It’s important to understand the growth potential of different hydrangeas before you add them to the garden.
Each variety has unique blooms, leaves, forms, and a range of sizes.
Before youplant a hydrangea, take the time to do some research about the species.
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Some are compact, some are climbing vines, and some grow up to 20 feet tall.
The mature width of a hydrangea can range from 2 to 6 feet.
Most species need some shade, even if labeled as full sun, nutrient-rich soil, and consistent moisture.
Depriving hydrangeas of these conditions will severely impact their health and mature growth size.
Once the plant becomes rootbound, it’s not getting any larger and may not survive.
Some species produce flowers on new growth, while others only produce blooms on old wood.
It clings and/or climbs not only by twining and aerial rootlets.
Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)
Choose smooth hydrangeas to create an impactful border or mass planting.
Rounded, deciduous shrubs that grow 3 to 5 feet tall and wide.
Unlike some other hydrangeas, the flower color is not affected by the soil pH.
Growing 3 to 6 feet wide and tall, the hydrangeas are hardy in zones 6a to 11b.
The conical to pyramidal panicles of creamy white flowers measure 6 to 8 inches long.
It can grow to 8 feet in height and 6 to 8 feet in width.
The white conical blooms turn pink and then brown.
Even in winter, the reddish-brown exfoliating bark is attractive in the garden in zones 5a-9b.
Little pruning is required for this hydrangea that grows 2 to 4 feet wide and tall.
Any pruning should be done after flowering because it blooms on the previous season’s stems.
The mountain hydrangea is hardy in zones 6a to 9b and prefers a woodland placement with dappled light.
