ORNAMENTAL SHRUB 

 HYDRANGEA


Hydrangeas are one of  the showiest summer-flowering shrubs, with large flower clusters  that last up to 3 months.  These spectacular flower heads can be up to 1 foot or more and may cause the branches to bow down under the weight.  Flowers make beautiful fresh bouquets or dried arrangements. Faded flower heads remain on branches  into the winter. Although Hydrangeas are easy to grow  and untroubled by pests, it is essential that the soil is moist but well-drained.  Do not allow soil to dry out - especially while the plant is in bloom. Flowers emerge perennially from the base each year so the shrub can be pruned  down to ground level in the spring.

 Hydrangea Cultivars for the Prairies

Cultivar Name

 

Size

Zone

Foliage

Flowers

Description

Annabelle Hydrangea

Hydrangea arborescens grandiflora 'Annabelle'

3-4' (1.25m) x 3-4' (1.25m) 3 Large heart shaped, medium green Pure white, sterile. Although it is more shade tolerant than other Hydrangeas, the Annabelle blooms best in full sun in a sheltered location. It is a low growing plant  with very large and showy globe shaped flowers making it a stunning accent plant. Spring pruning to 6" in height will renew the plant.
Endless Summer Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bailmer'

3-4' (1.25m) x 3-4' (1.25m) 4   Large, pink A mop-head Hydrangea that blooms throughout the whole summer on both old and new wood.  This collector plant  requires a location that is sheltered with  adequate winter protection.
Kyushu Hydrangea

Hydrangea paniculata 'Kyushu'

3-4' (1.25m) x 3-4' (1.25m) 3 Dark green White A beautiful feature shrub with large,  cone shaped panicles of  flowers.  They are more open and airy than other Hydrangeas.  Leaves are smooth and glossy.
PeeGee Hydrangea

Hydrangea paniculata 'Grandiflora'

3-4' (1.25m) x 3-4' (1.25m) 3 Lighter green then other Hydrangeas.   White, turning pinkish- bronze in fall. PeeGee has large cone shaped flowers making it  stunningly beautiful when in full bloom. An adaptable shrub with small, oval shaped leaves that grow in an upright, rounded form. Foliage has a course texture.
Unique Hydrangea

Hydrangea paniculata 'Unique'

3-4' (1.25m) x 3-4' (1.25m) 3 Coarse textured. White, turning pink-bronze in late summer Unique Hydrangea is an attractive, upright shrub with a round form and large double flowers.  Makes an excellent feature or screen shrub.

Revised by Rachel Giesbrecht on July 4, 2005.

 

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