, the Himalayas, and Indonesia) and North and South America. By far the greatest species diversity is in eastern Asia, notably China, Korea, and Japan.
There are 4 categories of hydrangea shrubs that are popular and are marketed extensively in the United States. The categories are: Hydrangea macrophylla, Hydrangea arborescens, Hydrangea quercifolia, and Hydrangea paniculata. The aforementioned hydrangeas can be described as a deciduous perennial shrub with low woody branches. Hydrangeas are popular for its wide variety of colors and numerous uses.
Characteristics
Hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs that shed their leaves in the winter. These shrubs can bloom from early spring through early fall with large flower clusters in white, pink or blue. Hydrangea shrubs usually have large leaves that are oval, slightly heart shaped, or moderately lobed like an oak leaf.
Most hydrangea shrubs grow 5-8' tall and 6-10' wide. Hydrangea shrubs prefer rich, well draining moist soil and part-shade although full sun is tolerated in cooler climates. Soil PH between 4.5 to 5 will turn the flower clusters of some hydrangeas blue while soil PH above 6.3 will turn the hydrangea flowers pink.
Uses
Hydrangea shrubs can grow in full, bushy clumps that add a bold-leaved texture to container, bed or border plantings. Use hydrangeas as a floral accent in the middle of a bed or border in front of evergreen trees or evergreen shrubs. Or plant hydrangea shrubs as under story plantings beneath deciduous or woodland trees. The large flower clusters that hydrangea shrubs produce are often dried for indoor flower arrangements or used in crafts. Hydrangeas can be used in shrub and perennial borders and as foundation plantings. They are often used as seasonal or holiday potted plants. One of the newest varieties of hydrangea is the Endless Summer Hydrangea which will bloom without fail year after year.
Varieties
Endless Summer Hydrangea
Nikko Blue Hydrangea
Annabelle Hydrangea
Oakleaf Hydrangea
Pia Hydrangea
Limelight Hydrangea
Forever and Ever Hydrangea
Blushing Bride Hydrangea