Hydrangea is a very popular ornamental flower, named for its large and colorful flower ball shape. Hydrangea belongs to the family Hydrangeaceae and is native to Asia and America. It is very common in gardens, courtyards and indoors, and is often cultivated as a decorative plant. Hydrangea can be divided into many different types and varieties based on its shape, flower color and growing environment.

Classification by flower color

The flower color of hydrangea is affected by the pH of the soil and will show different performances in different environments:

Acidic soil: When the soil is acidic, the flowers of hydrangea are generally blue.

Alkaline soil: When the soil is alkaline, the flower color is generally pink or red(Commonly known as pink bigleaf hydrangea).

Neutral soil: When the soil is neutral, the flowers are usually purple.

This type of color change is mainly determined by the aluminum content and pH in the soil.

Classification by type and variety

1.Hydrangea macrophylla

Features: The most common variety is the spherical inflorescence large-leaf hydrangea, and the flower color can vary from pink to blue, purple, etc.

Classification:

Mophead hydrangea: The flower ball is round in shape, with large and dense petals. Common colors are pink, blue and purple.

Lacecap hydrangea: The center of the inflorescence is a small flower, with a circle of large petals around it, which looks like an umbrella shape. The flower colors are more diverse, and common ones are blue, pink, white, etc.

2.Hydrangea serrata

Features: hydrangea serrata is similar to large-leaf hydrangea, but the leaves are narrower and longer, the flower colors range from blue, pink to purple, and it is more cold-resistant.

Common varieties: Varieties such as Blue Bird are more cold-resistant and suitable for planting in the north.

3.Hydrangea paniculata

Features: The inflorescence is conical or conical, usually tall, and the flowers are small, usually white, and gradually turn pink or red later. Their branches are tough and cold-resistant.

Common varieties:

Limelight: The inflorescence is green, gradually turns white, and finally pink.

Vanille Fraise: It has white to pink gradient flowers with bright and varied colors.

4.Climbing Hydrangea

Features: This hydrangea is a climbing plant, often used on walls or other supports, and has good climbing ability. The inflorescence is conical and white in color.

Common varieties: Pullman, this variety has a larger inflorescence and grows more vigorously.

5.Western Hydrangea

Features: The leaves of this hydrangea are similar to oak leaves, Inflorescence paniculate hydrangea, and the color gradually changes from white to pink. It has strong adaptability to the environment and is often used for gardening decoration.

Common varieties: Snow Queen, this variety has a larger inflorescence, the color is white, and then turns pink.

6.American Hydrangea

Features: This hydrangea is usually short, with a spherical inflorescence, mainly white. Suitable for growing in sunny places.

Common varieties: Annabelle, this variety has large and full flower balls, and the white flowers are extremely dazzling.

7.Japanese Hydrangea

Features: Japanese hydrangea has small flowers, usually white or light blue, and is suitable for growing in warm and humid environments. It is often used as an ornamental flower.

Classification by growth habits

Shrub hydrangea: This type of hydrangea usually has relatively hard branches that can support large flower balls. Most of them are multi-plant clumps, suitable for shrub decoration in gardening.

Climbing hydrangea: Climbing hydrangeas can climb and grow along walls, trellises or fences like climbing plants, and are suitable for vertical greening.

Cultivation precautions

Light: Although most hydrangeas prefer semi-shaded environments, different types of hydrangeas have slightly different light requirements. For example, flat-branch hydrangeas usually prefer full sun, while large-leaf hydrangeas are suitable for semi-shaded environments.

Soil: Hydrangeas prefer fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Different varieties have different adaptability to soil pH.

Pruning: For some varieties, especially large-leaf hydrangeas, pruning is very important. Usually, timely pruning after the flowering period can promote growth in the second year.

There are many types of hydrangeas, which can be classified in many ways according to different characteristics such as flower color, flower shape, and flowering period.

Understanding the characteristics of different types of hydrangeas can help us better choose the varieties that are suitable for our gardens and homes. Whether it is the classic bigleaf hydrangea or the hardy flat-branch hydrangea, each type of hydrangea can bring different beauty and appreciation value to gardening enthusiasts.