Each owner of a summer cottage seeks not only to grow a rich harvest of berries, vegetables and fruits on it, but also to decorate his garden as much as possible, to give it the most attractive appearance. For this, flowers are often planted, all kinds of beautiful shrubs that can bloom throughout the warm season. One such example is hydrangea. It is a lush deciduous shrub characterized by a long flowering period.

The inflorescences are corymbose, containing both fertile and sterile flowers. In most cases, they are arranged randomly, however, they often form inflorescences with fertile flowers in the center, and sterile ones, in this case, are located along the edge. On sale you can also find varieties with only one type of flowers. The shape of the flower itself is flat, spherical, hemispherical or pyramidal. Today we want to tell you about the best varieties of hydrangeas that will fit perfectly into the exterior of your summer cottage and will delight you and your loved ones with beautiful flowers throughout the summer for many years. In addition to the main characteristics of the most popular breeds among gardeners, we will give here some useful tips on choosing the right plant variety.

How to select a hydrangea variety in 2022?

These shrubs have taken root perfectly in the regions of the middle zone of our country, largely due to the high level of hardiness. For example, in the Moscow region they are allowed to be planted even in open areas under direct sunlight, in more southern regions it is desirable to place them in partial shade. In terms of care, hydrangea is an unpretentious plant — it needs only plentiful regular watering. In total, three main varieties of this flowering shrub are common in our country — tree-like, paniculate and large-leaved.

Paniculata is a shrub or stem tree that can reach a height of 2 to 5 m. Wild-growing variants of this type are found in China or Japan. The shrub has dark green foliage, the shoots are painted burgundy. Inflorescences are formed on fresh shoots, buds bloom rather slowly, and therefore abundant mass flowering begins only in August. The shield has a pyramidal shape, which is more like a panicle. When the buds open, a greenish tint is observed, later it changes to a boiling white or cream color. Closer to autumn, pink tones with a noticeable brick sheen and slight greenish tints begin to be observed. A flowering bush attracts bees well, is an active honey plant. Hydrangea well resists even severe frosts, so it can be grown even in the northwestern regions. In the Moscow region, this variety can winter even without shelter.

Tree hydrangea is a shrub that does not exceed three meters in height, the breed comes from North America. She does not need special care, withstands very severe frosts well, feels great in a shaded area. The plant is able to endure a short-term drought, but drooping leaves immediately come to life after heavy watering. The scutes are usually flat or spherical in shape. They form at the tops of annual shoots. Initially, the inflorescences have a greenish tint, and in a fully blossomed form they acquire a cream color. Most of the inflorescence is represented by fertile flowers, sterile in it is the minimum amount. The sizes of flowers in diameter are usually 15-20 cm. The flowering period is more than three months — from June to September. Young sprouts often do not have time to ripen and freeze in winter, however, after spring pruning, the shrub grows well. Even a strong freezing does not affect the abundance of flowering.

The large-leaved hydrangea is a low-growing shrub — it does not exceed 2 m in height. The bush leaves for wintering with young green herbaceous shoots, which will become woody only a year later. This feature ultimately leads to the fact that in a harsh winter, the young growth can completely freeze out. Before the onset of cold weather, such a hydrangea must be rid of the leaves, tie all the shoots, bend them to the soil and cover. The diameter of the inflorescences is more than 20 cm. Such a hydrangea can be grown even in small containers. These varieties do best in acidic soils.

When we chose plants to be included in the ranking of the best hydrangea varieties, we took into account all of the above factors. However, a number of other important points were also taken into account — in particular, we analyzed the reviews of experienced gardeners regarding these varieties, and also took into account the ratio of price and quality of seedlings. We hope that after carefully studying our review, you will be able to choose the most suitable hydrangea for yourself.

large-leaved species

2. Peppermint

A remontant variety that attracts special attention of lovers of country aesthetics due to the original and unique color of the inflorescences. It is two-tone — each of the colors has a fairly wide white border, and in the central part it can be blue, pink or purple. Flowers are large and sterile.

The diameter of one inflorescence can reach 25 cm with regular and abundant watering. The variety will grow best in a semi-shaded area. The shape of the inflorescence is a hemisphere. The plant is not too tall — its maximum height reaches 0.9 m, although in most cases it is even lower, about 0.7 m. The crown is characterized by compact dimensions, has the shape of a ball. The variety is excellent for growing in a container.

Advantages:

• Original coloring of flowers;
• Long flowering period;
• Compact overall dimensions.

Flaws:

• Needs special care — for the winter when grown in open ground, it is necessary to cover well;
• Doesn’t do well in the open sun.

