Hydrangea
Be amazed by our extensive Hydrangea collection! From ball-shaped to panicle hydrangeas, these long-flowering plants offer lush flowers in a variety of colours and shapes. From low-growing, compact varieties to large shrubs, you will always find a variety that suits you in our collection. Perfect for borders, hedges or large pots.
Hydrangea – the classic garden plant for summer and late summer
Hydrangea is one of the most popular shrubs in the garden – and with good reason. From June until well into autumn, its large flowers create a sea of colour. Whether you choose ball-shaped or panicle-shaped flowers, hydrangeas have sturdy stems and beautiful foliage, making them suitable for anywhere: in borders, on the patio or simply as an eye-catcher in the garden.
What is Hydrangea and what types are there?
Hydrangeas belong to the Hydrangea genus and consist of different Hydrangea types. The five main types commonly seen in gardens are:
- Hydrangea arborescens is one of the most hardy types of hydrangea, but it is also a species that can withstand warmer climates. They are often planted as flowering hedges. Most varieties used to have white flowers, but breeding by Proven Winners® has led to varieties with other flower colours.
- Panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) have large, cone-shaped flowers. They start to bloom in a white or light green colour, but change colour spectacularly to different shades ranging from green to pink to fiery red, depending on the variety. The strong branches of the paniculata types become “woody”, allowing the shrub to grow larger than most other varieties.
Hydrangea macrophylla is the most common type of hydrangea and is often called (farmer's) hydrangea. The macrophylla varieties can be divided into types with large spherical flowers and types with umbrella-shaped flowers. The flower colour of these varieties can change depending on the pH value of the soil.
- Mountain hydrangeas (Hydrangea serrata) originate from Japan and Korea and also have umbel flowers, but are generally more resistant to cold winters. Serrata varieties often display beautiful autumn foliage colours. The flower colour of serrata types can also be influenced by the pH value of the soil.
- Oakleaf hydrangeas or Hydrangea quercifolia are easily distinguished by their distinctive leaf shape. Oakleaf hydrangeas flower best in areas with warm summers. The flowers are white, green or pink. In autumn, they put on a beautiful show with orange to burgundy leaf colours.
A new type recently introduced by Proven Winners® is the Cascade Hydrangea®, a brand new and highly innovative Hydrangea variety with hanging branches that have numerous flowers on each branch. Cascade Hydrangeas bloom in mid-spring, earlier than other Hydrangea varieties.
Proven Winners® selections — short & sweet
Proven Winners® develops hydrangeas that are just that little bit stronger, more floriferous and easier to maintain. Consider the Annabelle selections (such as Strong Annabelle®, Pink Annabelle® and Sublime Annabelle®), which are known for their sturdy branches and full, large flowers. Or the Quick Fire line (including Quick Fire Fab®, Little Quick Fire® and Tiny Quick Fire®), which bloom early and display a beautiful colour spectrum from white to pink and red.
There are also the BellaRagazza® hydrangeas, unique low-growing arborescens types that are perfect for borders and pots, and the Fairytrail® series, unique hydrangeas with a hanging growth habit that produce a cascade of flowers. With Fire Light® and Fire Light Tiny Bit®, you can bring powerful panicle hydrangeas into your home with very sturdy branches and flowers that turn an intense red. The Flair & Flavours® collection groups together the Proven Winners® macrophylla and serrata types. This series offers a full palette of flower shapes and colours: from light pink to red and baby blue to deep blue-purple. What's more, these varieties bloom on both old and new wood!
Whichever hydrangea you choose, Proven Winners® combines colour and showiness with reliability, so you always have a plant that shines season after season.
Location and planting
For the best flowering results, choose a spot with morning or evening sun; some varieties (especially paniculata) tolerate afternoon sun, but extra watering is important. The ideal soil is nutritious, slightly moist and well-drained; hydrangeas do not like waterlogged soil. Compact BellaRagazza® and Flair & Flavours® varieties do well in large pots; larger paniculata varieties such as Fire Light® are best planted in the ground where they have plenty of space.
Practical care (without fuss)
Caring for hydrangeas is easy when you know what type you have. Paniculata, quercifolia and arborescens (such as Annabelle types) bloom on new wood, so you can prune them heavily in early spring for fresh, rich flowering. Normal macrophylla and serrata types form buds on old wood, so it is advisable to only cut away the old flowers. The following applies to all hydrangeas: water them regularly during dry periods and work some compost into the soil in spring.
How and where to plant them
Hydrangeas can be planted in almost any garden. Plant compact BellaRagazza® varieties at the front of the border or in pots, place Lime Light Prime® at the back for height and more colour, or combine different types. Because the flower heads remain on the plant for a long time and dry nicely, hydrangeas are also popular for cut flowers and dried bouquets.
FAQ
When does a hydrangea bloom?
Most hydrangeas bloom from June onwards and keep their flowers until autumn; panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) such as Pinkachu® can continue to bloom until the first frost.
Which hydrangea is Annabelle?
Hydrangea Annabelle is an arborescens with large white balls on long, sturdy branches. The plant flowers on new wood. Proven Winners® offers compact and even sturdier Annabelle selections, such as the white Strong Annabelle®.
I want to buy hydrangeas — which ones should I choose for a pot?
Choose compact series such as BellaRagazza® or Flair & Flavours®; these have been specially selected to perform well in pots and smaller gardens.
How and when should I prune my hydrangea?
Prune paniculata, quercifolia and arborescens (including Annabelle types) in early spring. For Macrophylla and serrata varieties, remove the old flowers in early spring.