Shrubs for the Shade

Color Fantasy Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla

Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)

Penny Mac Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla

Of all the varieties of hydrangeas, the Bigleaf hydrangea, hydrangea macrophylla, is best known for its beautiful head of pink or blue flowers. They come in either the mophead or the lacecap varieties. The color depends on the pH of the soil. For pink flowers, the soil pH needs to be between 6.5 to 7.0. For blue flowers, the soil pH needs to be between 5.0 and 5.5. The traditional Bigleaf hydrangea grows on old wood and can take up to two years to set buds for its flowers. Other than removing dead branches, damaged leaves or stems, or old flowers, they do not need pruning. Endless summer is a variety of Hydrangea macrophylla that grows on both old and new wood which provides a longer blooming time period, sometimes up to 10 weeks longer. However, while the shrub can take some light pruning, it is really not recommended since it will take longer for new flower buds to appear. Watering your hydrangea once a week is very important during the summer months when there is little rain.