Florist Guide to Hydrangea Varieties from Around the World

Hydrangeas are among the world's most beloved flowering shrubs, captivating gardeners with their spectacular blooms and diverse forms. Native to Asia and the Americas, these remarkable plants have been cultivated and hybridized to create hundreds of varieties that thrive in gardens across the globe.

Major Hydrangea Species and Their Origins

Asian Species

Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf Hydrangea)

Origin: Japan, Korea, China Common Names: Mophead, Lacecap, French Hydrangea

The most recognizable hydrangea species, H. macrophylla is divided into two main flower types:

Mophead Varieties (Hortensias):

• 'Endless Summer' - Revolutionary reblooming variety with blue/pink flowers

• 'Nikko Blue' - Classic Japanese variety with large blue flower heads

• 'All Summer Beauty' - Compact American cultivar with reliable blooming

• 'Bailmer' (Cityline series) - Dwarf German-bred varieties perfect for containers

Lacecap Varieties:

• 'Blue Wave' - English heritage variety with delicate flat-topped blooms

• 'Lanarth White' - Pure white lacecap from Cornwall, England

• 'Tokyo Delight' - Japanese variety with pink centers and white outer petals

Hydrangea serrata (Mountain Hydrangea)

Origin: Japan, Korea Characteristics: Smaller, more delicate than macrophylla with excellent fall color

• 'Bluebird' - Compact lacecap with blue flowers and red fall foliage

• 'Preziosa' - Color-changing variety that shifts from white to pink to burgundy

• 'Golden Sunlight' - Features golden-yellow foliage and pink flowers

Hydrangea aspera (Rough-leaf Hydrangea)

Origin: China, Himalayas Notable Subspecies:

• H. aspera subsp. sargentiana - Giant leaves up to 12 inches long

• 'Macrophylla' - Large lacecap flowers with velvety leaves

• 'Hot Chocolate' - Purple-bronze foliage with pink and white flowers

Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris (Climbing Hydrangea)

Origin: Japan, Korea, China, Russia Characteristics: Vigorous climbing vine reaching 60+ feet

• 'Miranda' - Variegated form with cream-edged leaves

• 'Firefly' - Compact variety suitable for smaller spaces

• 'Silver Lining' - Silvery-white leaf margins

North American Species

Hydrangea arborescens (Smooth Hydrangea)

Origin: Eastern United States Characteristics: Extremely cold-hardy, blooms on new wood

• 'Annabelle' - The classic white-flowered American variety

• 'Incrediball' - Improved version with stronger stems

• 'Invincibelle Spirit' - First pink smooth hydrangea

• 'Lime Rickey' - Chartreuse-green flowers aging to white

Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea)

Origin: Southeastern United States Characteristics: Oak-shaped leaves with stunning fall color, conical flower clusters

• 'Snow Queen' - Upright form with large white flower clusters

• 'Alice' - Compact variety with excellent flower production

• 'Ruby Slippers' - Dwarf form with flowers that age to deep pink

• 'Gatsby Pink' - Deep rose-pink flowers with burgundy fall foliage

South American Species

Hydrangea scandens (Chilean Climbing Hydrangea)

Origin: Chile, Argentina Characteristics: Evergreen climber with fragrant white flowers

European Breeding Contributions

While hydrangeas aren't native to Europe, European breeders have made significant contributions to hydrangea development:

French Breeding Programs

• 'Ayesha' - Unique lilac-shaped flowers

• 'Générale Vicomtesse de Vibraye' - Historic French variety from 1909

• 'Madame Emile Mouillère' - White mophead with pink or blue edges

German Innovations

• Cityline Series - Compact varieties bred for urban gardens

• 'Magical' Series - Color-changing varieties that shift throughout the season

• 'Forever & Ever' Series - Cold-hardy remontant varieties

Dutch Developments

• 'Magical Revolution' - Bicolor pink and white blooms

• 'Saxon Schloss' - Deep blue variety with excellent garden performance

Regional Adaptations and Cultivation

Climate Considerations by Region

Temperate Maritime Climates (UK, Pacific Northwest, New Zealand)

• Ideal for most H. macrophylla varieties

• Natural rainfall supports vigorous growth

• Cool temperatures maintain flower color intensity

Continental Climates (Central Europe, Eastern North America)

• H. arborescens varieties excel in cold winters

• H. paniculata thrives in temperature extremes

• Mulching essential for borderline hardy varieties

Mediterranean Climates (California, Southern Europe, Australia)