Hydrangea variety Peppermint

1 Endless Summer

A very widely known and widespread variety of flowers, and it is able to bloom on the shoots of the current and even last year. It belongs to the group of remontant varieties. Even after a hard winter, in freezing conditions and with proper care, it will delight the eye with full flowering. He is able to form buds throughout the season, ensuring continuous flowering. In a sunny area, the height of the bush is usually no more than one and a half meters. It always forms a huge number of spherical inflorescences, the diameter of which is in the range from 10 to 15 cm.

The flowers are sterile, their color, depending on the degree of soil acidity, can vary from bright pink to blue. The variety is also original in that inflorescences of various shades can be observed on one plant. The inflorescences also look attractive when cut, they make very beautiful bouquets with a delicate and delicate aroma. Despite the fact that breeders talk about high frost resistance, when growing this variety of hydrangea in the middle lane, experienced gardeners recommend mulching and covering various kinds of non-woven materials for the winter.

Advantages:

• Excellent resistance to powdery mildew and other diseases;
• It resists quite strong colds well;
• Flowers of various shades may appear on one bush;
• Repair grade.

Flaws:

• Makes high demands in relation to illumination and fertility of the soil;
• In the spring months, you will definitely have to prune.

Hydrangea variety Endless Summer

Tree varieties

3. Sterilis

Another fairly widespread variety belonging to medium-sized breeds — it grows from 1.3 to 1.9 m. The crown has a rounded shape. This hydrangea does not have too much foliage, which makes the bush look somewhat loose. Young shoots are initially green in color, slightly pubescent. Inflorescences have a hemispherical shape. Their maximum diameter can reach 30 cm, but their average size is usually 20 cm. Individual flowers are very large, sterile.

Fully blooming flowers are white. Resistance to low temperatures is very high. The shrub is characterized by a decent growth rate, the growth of shoots is carried out throughout the season. In order for the flowers to remain large every year and form large inflorescences, the plant must be pruned annually in the spring.

Advantages:

• Pretty lush bloom;
• The bush develops at a high speed;
• Has large inflorescences;
• Does not need special care, you only need to water and cut in the spring.

Flaws:

• Under the weight of large inflorescences, the branches may droop.

Hydrangea variety Tree varieties

2. White Dome

This variety has very compact overall dimensions — its maximum height does not exceed one and a half meters, the crown of the plant is rounded. The foliage is large, slightly elongated in length, the size reaches 20 cm. The inflorescences are flat shields. They have a dome-shaped shape, the size can vary significantly — from 10 to 25 cm. In the center of the inflorescence there are small fertile flowers, along the edges there are large sterile flowers, due to which there is an additional effect of delicacy.

The inflorescences are creamy in color, it is bordered with white. The shoots are quite powerful, grow straight up, so that the bush is able to hold its shape even without the help of additional support. The maximum diameter of the crown can reach three meters. The growth rate is very fast, the annual growth of the shrub is 20 cm with proper care. The resistance to frost is decent. In the Moscow region, adult plants easily tolerate severe frosts, but it is advisable to cover young bushes.

Advantages:

• Attractive inflorescence shape;
• The shoots are very strong, do not wilt over time;
• Good resistance to severe frosts;
• Decent annual growth.

Flaws:

• Demanding in relation to care and watering.

Hydrangea variety White Dome

1. Annabelle

This is one of the most delicate tree-like varieties of this ornamental shrub. In height, the plant is no more than one and a half meters, the diameter of the crown does not exceed three meters. The crown itself has the shape of a ball, it is quite loose. The inflorescences are also spherical, their diameter is in the range from 15 to 25 cm. They include only sterile flowers. Before the start of dissolution, the flowers have a greenish tint, later they become snow-white.

The foliage remains green for a long time, it begins to turn yellow only in the late autumn months. The plant is very rarely exposed to diseases, it is easily and quickly restored, it grows at a high rate, it resists well even very severe frosts. In one place without a transplant, the shrub is able to germinate for 50 years, while maintaining its decorative effect. Young shrubs are desirable to cover.

Advantages:

• High decorative characteristics of the plant;
• The shrub easily tolerates short-term drought;
• Not sensitive to slightly alkaline soil;
• It can grow in one place for a long time.

Flaws:

• The crown is quite wide, so it needs a lot of free space.

Hydrangea variety Annabelle

Varieties of panicled hydrangeas

5. Pinky Winky

A very effective variety, which was bred by Belgian agronomists. Depending on the growing conditions in height, it can reach from one and a half to two and a half meters. The crown of the shrub is spreading and quite wide. Shoots do not droop even when taking into account a very large number of flowers. The bark of the stems has a red-brown tint, they stand out well among the sparse foliage. The inflorescences are white, have the shape of a cone with a pointed top. In their composition, there are both fertile and sterile flowers, and the latter, as it is correct, are much more numerous.

One of the key features of the variety is that the inflorescences continue to grow even in the autumn months. Their bases at this time become bright purple in color, large white flowers appear on the tops. Inflorescences are characterized by medium density, grow up. Young bushes may well not be tied up, but with age, the stems become too long, in rain or wind conditions, the shoots can bend strongly. Before winter, experienced gardeners recommend cutting off the inflorescences so that they do not break off.

