Beautiful Hydrangeas for the Lower South Region
Hydrangea macrophylla, Hydrangea paniculata, Hydrangea quercifolia, Hydrangea serrata, Mophead Hydrangeas, Lacecap Hydrangeas, Mountain Hydrangeas, Oakleaf Hydrangeas
Deservedly popular, Hydrangeas are easy-care, long-lived, deciduous shrubs with magnificent flowers which show off in gardens, containers, or in vases around our living areas. Amazingly versatile, Hydrangeas bloom throughout summer and into fall, providing long-lasting color when many shrubs are already fading. Their flowers come in various shapes, ranging from the big, rounded flower clusters of the Mophead Hydrangeas, to the delicate, flat, lacy flowers of the Lacecap Hydrangeas, or to the pointy, conical flowerheads of the Oakleaf Hydrangeas.
Colors also beguile with deep blues, vibrant pinks, pristine whites, lavender, and rose. Some Hydrangea varieties have the added attraction of changing color, depending on the soil pH. Strongly acidic soils allow these species to produce blue flowers; slightly acidic soils will produce pink flowers. To change the color of your Hydrangea, add aluminum sulfate to the soil to make the flowers bluer or add lime to the soil to make them pinker.
Many Hydrangeas are fragrant and others feature wonderful foliage adding glorious fall color to the landscape. All are charming or glamorous.
The following is a list of Hydrangeas recognized as proven performers in the Lower South region.
As defined by the National Gardening Association, the Lower South starts at the southern tip of coastal Virginia, and swings west through the coastal plains of North and South Carolina, into central Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. It continues west through central Texas to just west of San Antonio and includes most of the major cities in Texas.
Guide Information
Hardiness |
7 - 8
|
---|---|
Heat Zones |
8 - 11
|
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Hydrangea |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers |
Tolerance | Salt |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
takus / 123RF Stock Photo
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Guide Information
Hardiness |
7 - 8
|
---|---|
Heat Zones |
8 - 11
|
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Plant Family | Hydrangea |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers |
Tolerance | Salt |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |