Hydrangea
Traditional Hydrangeas
By Gzen92 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=54268842
Scientific Name:
Hydrangea macrophylla
Common Names:
Bigleaf hydrangea, French hydrangea, Mophead
Lighting Requirements:
Partial shade to full sun (they appreciate a break from the intense afternoon sun in Central Texas)
Height:
3-6 feet
Width:
3-6 feet
Seasonal Interest:
Blooms in summer; foliage color in fall
Winter Look:
Bare stems, sometimes holds dried blooms
Drought Tolerance:
Low to moderate
Deer Resistance:
Low
Attracts:
Bees, butterflies
Hardiness Zones:
Zones 5-9
Soil Requirements:
Moist, well-drained soil
pH Range:
*5.0 - 6.5 (slightly acidic)
Native To:
Japan, Korea, China
Potential Disease Issues:
Powdery mildew, leaf spot, root rot
Notes:
Colors can change based on soil pH; Pruning can affect blooming.
These Hydrangeas generally do not perform well with pH above 7. They develop Iron deficiencies that are very difficult to stay on top of.
Hydrangea
Oakleaf Hydrangea
Scientific Name:
Hydrangea quercifolia
Common Names:
Oakleaf hydrangea
Lighting Requirements:
Partial sun (morning sun is best)
Height:
4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 meters)
Width:
4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 meters)
Seasonal Interest:
Blooms in early summer; stunning fall foliage in shades of red, orange, and purple
Winter Look:
Peeling, cinnamon-colored bark; bare branches
Drought Tolerance:
Moderate
Deer Resistance:
Moderate
Attracts:
Bees, butterflies
Hardiness Zones:
Zones 5-9
Soil Requirements:
Moist, well-drained soil; tolerates clay and sandy soils
pH Range:
5.0 - 6.5 (slightly acidic)
Native To:
Southeastern United States
Potential Disease Issues:
Leaf spot, powdery mildew, root rot
Notes:
Distinctive oak-shaped leaves.
These Hydrangeas do better than the traditional ones when dealing with a higher pH, but it can still be challenging to keep them perfectly happy in less-than-ideal soil conditions.
