National Garden Bureau would like to thank our members for providing the licensed photos for the Year of the Hydrangea. Any use of these hydrangea pictures must be accompanied by the appropriate variety name as labeled. To download for digital use, right-click on the photo of choice and select “Save link as…” To download high-resolution images for print, left-click on the photo of choice. This will open the image in a new tab/window that can be saved to your computer. Please credit the National Garden Bureau for use of these images and use the proper variety name.
The four most popular hydrangeas in North America in these hydrangea pictures include:
Bigleaf (Hydrangea macrophylla):
The most common type in North America, Bigleaf hydrangeas have the classic mophead – or open lacecap – bloom reminiscent of Cape Cod’s signature plant. With blooms of blue, pink, purple, and more, these classic hydrangea flowers bring color to areas with morning sun, some afternoon shade, and moist, well-drained soil. Avoid planting Bigleaf hydrangea on hot, dry, exposed sites.
Smooth (Hydrangea arborescens):
With a big, white (or sometimes pink) pompom bloom, these native hydrangeas are sometimes called ‘Annabelle,’ which is one of the most popular cultivar names. Perfect for full sun or dappled shade (in hotter climates) locations.
Panicle (Hydrangea paniculata):
Panicle hydrangeas have gorgeous cone-shaped blooms that emerge white in mid-summer and age to various shades of lime, parchment, pink, and red as fall nights cool down. These hydrangeas are some of the most cold-hardy, many will survive up to zone 3, making this the perfect choice for colder climates. Panicle hydrangea’s upright form means it can be pruned into a tree form.
Oakleaf (Hydrangea quercifolia):
Aptly named, this hydrangea is accented by leaves that resemble an oak tree. One of the earliest blooming species of hydrangea, the incredible foliage also gets amazing fall color. Native to North America, this woodland species is well adapted to the American landscape. In northern or cooler climates, oakleaf hydrangeas do well in full sun to light shade but in southern or warmer climates, some afternoon sun protection is advised. They will grow best in rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soils.