• Morning sun, afternoon shade crucial

• Consistent irrigation needed

• H. quercifolia performs well in drier conditions

Subtropical Regions (Southeastern US, Southern Japan)

• Extended growing seasons benefit reblooming varieties

• High humidity can promote fungal issues

• Afternoon shade essential

Soil pH and Flower Color

One of hydrangeas' most fascinating characteristics is their ability to change flower color based on soil pH:

Color Chemistry

• Acidic soil (pH 5.0-5.5): Blue flowers due to available aluminum

• Neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0): Purple flowers, mixed aluminum availability

• Alkaline soil (pH 7.5+): Pink flowers, aluminum unavailable

Varieties That Don't Change Color

• White varieties (genetic absence of pigment)

• H. arborescens varieties

• H. quercifolia varieties

• Some specialized cultivars bred for color stability

Modern Breeding Achievements

Remontant (Reblooming) Varieties

Revolutionary hydrangeas that bloom on both old and new wood:

• 'Endless Summer' Series - The original reblooming breakthrough

• 'Let's Dance' Series - Compact reblooming varieties

• 'Forever & Ever' Series - Cold-hardy remontant types

Dwarf and Compact Varieties

Perfect for smaller gardens and containers:

• 'Mini Penny' - Tiny lacecap reaching only 3 feet

• 'Pia' - Deep pink compact mophead

• 'Little Lime' - Dwarf version of popular 'Limelight'

Unusual Colors and Forms

• 'Pistachio' - Green-flowered novelty variety

• 'Dancing Snow' - Double white flowers

• 'Tuff Stuff' Series - Mountain hydrangeas with exceptional cold tolerance

Care and Cultivation Tips

Planting Requirements

• Location: Morning sun, afternoon shade in most climates

• Soil: Well-draining, rich in organic matter

• Spacing: Allow for mature size (3-8 feet depending on variety)

Seasonal Care

Spring:

• Apply balanced fertilizer

• Add organic mulch

• Begin regular watering schedule

Summer:

• Deep, infrequent watering

• Deadhead spent blooms on remontant varieties

• Monitor for pests and diseases

Fall:

• Reduce watering as plants prepare for dormancy

• Leave flower heads for winter interest and protection

• Apply winter mulch in cold climates

Winter:

• Avoid pruning unless necessary

• Protect tender varieties with burlap or frost cloth

• Plan for next year's garden additions

Pruning Guidelines

• H. macrophylla: Prune immediately after flowering (blooms on old wood)

• H. arborescens: Can be cut back hard in late winter (blooms on new wood)

• H. paniculata: Prune in late winter for best flower size

• H. quercifolia: Minimal pruning needed, shape after flowering

Companion Planting

Hydrangeas pair beautifully with:

• Hostas - Complementary foliage textures

• Astilbe - Similar moisture requirements

• Ferns - Woodland garden aesthetic

• Heuchera - Colorful foliage contrast

• Boxwood - Evergreen structure

Global Growing Regions

Asia-Pacific

• Japan: Home to the greatest diversity of native species

• China: Source of many climbing and unusual species

• Australia: Growing popularity in temperate regions

• New Zealand: Ideal climate for most varieties

Europe

• United Kingdom: Heritage varieties and extensive breeding programs

• France: Historic cultivation and development

• Germany: Modern compact and hardy varieties

• Netherlands: Cut flower production and new cultivars

North America

• Eastern US: Native species and extensive cultivation

• Pacific Northwest: Ideal climate for Asian species

• California: Specialized cultivation techniques for dry climates

• Canada: Focus on cold-hardy varieties

Future Trends in Hydrangea Breeding

The future of hydrangea cultivation looks promising with ongoing developments in:

• Enhanced cold hardiness for northern climates

• Improved disease resistance

• Extended bloom periods

• Novel flower colors and forms

• Drought tolerance for changing climates

• Compact varieties for urban gardening

HK florist tips

Hydrangeas represent one of the most successful stories in global plant cultivation, with species native to three continents now thriving in gardens worldwide. From the delicate mountain hydrangeas of Japan to the robust smooth hydrangeas of North America, these versatile shrubs continue to evolve through dedicated breeding programs that push the boundaries of color, form, and adaptability.

Whether you're drawn to the classic elegance of a French mophead, the architectural beauty of an oakleaf hydrangea, or the innovative reblooming characteristics of modern varieties, there's a hydrangea perfectly suited to your garden conditions and aesthetic preferences. As climate change and urbanization present new challenges to gardeners, hydrangeas' remarkable adaptability and the continued innovation of breeders worldwide ensure these beloved plants will continue to grace gardens for generations to come