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New varieties of hydrangeas come to market

The world of hydrangeas is expanding by leaps and bounds. Just when we think plant breeders have exhausted the possibilities, another new variety is introduced. How can a gardener possibly choose between all the varieties available?

Smooth hydrangeas

The most common smooth hydrangea in this area is Hydrangea arborescens Annabelle. It typically grows up to 5 feet tall and wide. Impressive round heads of white flowers begin blooming in midsummer and continue until fall. The flowers are so large, stems bend with their height.

Incrediball is a new kid at the garden center. Massive white blooms up to a foot across are held on sturdy stems that rarely flop.

Invincible Spirit II is another newcomer. Rich pink flowers are held on strong 3 to 4 foot stems.

Smooth hydrangeas prefer a location in part sun to light shade. If grown in full sun, they will need supplemental moisture. The flowers of smooth hydrangeas open green, mature to white and then fade to green again in the fall. Prune them in late winter or early spring before new buds appear.

Panicle hydrangeas

The plump cone-shaped flower clusters of Hydrangea paniculata give this hydrangea its common name. Varying a great deal in size, panicle hydrangeas can be as small as 3 feet and as tall as 15 feet or more.

Grandiflora, nicknamed Pee Gee, was introduced in 1862. It grows up to 15 feet tall and shows off its voluptuous white flowers on arching stems.

Limelight is one of the most popular cultivars. Topping out at 8 to 10 feet tall, it boasts large chartreuse flowers that deepen to pink in fall.

A sampling of new varieties include: Bobo, Pinky Winky and White Diamonds. Bobo is a real cutie. Up to 3 feet tall and slightly wider, this delightful dwarf is swathed in large, creamy white flower heads from midsummer to fall.

Pinky Winky grows up to 8 feet tall and wide and displays white flowers that fade to pink in mid to late summer.

The white flowers of White Diamonds are held in loose clusters giving the appearance of flowers floating over foliage. White Diamonds grows 5 feet tall and wide.

Panicle hydrangeas can handle a lot of sun. If given their choice, however, they would ask for a spot in morning sun and afternoon shade. Prune them in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Bigleaf hydrangeas

The mopheads (Hydrangea macrophylla) bloom on old wood, meaning they set flower buds in late summer and early fall for the following season. Until recently, there were very few varieties hardy enough for our area.

Many of us tried and failed to grow bigleaf hydrangeas. If we managed to get them through the winter, harsh weather froze their flower buds and they never bloomed - what a disappointment.

Then came Endless Summer, the first mophead to bloom on old and new wood. Even if the winter stole the first round of flowers, new growth produced flowers beginning in midsummer. Bloomstruck is an improved variety. It flowers more reliably than Endless Summer, has stronger, sturdier stems, and handles heat without wilting.

Next Generation Pistachio is a new, unique variety turning heads. Growing about 3 feet tall and slightly wider, it presents flowers with a distinctive color combination of lime green, deep pink and scarlet.

Plant bigleaf hydrangeas where they receive protection from hot afternoon sun or provide them with lots of extra water. Prune right after flowering to avoid cutting off next year's blooms.

Oakleaf hydrangeas

Hydrangea quercifolia has four seasons of interest. In spring, attractive foliage shaped like oak leaves unfurl. In summer, large cone-shaped flowers begin snowy white, blush pink and then deepen to rose pink in cooler temperatures. In fall, leaves turn shades of red, burgundy and purple. In winter, the bark peels to reveal cinnamon brown underneath.

Alice, Snow Queen and Sike's Dwarf are the veterans of this group. Alice grows to 12 feet, Snow Queen reaches 8 feet and Sike's Dwarf is the baby of the family, growing just 3 feet tall.

Ruby Slippers is ideal for smaller gardens. It may be compact in stature - up to 4 feet tall and wide - but the flowers are full sized. They begin white but quickly turn pink and mature to ruby red.

Oakleaf hydrangeas belong in a shade garden. They bloom on old wood and rarely require any pruning. In early spring, prune out dead or damaged wood.

With all the types and cultivars of hydrangeas, it is hard to try them all. But someone has to try, why not me?

• Diana Stoll is a horticulturist and the garden center manager at The Planter's Palette, 28W571 Roosevelt Road, Winfield. Call (630) 293-1040, ext. 2, or visit planterspalette.com.

Annabelle is one of the most commonly grown hydrangeas.
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