Hydrangeas in the spotlight

Does that wall or fence in your garden look boring? Add a decorative climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala sbsp. petiolaris) and let it climb along! The climbing hydrangea is one of the few of its species that can handle full sunlight, but you will need to give it extra water. Due to its sticky roots this shrub can climb practically any surface. The climbing hydrangea has large, beautiful flowers that bloom richly from May to June. It’s also winter-hardy and the branches are easy to prune. Despite its name, the climbing hydrangea is a lovely shrub and makes a great ground cover. Take a look at our other climbing shrubs.

Lacecap hydrangea, Annabelle and panicle hydrangeas

There are many different types of hydrangeas, with flowers in all different shades of white, pink and blue. The most famous of these are the Lacecap hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), the Annabelle hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) and the panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea panicalata). Due to their wide variety, these decorative shrubs look fabulous in all different styles of gardens, patios and balconies, from classic to modern.

Hydrangeas lend themselves perfectly to single-colour arrangements in various shades. How would you like a mix of a white Lacecap hydrangea, panicle hydrangea and Annabelle hydrangea next to each other in a border? This hydrangea mix is perfect for a spacious flower box or basket and has a natural yet modern and luxurious appearance.

Tip: Love colour?

Its variety of colours makes the hydrangea perfect for a cheerful, whimsical and diverse range of hues. You can combine blue hydrangeas with pink and white ones. Take a look at our selection of ready-to-plant, colourful mix of hydrangeas such as the ‘Three Sisters Blue’ or the Three Sisters Pastell’. A very special hydrangea that we offer is the ‘Magical Amethyst. It changes its colour on its own. We’re eager to get you inspired with our gorgeous collection of hydrangeas.

Hydrangea garden border or a balcony full of potted ones

A blooming hedge is a no-brainer with hydrangeas! Planted next to each other, these shrubs provide privacy and add depth to your garden. They also look wonderful against the exterior of your home, a wall or a fence. These decorative bushes also create a floral spectacle in a garden border. See our garden border ideas.

Don’t have a garden? Would you rather fill your patio with heaps of flowers? The hydrangea thrives in a spacious decorative pot. It is the perfect piece of decor for your patio or balcony. In a flower pot, they will need some extra water, so water them regularly!

5 tips for planting, pruning and taking care of hydrangeas

With a little maintenance, hydrangeas will look stunning all season long. When they bloom, hydrangea flowers slowly change colour. They transform from pink, blue or white into spectacular autumn hues. Below are 5 tips for keeping your hydrangeas beautiful.

1. Hydrangeas can be planted all year long. Place them in a shady but moderately warm location in the garden or in a pot with well-draining soil. Hydrangeas love water, so make sure you give them enough, regardless of whether you plant them in open soil or in a pot. Pay particular attention during dry spells.
2. For a beautiful, densely blooming plant, give them organic or universal fertiliser during flowering season. This will enable the hydrangea to grow into a healthy plant with many flowers.
3. Hydrangeas are winter-hardy. During hard freezes, cover plants in pots with a protective cover. These covers allow water, light and air to pass through, so the plants can get through the winter in good condition.
4. Pruning hydrangeas stimulates flowering and ensures that the shrub stays lovely and in good condition. Read pruning hydrangeas for more information.
5. Did your deep-blue hydrangea suddenly turn pink? That is because the soil is not acidic enough. The more acidic the ground, the bluer the hydrangea. You can easily solve this by planting them in garden peat with added alum or aluminium sulphate.

5 fun facts about hydrangeas:

1. There are roughly 70 to 80 species of the hydrangea.
2. Hydrangeas attract bees and butterflies, and the climbing hydrangea is a magnet for birds to nest in.
3. Hydrangeas are native to South America and Asia, and were brought to Europe on the first East India Company ships.
4. During ceremonies for Buddha's birthday, April 8th, people in Japan drink tea made from hydrangea leaves.
5. Hydrangeas lose their leaves before the winter in order to survive the freezing weather. Ever seen hydrangeas with buds and leaves during freezing temperatures? These plants have been genetically modified.