Hydrangeas are a summer favorite on Long Island, bringing beautiful flowers to garden beds, borders and outdoor gathering spaces. However, these flowering shrubs offer more variety than you might expect. Some have rounded blue or pink blooms, while others produce cone-shaped flowers, colorful fall foliage or climbing stems.
Understanding the different types of hydrangeas can help you choose one that fits your garden’s sunlight, space and style. Here are five popular types to consider.
Endless Summer Hydrangea
Annabelle Hydrangea
1. Bigleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla
When you picture a classic Long Island hydrangea, a bigleaf hydrangea probably comes to mind. This group includes mopheads, with rounded flower clusters, and lacecaps, which have flatter blooms with showy flowers surrounding smaller central flowers.
Familiar choices include ‘Nikko Blue’ and varieties in the Endless Summer collection. Many grow best with morning sun and afternoon shade, along with consistently moist, well-drained soil.
Certain varieties can produce blue, purple or pink flowers depending on soil pH and aluminum availability. Before adding amendments, visit Hicks Nurseries for free soil pH testing.
Choose bigleaf hydrangeas for: Classic summer color in partially shaded beds and borders.
2. Smooth Hydrangea
Hydrangea arborescens
Smooth hydrangeas are known for their rounded flower clusters and natural, spreading habit. ‘Annabelle’ is a familiar favorite, producing large white blooms that brighten garden beds and make beautiful cut flowers.
These shrubs work well in informal borders or planted in groups for a fuller display. A partially shaded location with moist, well-drained soil helps support healthy growth.
Unlike traditional bigleaf hydrangeas, smooth hydrangeas flower on new growth produced during the current season.
Choose smooth hydrangeas for: Soft, abundant blooms in cottage gardens and mixed borders.
Oakleaf Hydrangea
Panicle Hydrangea
3. Oakleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea quercifolia
Oakleaf hydrangeas offer interest beyond their summer flowers. Their large, oak-shaped leaves provide bold texture, then develop shades of red, burgundy and purple in fall.
Cone-shaped flower clusters open white, with many developing pink tones as they mature. The combination of flowers and foliage makes oakleaf hydrangeas especially useful along woodland edges and in partially shaded garden beds.
Check the variety’s mature dimensions before planting so it has room to develop its natural shape.
Choose oakleaf hydrangeas for: Distinctive foliage, summer flowers and rich fall color.
4. Panicle Hydrangea
Hydrangea paniculata
For a sunnier garden, consider panicle hydrangeas. They tolerate more direct sunlight than many other hydrangea types when adequate moisture is available.
Their cone-shaped flowers appear later in summer. Depending on the variety, blooms may open white or lime green before developing pink or red tones as they age.
Panicle hydrangeas come in a range of mature sizes, so compare plant tags carefully. They bloom on new growth, with pruning generally done in late winter or early spring.
Choose panicle hydrangeas for: Sunnier borders and late-summer flower displays.
Climbing Hydrangea
Panicle Hydrangea
5. Climbing Hydrangea
Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris
Climbing hydrangea brings a different form to the garden. This woody vine has dark green, heart-shaped leaves and produces lacy white flower clusters in early summer.
Give it a sturdy support and plenty of space to spread. Its mature size makes it important to choose the planting location carefully.
Choose climbing hydrangeas for: Vertical interest on a substantial arbor or other suitable support.
Find the Right Hydrangea for Your Garden
Start with your available sunlight and planting space, then consider flower shape, color and seasonal interest. Choosing a variety that fits its location will help reduce the need for frequent pruning.
For seasonal maintenance advice, read our guide to fall hydrangea care.