Hydrangea Species and Their Wonderful Characteristics

"Hydrangeas, depending on the species, bloom between June and September, most preferring the shade. Each is more beautiful than the last, and there's something for every garden enthusiast.

Hydrangeas are so diverse in their appearance that even an entire garden filled with them would never be boring. Each species has its very special characteristics."

Among the hydrangea species, the Bigleaf or Garden Hydrangea (Bauernhortensie) is particularly popular in German gardens. Its umbrella-like blooms appear on stems up to two meters tall. This thirsty indoor and garden plant needs at least partial shade; midday sun will harm it. It blooms in white and pink, which turns blue in acidic soil. The delicate Lacecap Hydrangea (Tellerhortensie) undergoes this transformation too. Its aptly named flat, plate-like umbel flowers appear in white, blue, red, and pink. Many flowers also come in a bicolor outfit. This shade-loving plant is content with a height of one meter. Both types of hydrangeas complete a cottage garden and are perfectly suited for a natural garden.

The winter-hardy Smooth Hydrangea or Wild Hydrangea (Schneeballhortensie or Waldhortensie) is one of the large hydrangea species with spectacular blooms. It grows as a bushy, loose shrub that can reach up to three meters in height. Its white, spherical flower clusters are so heavy that the branches often hang down to the ground. Garden owners usually provide it with a support.

The robust Panicle Hydrangea (Rispenhortensie) also withstands winter outdoors. Its hand-sized, stalked leaves with downy hair are impressive. The white or creamy-white panicle blooms resemble the delicate blossoms of lilac. They remain beautiful even as they fade, transitioning into pink to purplish-red hues! Bees and butterflies love this plant, which grows up to two meters tall. Both of these hydrangea species prefer partial shade and tolerate sun.

The Climbing Hydrangea (Kletterhortensie) is the slowest among the hydrangea species but grows tirelessly. With its aerial roots, it clings to any surface. Its flat, white flower clusters reach 25 centimeters in width. It's ideal for shady facades!

The Oakleaf Hydrangea (Eichenblättrige Hortensie) displays beautiful red foliage in autumn. Before that, this shrub, which grows up to two meters tall, presents white blooms that turn pink over the course of the summer. It's adaptable to anything from sun to shade.

The Velvet Hydrangea (Samthortensie) is considered a rarity among hydrangea species. This two to four-meter-tall shrub has oversized leaves with a velvety hair growth. Its unusual, fascinating bloom consists of small, fertile true flowers and large, infertile showy bracts, totaling approximately 20 centimeters in width. It emits a delicate fragrance. This beauty prefers a sheltered spot in partial shade.