🌸 Plant Type: Deciduous Shrub / Climber
🌸 Ideal For: Borders, woodland gardens, pots, wall training
🌸 Light: Full sun or partial shade
🌸 Soil: Moist, well-drained soil, ideally rich in organic matter

Introduction to Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are a beloved feature of British gardens, offering lush foliage and large blooms in a variety of shades depending on soil type. With both mophead and panicle varieties, there's a Hydrangea for every garden style — from formal borders to wild woodland settings.

At Web Garden Centre, we offer a diverse range of hydrangeas including popular varieties like:

• Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' 80–100cm 7.5L 

• Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' 80–100cm 7.5L 

• Hydrangea paniculata 'Grandiflora' 50–80cm 7.5L 

• Hydrangea quercifolia 60–80cm 7.5L

• Hydrangea macrophylla 'Madame Emile Mouillère' 80–100cm 7.5L 

• Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bouquet Rose' 80–100cm 7.5L 

• Hydrangea anomala petiolaris (climbing hydrangea) 

Explore our full range here: Hydrangea Collection at Web Garden Centre

Choosing the Right Hydrangea for Your Space

• Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' & 'Grandiflora' – Perfect for full sun locations, these panicle types bloom late in the season with cone-shaped flowers that age beautifully.

• Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' – Famous for its giant white mophead blooms and reliable performance in part-shade.

• Hydrangea quercifolia – Offers unique oak-leaf foliage and white conical blooms that turn pink as they age.

• Hydrangea macrophylla varieties ('Bouquet Rose', 'Madame Emile Mouillère') – Classic mophead hydrangeas with colour-changing blooms based on soil pH.

• Hydrangea anomala petiolaris – A self-clinging climber for north- or east-facing walls.

Planting & Soil Preferences

Hydrangeas thrive in moist, fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. For blue flowers, soils should be more acidic; for pink, more alkaline.

📌 Plant in autumn or spring when the soil is warm and moist.

Steps:

1. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.

2. Mix in compost or well-rotted manure.

3. Place the plant at the same depth as it was in the pot.

4. Water well and mulch.

Watering and Feeding

💧 Water regularly, especially in dry periods – hydrangeas dislike drying out.
🍽️ Feed in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser.

📌 Add mulch yearly to retain moisture and feed the soil.

Pruning Guidelines

• Paniculata & Arborescens: Prune hard in late winter or early spring to encourage strong new growth and flowering.

• Macrophylla: Remove only dead heads and weak stems in late spring – flower buds form on old wood.

• Quercifolia & Petiolaris: Minimal pruning – just tidy after flowering.

📌 Always use clean, sharp tools to avoid disease.

Winter Care & Protection

Hydrangeas are hardy but benefit from mulch in cold winters. Protect flower buds (especially macrophylla types) with fleece if late frosts are expected.

Potted hydrangeas should be raised onto feet to prevent waterlogging.

FAQs About Hydrangeas

1. Can I grow Hydrangeas in pots?

Yes, especially macrophylla and paniculata varieties. Use large containers and keep them well-watered.

2. Why are my hydrangea flowers not blue?

The flower colour depends on soil pH. Add ericaceous compost or aluminium sulphate to make them bluer.

3. When is the best time to prune Hydrangeas?

Late winter to early spring for paniculata and arborescens. Spring for macrophylla.

4. Do Hydrangeas like full sun?

Paniculata types do, but most prefer morning sun and afternoon shade.

5. How big will Hydrangea 'Annabelle' grow?

It can reach up to 1.5m tall and wide in ideal conditions.

6. Do Hydrangeas attract pollinators?

Yes – especially lacecap and climbing varieties.

7. Is Hydrangea quercifolia good for autumn colour?

Absolutely – its foliage turns rich red and bronze in autumn.

8. How do I train Hydrangea anomala petiolaris?

Secure it to walls or fences initially; it will cling as it matures.

9. Are Hydrangeas toxic to pets?

Yes, they contain compounds that can cause stomach upset if ingested.

10. Where can I buy a good range of Hydrangeas in the UK?

From us! Visit Web Garden Centre's Hydrangea Collection.

Final Thoughts on Growing Hydrangeas

Whether you’re looking for compact colour, architectural foliage, or show-stopping climbers, hydrangeas bring reliable beauty and variety to UK gardens. With simple care, they’ll reward you with lush blooms year after year.

🌿 Discover your favourite at the Hydrangea Collection at Web Garden Centre.