Beautiful Hydrangeas for the Pacific Northwest Region

Hydrangea macrophylla, Hydrangea paniculata, Hydrangea quercifolia, Hydrangea serrata, Mophead Hydrangeas, Lacecap Hydrangeas, Mountain Hydrangeas, Oakleaf Hydrangeas

Pacific Northwest Hydrangeas, Pacific Northwest Hydrangea, Pacific Northwest Mophead Hydrangeas, Pacific Northwest Lacecap Hydrangeas, Pacific Northwest Mountain Hydrangeas, Pacific Northwest Oakleaf Hydrangeas

Deservedly popular, Hydrangeas are easy-care, long-lived, deciduous shrubs with magnificent flowers that show off in gardens, containers, or 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 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 a 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 Pacific Northwest region.

Guide Information

Hardiness	7 - 9
Heat Zones	1 - 6
Climate Zones	1A, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type	Shrubs
Genus	Hydrangea
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height
Spread
Maintenance	Low
Water Needs	Average
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	Patio And Containers, Hedges And Screens, Beds And Borders
Garden Styles	City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden

Beautiful Hydrangeas for the Pacific Northwest Region

Hydrangea ‘Preziosa’

‘Preziosa’ is a fabulous serrata Hydrangea, displaying small rounded clusters of constantly changing color. The sterile florets open pale green, shifting to yellow, cream, and white before transforming into pink, cherry red, and wine-red. Regardless of soil pH, these color changes can be achieved. Blooming from mid-summer to early fall, the compact, bushy plant features serrate leaves that emerge purple-tinted, mature to green, and turn deep red in fall. ‘Preziosa’ thrives in sun or shade and is an ideal choice for shrub borders and containers.

Hardiness	6 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)
Spread	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)

Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris (Climbing Hydrangea)

Native to Asia, Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris (Climbing Hydrangea) is a vigorous climber with aerial rootlets. It produces fragrant, flattened clusters of white flowers in late spring to early summer. The dark green leaves turn golden-yellow in fall, while the reddish-brown exfoliating bark adds winter interest. Ideal for USDA zones 4-9.

Hardiness	4 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	30' - 50' (9.1m - 15.2m)
Spread	5' - 6' (150cm - 180cm)

Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ (Smooth Hydrangea)

Beloved by gardeners, Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ (Smooth Hydrangea) is an exceptional flowering shrub. Its large, rounded flower clusters, up to 12 in. across (30 cm), bring vibrant beauty to shady areas. Blooming for months, the flowers change from lime-green to brilliant white, then pale green, and finally tan in fall. Resistant to insects and diseases, Annabelle is ideal for mixed borders and stunning cut arrangements.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	3' - 5' (90cm - 150cm)
Spread	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Amethyst’

Noted for its long-lasting flowers, Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Amethyst’ is a compact mophead hydrangea with large and bold, rounded flower heads, packed with soft pink or pale violet-blue florets, depending on the soil pH. Blooming from early to late summer, the remarkable blossoms age to reddish pink with lime green markings and last for weeks in their final color, lime green. The foliage is medium to light green with large, glossy, serrated leaves. ‘Amethyst’ is perfect to create a low hedge and lovely in containers.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height	2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Ayesha’

‘Ayesha’ is a unique mophead hydrangea known for its abundant and compact flower heads, 8 in. across (20 cm). The cup-shaped sepals resemble lilac flowers, starting creamy-white and changing to soft shell-pink, sky blue, or pale mauve-lilac depending on soil pH. With a gentle two-toned effect, it blooms for up to 6 months in early summer and carries a delicate light fragrance. The fresh green foliage features heavily textured, glossy leaves that turn red in spring and fall.

Hardiness	6 - 9
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Blaumeise’

Regarded as one of the best blue lacecap hydrangeas, Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Blaumeise’ is a vigorous deciduous shrub laden with large flat flowers, up to 9 in. across (22 cm), from early to late summer. The flower heads are composed of huge cobalt blue florets radiating around a central cluster of tiny fertile Persian blue flowers. In alkaline soils, the flower heads turn a pleasant soft pink color. This lacecap hydrangea retains its brilliant color and provides a floral focal point in the summer garden. The profuse blossoms are beautifully framed by the foliage of coarsely toothed, glossy dark green leaves. ‘Blaumeise’ is an outstanding landscape shrub for lightly shaded gardens.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height	6' - 7' (180cm - 210cm)
Spread	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Lanarth White’

A tremendous, compact hydrangea for tough spots, award-winning Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Lanarth White’ features flattened, lacecap flower heads composed of large, pure white, sterile sepals radiating around a central cluster of tiny, mauve-pink fertile florets. Sometimes, the sepals are aligned in 2 rows and the blossoms almost resemble those of Mophead Hydrangeas. Blooming from early summer until fall, the profuse blossoms are beautifully framed by the foliage of broadly ovate, luminescent, pale green leaves. Perfect for small gardens and containers!

Hardiness	6 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)
Spread	4' - 5' (120cm - 150cm)

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Merritt’s Supreme’

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Merritt’s Supreme’ is a compact and dense mophead hydrangea with huge, rounded flower heads, packed with intense, rich purple-blue to deep rosy-pink florets, depending on the soil pH. Blooming from mid-summer to early fall, the bold blossoms are held aloft on thick stems. They turn a lovely plum color in the fall, further extending the season of interest of this plant. The foliage is dark green with large, glossy, serrated leaves. ‘Merritt’s Supreme’ is perfect as a specimen or in small groupings, anywhere in the landscape that gets morning or filtered sun. Great cultivar for containers too!

