Have you ever found yourself wondering what type of hydrangea you have in your garden? Perhaps it was inherited when you bought your home, or maybe you received it as a gift without a tag. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! The good news is that knowing the specific kind of hydrangea you have can make all the difference when it comes to caring for and nurturing your plants. Let’s dive in and discover how to identify the different types of hydrangeas.
Identifying by Flower Shape and Color
When it comes to unlocking the mystery, we start with the flowers. Take a good look at them and determine whether they are round balls or football-shaped cones. If the flower is round, let’s take it a step further: what color is it? If it’s pink or blue (or has the ability to change to those colors), you likely have a big leaf hydrangea (macrophylla), also known as French hydrangea or hortensia. Another possibility is the mountain (Serrata) hydrangea. To confirm, examine the foliage. Mountain hydrangea leaves often have serrated edges tinted maroon at the edges.
The round hydrangea flower form comes in two versions: mophead or lacecap. The lacecap flower has outer petals that encircle the pollen capsules in the center.
Identifying by Foliage
Be aware that a round pink or white flower could also indicate a woodland/smooth hydrangea (arborescens). Again, the foliage holds the answer. Woodland hydrangea flowers are never blue but can be white, pink, or green.
Football and Cone-Shaped Flowers
If your flower is football or cone-shaped, it can fall into one of two categories. These flowers are never blue; instead, most are cream, white, or green, aging to pink and rose. Look closely at the foliage. If it resembles oak tree leaves, you have an oak leaf hydrangea (quercifolia). On the other hand, if the leaves are pointy and sometimes arrow-shaped, you have a panicle (paniculata) hydrangea.
Identifying by Climbing Habit
If your plant is a vine with a pink or white/cream-colored lacecap flower, it is a climbing hydrangea. The white variety is called petiolaris, while the pink one is known as schizophragma hydrangeoides.
The Mystery Solved!
See how easy that was? Now you can confidently identify the kind of hydrangea you have. This knowledge will be invaluable when it comes to tasks like pruning and changing flower color. Embrace the beauty of your hydrated wonders and enjoy nurturing them with the care they deserve.
