Nikko Blue and Other Hydrangeas

Blue Hydrangea

Blue Hydrangea - Hydrangea Macrophylla Blue hydrangeas are your go-to choice for elegant flowering shrubs. When shopping for a shrub with old-fashioned charm, this is one of the most elegant. They are easy to cultivate, grow in almost any soil, and produce abundant dinnerplate-size blue snowball blooms throughout the warm season and into autumn. How to Grow Blue Hydrangeas These bushes are drought-resistant and can grow out in direct sunlight or in filtered shade. They grow quickly and mature to 15 feet high and 10 feet wide. The blooms are in Spring and Summer, even into Fall, and are dinner plates in size. These shrubs do exceptionally well in zones 5-9, making them versatile and a great choice for even cooler winter zones. Blue Hydrangea Planting Season Since hydrangeas are relatively large shrubs, giving them enough time to develop a healthy root is essential. This is why it is best to plant hydrangeas in spring or fall.  They can also be planted anytime in the Spring or Fall season. Where to Plant These shrubs are versitle and do best when planted along a fence, near home, or as a border. They can be grown in direct and open sunlight or filtered shade, making them a favorite for many homeowners who do not have the "perfect" solution for many flowering shrubs. Growing them along the fence clears them from the harsh afternoon heat. They are perennials that often thrive in hardiness zones 5-9. Soil Recommendations   As revealed above, they can withstand almost any soil type. They thrive in soil rich in organic materials, and the ground should also have good drainage since the hydrangeas grow well in moist soil. However, the shrubs are intolerant to waterlogged soil because the roots tend to rot quickly. To improve soil quality, prepare your soil using a mixture of abundant compost before planting.  Blooming Season  They have varied blooming seasons, depending on the planting zone and the cultivar. Most bud from mid-spring to early summer. In hot regions, these shrubs stop budding in summer due to the heat intensity and bloom again in the fall.  How to Control the Blooming Color  are unique plants in that you can control their colors. However, not all hydrangeas can withstand color adjustments. If you want to increase the strength of the color of your shrubs, you need to lower your soil’s pH levels. By reducing the soil’s pH, the hydrangeas can absorb enough aluminum from the ground, thus giving them a beautiful blue color. Fertilizer and Care Adding peat moss or sulfur to the soil can lower the PH level. You can add aluminum sulfate throughout the growing season to make them shinier. Indoor Cultivation: If you want to grow them inside your house in a pot, choose a non-porous container about 18 inches wide to accommodate the plants’ maturity size.  A non-porous container or pot helps retain the moisture needed for the Blue Hydrangea to mature. It would be best if you also created drainage holes to allow the proper drainage of the excess water.

Hydrangea Arborescens 'Snowhill'

Hydrangea arborescens 'Snowhill' Snow Hill Hydrangea is a compact deciduous shrub with large, rounded clusters of white, snowball-like flowers. It is a popular choice for garden borders and as a foundation plant. Hydrangeas bring various benefits to landscaping projects, contributing to outdoor spaces' visual aesthetics, versatility, and overall charm.  This cultivar offers unique features, making it a valuable choice for various landscape designs. One of the primary benefits of landscaping is its stunning floral display. It is perfect for people fantasizing about winter wonderlands. With snowball-like blooms, these gorgeous shrubs bring the beauty and magic of them to your garden without the chill of a natural snowfall. Foliage of Snow Hill Hydrangea  Formally referred to as arborescens, this deciduous shrub is a compact plant, with most specimens topping around five feet in height. In terms of width, they typically span three feet to five feet. Stems are tan with a velvety texture. The simple leaves are serrated with fine hair. Either rounded or oval, they're broad and measure three inches to six inches across. Most will be at most six inches in length. This native shrub has two-tone leaves in the spring. The tops are deep green, but the undersides are paler green. Of course, these leaves change with the seasons. In the fall, they turn yellow.  Snow Hill Hydrangea's Bloom Cycle and Asthetics They produce impressive ball-shaped clusters of flowers that measure between eight inches and 12 inches. Incredibly dense groupings of smaller flowers form these clusters. Each bloom features four or five petals and measures less than one inch across.They have a lengthy bloom period. It starts in May or June. Flowers will generally remain white until September. Color Changes While many can react to soil changes by changing the color of their flowers, it won't disappoint fans of the winter season. They consistently deliver white or cream flowers at the start of the summer season. It is a deciduous plant, so it does reflect the seasons. If the ball-shaped blooms are allowed to dry in place, they will shift briefly to pink before turning brown. It's a different look, but these dried flowerheads can still add visual interest to a fall garden.  Snow Hill Hydrangeas are striking plants that efficiently fulfill various purposes. They can serve as a focal point or provide concealment. They grow beautifully along slopes and in borders, and they would be happy in rain gardens, shade gardens, and pollinator gardens.

PeeGee Hydrangea

PeeGee Hydrangea - Hydrangea paniculata 'Grandiflora'  Peegee Hydrangea is a shrub featuring large, conical clusters of white, showy flowers that mature rapidly, creating a stunning display in gardens and landscapes. Incorporating them into landscaping offers various benefits that contribute to the beauty and versatility of outdoor spaces. These elegant shrubs bring striking flowers, adaptability, low-maintenance care, potential for multiple uses, and a timeless charm to garden settings. Peegee Hydrangea has Huge Blooms As summer arrives, these flowering shrubs live up to their name. The blooms grow in rounded clusters and can reach an impressive size of 10 inches. Each spherical cluster includes many tiny flowers, each with four delicate petals. Although initially pale green, they turn a beautiful white during summer.  On a sunny day, the blooms look especially radiant as they reflect the sun's rays. The shrub leaves have a rich green hue, complementing the attractive white flowers. When it is in full bloom, its flower clusters may become thick enough that they mimic the appearance of snow. People often plant several shrubs to enjoy being enveloped in their beauty. Hydrangea paniculata 'Grandiflora' Has Timeless Elegance  The shrub is perfect for anyone who wants to add timeless elegance to their property. The enormous flower clusters look ethereal on a breezy day as they sway and bob gently. The rustling sound of the leaves in the wind adds to the peaceful look the shrubs boast. Each silky flower petal contributes to the overall smooth look of these shrubs.  When these shrubs adorn landscapes, they add unique beauty. Homeowners use them to create luxurious tranquility. Event venues use them to design magical-looking spaces for outdoor weddings or other special occasions. The stunning off-white petals complement nearly every hue and shade. With their bright and clean appearance, they can improve the look of any landscape. Today, these shrubs are famous for moon gardens because of their captivating beauty and pleasant aroma.  Highly Fragrant As the blooms appear, pee gee hydrangeas emit a subtle scent comparable to sweet alyssum or jasmine. On a warm summer day, the smell is delightful. The blooms also blend well with the lovely and woody scents of other flowers, shrubs, and trees. Overall, this type of shrub is a versatile choice that appeals to all the senses and adds a distinct touch of sophistication.