Hydrangeas are among the most beloved flowers in the world. Known for their lush, voluminous blooms and soft, pastel colours, they can brighten up any bouquet or arrangement.
But with so many different types of hydrangeas, how do you know which one to choose? The hydrangea varieties offer unique charm, from soft pinks and blues to vibrant whites and purples. Whether you're looking for something delicate and airy or bold and dramatic, there's a hydrangea for you.
In this blog, we’ll explore the 22 types of hydrangeas and help you find the perfect one for your next bouquet or floral arrangement.
1. Bigleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea Macrophylla)
Bigleaf hydrangeas are often the first variety that comes to mind when you think of hydrangeas. With their large, round blooms, these flowers are perfect for creating show-stopping bouquets.
There are two main forms: Mophead, which features rounded clusters of flowers, and Lacecap, with flat flowers surrounded by larger, showy blooms.
These hydrangeas are available in various colours, ranging from soft pinks to blues, with the hue depending on the soil pH.
Mophead varieties like Endless Summer and Nikko Blue are particularly popular for bouquets due to their abundant, vibrant blooms. The Lacecap varieties, such as Blue Wave, offer a refined, elegant look for a more delicate touch.
2. Panicle Hydrangeas (Hydrangea Paniculata)
If you’re looking for a slightly bolder hydrangea, panicle hydrangeas might be the perfect choice. Known for their cone-shaped flower clusters, these hydrangeas create a striking visual effect in any bouquet.
Varieties like Limelight and Pinky Winky come in shades of white, pink, and red, making them an excellent choice for seasonal arrangements, particularly in late summer and fall.
Panicle hydrangeas are also hardy and long-lasting, making them a great addition to fresh and dried floral arrangements.
3. Smooth Hydrangeas (Hydrangea Arborescens)
Smooth hydrangeas, such as the popular Annabelle variety, are known for their huge, rounded flower clusters. These hydrangeas are perfect for those looking to add a soft, romantic touch to their floral designs.
Annabelle hydrangeas start as a creamy white and can even take on a subtle greenish tint as they mature, offering a timeless, elegant look for any bouquet.
Their soft texture and voluminous blooms make them ideal for weddings and other special occasions where a classic, graceful touch is desired.
4. Oakleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea Quercifolia)
Oakleaf hydrangeas are unique in that their leaves resemble those of an oak tree, adding texture and interest to any arrangement.
While their flowers begin white and later turn pink, their distinctive foliage often steals the show. The Ruby Slippers variety is compact and produces beautiful blooms with a touch of red, making it a perfect choice for adding a bit of colour contrast to bouquets or centrepieces.
These hydrangeas are especially popular in autumn arrangements, thanks to their attractive fall foliage.
5. Climbing Hydrangeas (Hydrangea Anomala Petiolaris)
For something a little more unconventional, consider using Climbing Hydrangeas in your arrangements. While they’re typically known for climbing walls and fences, their delicate white blooms also make them a charming addition to fresh floral designs.
Miranda and Shirofune are two varieties that are particularly well-suited to cut flower arrangements. These hydrangeas bring a touch of whimsical elegance to any bouquet and can add a natural, cascading element to your floral designs.
6. Mountain Hydrangeas (Hydrangea Serrata)
Mountain hydrangeas are compact and delicate, making them ideal for smaller bouquets and arrangements. Their blooms often come in softer, more muted shades of blue and purple, giving them an ethereal, dreamlike quality. Varieties like Bluebird and Shimmering Snow are perfect for a soft, romantic look.
These hydrangeas pair beautifully with other pastel flowers, such as roses or peonies, creating a cohesive and gentle colour palette.
7. Tree Hydrangeas (Hydrangea Hybrid)
Tree hydrangeas, such as the Sterilis variety, feature large, elegant flower clusters and a tree-like growth habit.
With their striking, long-lasting blooms, these hydrangeas can add drama to any bouquet. Sterilise hydrangeas are especially beautiful in wedding bouquets and large arrangements, where their towering presence can truly shine.
8. Chinese Hydrangeas (Hydrangea Chinensis)
Chinese hydrangeas, like Lavinia, are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to more exotic floral designs. Depending on soil conditions, their large, vibrant blooms can range from soft pinks to deep blues.
These hydrangeas are hardy and heat-tolerant, making them an excellent choice for tropical or summer-themed bouquets.
9. Japanese Hydrangeas (Hydrangea Macrophylla Var. Japonica)
Japanese hydrangeas are a variation of the Bigleaf type, often featuring bold, vibrant colours. Fujiyama and Tama are two popular varieties with large, showy blooms that can add a dramatic flair to any arrangement. These hydrangeas work well in luxury bouquets where you want a bold statement flower.