Hardiness	6 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Nikko Blue’

Hugely popular – and deservedly so – Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Nikko Blue’ features large, rounded flower heads, up to 5 in. across (12 cm), densely packed with rich, deep blue florets. Blooming in early summer for up to 2 months, ‘Nikko Blue’ is very floriferous and produces new flower stems throughout the summer. The foliage is medium green with large, lustrous, serrated leaves. A classic name in mophead hydrangeas, it has become the standard against which other blue hydrangeas are measured.

Hardiness	6 - 9
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Pia’

Slow-growing, Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Pia’ is a dwarf mophead hydrangea with small, rounded flower heads, up to 4 in. across (10 cm), densely packed with pink to purple-red florets from mid to late summer. Unlike other bigleaf hydrangeas, the flowers will retain their pink color regardless of soil pH. The foliage is dark green with large, glossy, serrated leaves. ‘Pia’ is perfect to create a low hedge and lovely in window boxes or containers.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late)
Height	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread	2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’

Deservedly popular, Hydrangea paniculata ‘Grandiflora’ or ‘PeeGee’ is a large, upright, deciduous shrub or small tree with conical flower panicles, up to 18 in. long (45 cm), packed almost entirely with sterile florets. Showy, the creamy-white florets become pink-tinged as fall approaches. Blooming profusely from midsummer to fall, the charming blossoms are so heavy that the branches bend over with their weight. The foliage of ovate, serrated, dark green leaves shows hints of yellow to reddish-purple in the fall. Introduced from Japan in the 1860s, ‘Grandiflora’ is an excellent subject for the mixed border.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	10' - 25' (3m - 7.6m)
Spread	8' - 15' (240cm - 4.6m)

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’

Highly sought after, Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’ is a vigorous and spreading deciduous shrub that showcases impressive cone-shaped flowers, reaching 6-12 inches in length. These abundant blooms change colors over time, transitioning from lime-green to creamy white, then deep pink, and finally to beige. The dark green leaves also transform into stunning shades of red during autumn, providing an enchanting display that lingers into winter.

Hardiness	4 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Mid, Late), Fall
Height	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)

Hydrangea paniculata ‘Tardiva’

One of the latest hydrangeas to bloom, Hydrangea paniculata ‘Tardiva’ features upright, sharply pointed, conical panicles with the bulk of their sterile flowers loosely packed near their base. Showy, the white, sterile flowers slowly turn purplish-pink as they mature. Blooming profusely from late summer to fall, the charming blossoms contrast nicely with the foliage of ovate, serrated, dark green leaves, which turns yellow to purple-tinged in the fall. Vigorous, ‘Tardiva’ can develop into a big bush and is a real gem in the late summer garden where its magnificent fountain of blooms extends the season interest of the mixed border.

Hardiness	3 - 8
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Late), Fall
Height	8' - 12' (240cm - 3.7m)
Spread	7' - 10' (210cm - 3m)

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snow Queen’ (Oak Leaf Hydrangea)

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snow Queen’ (Oak Leaf Hydrangea) is an award-winning deciduous shrub with distinct, boldly lobed leaves and showy blooms. It offers a long season of interest with dense, conical flower heads filled with large, white ray florets that turn pink in fall. The upright blossoms are complemented by deep bronze-purple to red foliage. ‘Snow Queen’ makes a fabulous focal point in the garden and can be combined with other shrubs or perennials.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height	4' - 6' (120cm - 180cm)
Spread	6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snowflake’ (Oak Leaf Hydrangea)

Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snowflake’ (Oak Leaf Hydrangea) is an award-winning deciduous shrub with distinct, boldly lobed leaves and superb double-flowered blooms. It provides year-round interest with large, arching, conical flower heads filled with layered double blossoms. The creamy-white flowers gradually turn rosy-pink, and the foliage transitions to bronze, crimson, or burgundy in fall. The rich brown exfoliating bark adds winter appeal. ‘Snowflake’ is a fabulous Hydrangea for garden focal points or combined plantings with other shrubs or perennials.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter
Height	6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)
Spread	6' - 10' (180cm - 3m)

Hydrangea serrata ‘Beni-Gaku’

Hydrangea serrata ‘Beni-Gaku’ is an irresistible, compact shrub with large lacecap flowers that change color over time. The flower heads feature showy sterile sepals in white, maturing to pink with deep red edges, and dark purple fertile florets that open to light blue. Blooming from early to late summer, the profuse blossoms are framed by pointed, mid- to dark green leaves tinged with red, turning bronze and reddish-purple in the fall.

Hardiness	5 - 9
Exposure	Full Sun, Partial Sun
Seasons	Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Height	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spread	3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)

You may want to review these useful guides too

Hydrangea arborescens (Smooth Hydrangea) Read More

Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf Hydrangea) Read More

Hydrangea paniculata (Panicle Hydrangea) Read More

Hydrangea quercifolia (Oak Leaf Hydrangea) Read More

Hydrangea serrata (Mountain Hydrangea) Read More

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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.