Hydrangeas

In the Fall of 2006, I bought 3 Penny Mac Hydrangeas from Home Depot. They were extremely healthy looking plants, however after some reading I regretted not getting not getting the Endless Summer variety. Nonetheless, they have performed excellently and I couldn't be happier with them. This year they've hit their stride and are blooming like crazy and hanging in there with the heat.

Last summer, I took several floral arranging classes at The Art of Flowers in downtown Raleigh. I was reminded of the Limelight Hydrangea. Its a show stopper in arrangments when paired with pinks and reds. I set out to buy three and got a hydrangea education along the way.

Hydrangea Macrophylla

The most common hydrangeas in our area are the Hydrangea Macrophylla or bigleaf hydrangea. These hydrangeas' blooms vary from pink to blue depending on the pH (or acidity) of the soil. If you want blue blooms increase the acidity adding aluminum. For pink blooms, add lime to the soil. Don't forget that as pretty as they are in the summer, these hydrangeas are decidious and will loose their leaves in the winter. Unless you like the twiggy look in the winter, like I do, they might disappoint you if you if they are too prominent during the winter in your landscape. These hygrangeas bloom on old wood, so prune them after flowering.

Hydrangea Paniculata

The limelight hydrangea is a Hydrangea Paniculata or Panicle Hydrangea. From what I've read, its white and light green blooms of the summer turn to a deeper pink or red in the Fall: I can't wait! This hydrangea blooms on new wood. In fact, my plants had recently been pruned to about 2 feet tall when I got them in March and now they are about 4 - 5 feet tall. No blooms yet, but I'm hopeful!