| I have a few plants I love working with, one of which is the hydrangea, and I have a few in my gardens. However, something I am often asked is, what is the right one to have in gardens? Choosing the Right Hydrangea in the UK Hydrangeas are versatile, showy shrubs that bring beautiful blooms from late spring through autumn. Choosing the right one depends on your garden’s specific conditions, including light levels, soil type, available space, and the desired aesthetic. |
| If You Want Colour-Changing Flowers (Pink or Blue) Bigleaf Hydrangea – Hydrangea macrophylla Popular varieties: ‘Endless Summer’, ‘Nikko Blue’, ‘BloomStruck’ Sun: Prefers morning sun and afternoon shade Soil: Turns blue in acidic soils (pH < 6), pink in neutral to alkaline soils Best for: Mixed borders, containers, and partially shaded spots Tip: Ideal for southern UK gardens with sheltered positions |
| If You Have Full Sun & Want a Hardy Hydrangea Panicle Hydrangea – Hydrangea paniculata Popular varieties: ‘Limelight’, ‘Fire Light’, ‘Little Quick Fire’ Sun: Tolerates full sun to partial shade Soil: Adapts to most well-drained soils Best for: Larger gardens, sunny borders, or statement planting Tip: Great for northern UK gardens due to its cold-hardiness |
| If You Love Classic White Blooms Smooth Hydrangea – Hydrangea arborescens Popular varieties: ‘Annabelle’, ‘Incrediball’, ‘Invincibelle Spirit’ Sun: Thrives in full sun to partial shade Soil: Moist but well-drained; copes with clay if improved Best for: Cottage gardens, informal borders, or mass planting Tip: Responds well to hard Pruning in late winter |
| If You Want Distinctive Foliage & Autumn Colour Oakleaf Hydrangea – Hydrangea quercifolia Popular varieties: ‘Snow Queen’, ‘Ruby Slippers’, ‘Alice’ Sun: Best in dappled shade, tolerates sun if the soil stays moist Soil: Moist but free-draining; drought tolerant once mature Best for: Woodland gardens, natural planting schemes, or autumn interest Tip: Leaves turn shades of crimson, bronze, and orange in autumn |
| If You Have a Small Garden or Want to Grow in Pots Dwarf & Compact Varieties Bigleaf: ‘Mini Penny’, ‘Cityline Paris’ Panicle: ‘Little Lime’, ‘Bobo’ Smooth: ‘Invincibelle Wee White’ Sun: Varies (Bigleaf prefers part shade; others enjoy more sun) Best for Terraces, patios, small borders, or balcony containers Tip: Use John Innes No. 3 compost in containers and water regularly in summer |
| If You Want a Climbing Variety Climbing Hydrangea – Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris Sun: Ideal for shady or north-facing walls Soil: Moist, well-drained Best for: Walls, fences, pergolas – self-clinging once established Tip: Slow to get going, but worth the wait for stunning summer blooms |
| Before You Buy – Things to Consider ✅ UK Hardiness: Most hydrangeas are hardy in the UK (RHS H5 or H6). Paniculatas and Smooth Hydrangeas are especially cold-tolerant. ✅ Sunlight: Bigleaf and Oakleaf prefer the morning sun with afternoon shade. Paniculata and Smooth types thrive in full sun (especially in northern areas). ✅ Garden Size: Select compact types for small plots or pots and larger types for generous borders or feature planting areas. ✅ Flowering Period: Rebloomers (e.g. ‘Endless Summer’) flower repeatedly through summer. Others offer a single yet show-stopping flush. ✅ Pruning: Bigleaf & Oakleaf bloom on old wood – prune after flowering. Panic and Smooth types bloom on new wood; prune in late winter or early spring. |
A Gardener's Curiosity 