Advantages:

• High shoot strength;
• Beautiful and large inflorescences that retain their size for a long time;
• Retain their decorative effect throughout the autumn;
• Holds up well to extreme cold.

Flaws:

• Low immunity to diseases and pests;
• Decent sensitivity to the type of soil and its acidity.

Hydrangea variety Pinky Winky

4. Lime light

It is powerful, but quite compact in size. This bush will not fall apart even under an abundance of inflorescences; it does not need to be tied up. The length of the inflorescences often reaches 30 cm, they have a broad pyramidal shape, consist exclusively of sterile flowers. In the bulk, the inflorescences bloom in August, flowering continues until mid-October.

At the very beginning of flowering, they have a light lime tint, in partial shade it changes slightly — to yellow-green, in the sun it becomes snow-white. Closer to the beginning of autumn, the shade changes to pinkish. In autumn, the foliage changes color to purple. In order for the inflorescences to be large, it is necessary to maintain a high level of soil fertility. Before the onset of winter, it is advisable to remove all inflorescences and foliage from the stems. Shoots well withstand severe frosts and diseases. Young bushes in a harsh winter can freeze slightly, but over time, frost resistance increases.

Advantages:

• Perfectly retains the original shape of the crown;
• Excellent resistance to various diseases;
• It withstands very severe frosts;
• Decorative and original coloring of inflorescences.

Flaws:

• Sensitive to the saturation of the soil with useful substances.

Hydrangea variety Limelight

3. Vanilla Fraise

One of the most popular varieties among amateur gardeners. The maximum height of this hydrangea can reach two meters. The crown is asymmetrical and at the same time widely spreading. Often this shrub is called vanilla strawberry due to the unique color of the inflorescences. At the very beginning of flowering, they have a pale white color, however, under direct sunlight, the flowers begin to turn pink over time from the base to the crown. By autumn, they turn crimson, giving the site even more attractive.

Each individual inflorescence looks like whipped vanilla ice cream, abundantly poured with strawberry syrup. The length of one inflorescence is 25-30 cm, they have the shape of a wide pyramid. All flowers are sterile, stems can droop under the weight of inflorescences. The plant does not need too much care, it withstands frost well. Adult bushes can not be covered, but young ones should be closed. The shrub blooms literally a year after planting.

Advantages:

• It tolerates low temperatures well;
• Inflorescences have a unique color;
• Does not need special care.

Flaws:

• The plant needs a garter.

Hydrangea variety Vanille Fraise

2. Phantom

Another fairly powerful bush that grows very quickly and is characterized by a spreading crown. In height, the variety can exceed two meters, its crown diameter is about the same. Young shoots are dressed in a juicy red-brown bark, older ones have a grayish tint. The inflorescences of this hydrangea are broadly conical, they have a blunt top, they can reach a length of 30 cm. They include large sterile flowers. At the very beginning of autumn, the creamy color changes and becomes pale pink.

The bush is able to grow on soils of any type. It is characterized by increased resistance to diseases. Even if the variety grows on waterlogged soil, it does not begin to suffer from root rot. Good resistance to low temperatures.

Advantages:

• It has a strong honey aroma;
• Easily adapts to any soil and climatic conditions;
• Large inflorescences are characterized by excellent decorative effect.

Flaws:

• To ensure restrained growth and get large inflorescences, it is necessary to constantly prune.

Hydrangea variety Phantom

1 Polar Bear

A unique hybrid variety that is not overly spreading. The height of the shrub is about one and a half to two meters, from the side it looks very neat and compact. The inflorescences are quite dense, have the shape of a wide pyramid, reach a length of 40 cm. Brushes are formed only on strong trunks that will not sag under their weight.

The flowers are mostly sterile. At first, their color is pale pistachio, later it becomes white, then cream, towards the end of summer it acquires a pink tint. On one bush there can be both pink and white inflorescences. The plant perfectly adapts to environmental conditions, easily tolerates gas contamination, and is practically insensitive to diseases. The bush is quickly formed, it is also restored at a high speed. It even tolerates severe frosts without shelter, but it is advisable to mulch young bushes with needles or sawdust.

Advantages:

• Very spectacular inflorescences, under which the trunks do not bend;
• Good frost resistance.

Flaws:

• sensitivity to soil fertility.

Hydrangea variety Polar Bear

In conclusion, a useful video

So our rating, dedicated to the best varieties of hydrangeas, has come to an end. We hope that you were able to choose the variety you like. If you still have any questions regarding the characteristics of the selected breed, or if you do not quite understand how to properly care for the shrub, then you can always ask about it in the comments to this article. Our editors will try to help you as soon as possible.