By Andrew Bunting, PHS VP of Horticulture   

About 20 years ago, Martha Stewart had a picture of a bouquet of hydrangeas on the cover of Martha Stewart Living. From that day forward, there has been an amazing global renaissance of hydrangeas and the excitement for them only continues, so much so, that it is now the #1 shrub sold worldwide.  

Over the last two decades, there has been an avalanche of new introductions, probably numbering close to 500! All types and species of hydrangeas have become popularized and are now used widely by mainstream gardeners.  

Growing them in full sun will result in the best flowering, however, in the native habitats in the southeastern U. S. they can also thrive in considerable shade. This versatility adds to their global appeal. The following are some of the newest hydrangeas and others that have stood the test of time and represent some of the “best of the best” hydrangeas on the market today.

1. Hydrangea macrophylla 

Hydrangea macrophylla Endless Summer® transformed the hydrangea market. This was the first of the mop-head hydrangeas to bloom on “new wood” which meant it would flower regardless of pruning and/or damage from the winter. Last year, in the Endless Summer® series, Pop Star® was introduced for its profusion of blue flowers. Hydrangea macrophylla Kimono™ has dark leaves and bicolor flowers with cerise outer petals with a white center and there was a lot of excitement this year for an introduction from Bailey Nurseries, Hydrangea macrophylla Eclipse® which has flowers very similar to Kimono™, but has nearly black foliage which makes for a stunning contrast. 

2. Hydrangea serrata 

Smaller than the Hydrangea macrophylla is the mountain hydrangea, Hydrangea serrata. I grow Hydrangea serrata Tiny Tuff Stuff™ which only reaches three feet tall and is covered in flat-topped, blue, lace-cap flowers. 

3. Hydrangea arborescens 

Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ has stood the test of time and remains one of the very best of the native smooth hydrangea cultivars. In mid to late July, it is completely covered with an abundance of large, ball-shaped white flowers perfect for gathering into your summer floral arrangements.

4. Hydrangea paniculata 

For decades the peegee hydrangea, Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’ was a popular large shrub to small tree and is still a ubiquitous plant in most East Coast cemeteries. Today, Hydrangea paniculata is the focus of many breeding programs due to its popularity in landscapes. I favor ‘Limelight’ for its mid-summer cones of lime green flowers that turn ivory white and fade back to lime green. 

5. Hydrangea quercifolia 

Finally, the oakleaf hydrangeas, Hydrangea quercifolia  are beloved for their  cone-like flowers that sit atop oak-shaped leaves. 'Snow Queen' is a cultivar that has been around for decades  and awes with masess of white flowers in a dramatic shape. ‘Snowflake’ has double flowers which cause the flowers to be so heavy they are pendant, or hanging. Gatsby Pink® and ‘Amethyst’ both have flowers that mature to pink. The U. S. National Arboretum introduced ‘Ruby Slippers’ which only reaches four to five feet tall and also has flowers that fade to white. 

The global excitement and interest in hydrangeas will only continue. Every year there will be new and exciting hydrangeas to try in our gardens.