10. Paniculata Hydrangea (Other Hybrid Varieties)
In addition to popular varieties like Limelight, paniculata hydrangeas include varieties like Bobo and Silver Dollar, perfect for smaller, more refined bouquets.
These compact varieties still offer the same stunning cone-shaped blooms but in a more manageable size. Bobo hydrangeas are especially popular in mixed bouquets and floral centrepieces.
11. Hydrangea X ‘Cityline’
For those looking for a hydrangea with a modern edge, Cityline hydrangeas are a fantastic choice. Varieties like Rio and Berlin are compact, making them ideal for city-style arrangements and contemporary designs. Their rich colours and bold blooms bring an urban flair to your floral creations.
12. Hydrangea X ‘Endless Summer’ Series
The Endless Summer series is designed to provide continuous blooms throughout the summer. Varieties like Summer Crush and Blushing Bride offer bright, colourful blooms that last longer than other varieties.
These hydrangeas are perfect for long-lasting floral arrangements, as they’ll keep your bouquet looking fresh for longer.
13. Hydrangea Aspera
Hydrangea aspera is known for its textured leaves and unique, smaller blooms. McCris and Silvershow varieties are perfect for adding an intricate, almost rustic feel to your floral designs. These hydrangeas work well in more natural or wildflower-style arrangements.
14. Hydrangea Integrifolia
This variety features narrow, leathery leaves and small, delicate flowers. While not as commonly used in bouquets, it can bring a subtle, sophisticated element to any floral arrangement when paired with other hydrangea varieties or foliage.
15. Hydrangea Heteromalla
Native to the Himalayas, Hydrangea heteromalla features large, dramatic blooms. These hydrangeas are perfect for bold, eye-catching centrepieces and make a striking statement in any flower arrangement.
16. Hydrangea Petiolaris
Another climbing hydrangea, Hydrangea petiolaris, brings delicate white flowers to your bouquets. Its vining nature and airy blooms make it a lovely addition to mixed floral arrangements, especially when you want to add some vertical interest to your design.
17. Hydrangea Involucrata
Pink Pom Pom is a stunning hydrangea with round, puffy blooms that look almost like pom-poms. Perfect for adding a whimsical element to any bouquet, this variety is popular for baby showers, spring weddings, or any occasion where a playful yet elegant touch is needed.
18. Hydrangea Serratifolia
This hydrangea variety produces delicate clusters of white to purple flowers, adding a gentle, understated beauty to any floral design. It’s a great choice for creating soft, romantic bouquets with an element of elegance.
19. Tough And Hardy Hydrangeas
Some hydrangeas, such as Pinky Winky and Bobo, are bred to withstand colder climates, making them perfect for adding texture and colour to arrangements in colder months. Their longer blooming season is ideal for bouquets and centrepieces that need to last.
20. Hydrangea X ‘mophead’
Nikko Blue and Endless Summer hydrangeas are great examples of Mophead varieties, known for their large, spherical flower heads. These hydrangeas are perfect for adding volume and softness to any bouquet.
21. Hydrangea ‘oakleaf’
These hydrangeas offer oak-shaped leaves and soft, pinkish blooms. Varieties like Ruby Slippers add depth and colour to your floral arrangements, making them perfect for mixed bouquets.
22. Lacecap Hydrangeas
Bluebird and Blue Wave are two Lacecap varieties that add elegance and charm to floral designs. Their flat, lace-like flowers offer a more delicate, sophisticated touch, making them ideal for smaller bouquets or bridal arrangements.
Conclusion About The Different Types Of Hydrangeas
As you can see, there’s a hydrangea for every occasion. Whether you're looking for something bold and dramatic, soft and romantic, or playful and whimsical, the different types of hydrangeas offer a wide range of possibilities. These flowers are perfect for creating beautiful bouquets and arrangements that will make any occasion feel even more special.
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florist in Singapore.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Different Kinds Of Hydrangeas
Do Hydrangeas Bloom In Different Colours?
Many hydrangeas, especially mophead and lacecap varieties, can bloom in blue, pink, or purple, depending on soil pH. Acidic soil produces blue flowers, while alkaline soil results in pink ones.
Are Hydrangeas Suitable For Container Gardening?
Yes, dwarf varieties like ‘Little Lime’ or ‘Mini Penny’ work well in containers. Ensure the pots have good drainage and are large enough for root growth.
Do Hydrangeas Require A Lot Of Maintenance?
Hydrangeas are relatively low-maintenance but benefit from regular watering, pruning, and occasional fertilising. Different types have specific care needs, like pruning timing.
Can I Grow Hydrangeas In Cold Climates?
Yes, many hydrangeas, such as panicle and smooth types, are hardy and can tolerate cold climates. Selecting varieties suited to your zone ensures success.