Are you in search of a versatile, fast-growing shrub that blooms profusely in stunning colors? Consider growing hydrangeas—the South’s beloved flower—in your garden. Whether you’re a hydrangea novice or already have them in your landscape, these beautiful hydrangea gardens are filled with ideas on how to use them in clusters, borders, containers, or paired with other compatible plants. To inspire your own hydrangea garden, we’ve gathered our favorite examples along with practical tips to ensure these gorgeous summer-blooming shrubs thrive.
Flank The Stairs
Who cares where the stairs lead when they’re flanked by hydrangeas? Contrasting coleus enhances the dramatic setting. Hydrangeas have varying light needs depending on the variety—some prefer shade, while others thrive in full morning sun with afternoon shade. Certain shade-loving hydrangeas prefer full shade or filtered light.
Line The Porch
Nothing says Southern charm like a wide front porch—especially one that seems to rest on a foundation of hydrangeas. This mix of pink and purple blooms showcases one of hydrangeas’ unique traits. Some varieties respond to soil acidity or alkalinity, which can influence bloom color.
Create A Secret Hydrangea Garden
A lush green lawn bordered by blooming hydrangea shrubs creates a magical spot for tea, croquet, or simply soaking up the sun. Many hydrangeas prefer morning sun with afternoon shade; be sure to check the light requirements of your chosen variety before planting. In the South, hydrangeas can be planted in spring or fall before the first frost, allowing them to establish their root system. Fall is the optimal time for planting, as it provides more time for root growth, but spring is also a suitable option.
Plant Hydrangeas In Signature Blue
While discovering new hydrangea varieties is exciting, there’s something nostalgic about the iconic blue blooms. The most classic variety is the French hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), also known as bigleaf hydrangea; it features large, round blooms—mopheads—that come in blue, pink, and white hues.
Make A Doorway To Paradise
Pink and purple hydrangeas add vibrant color to this lush garden. A charming table for two offers a place to appreciate the garden’s beauty. With French hydrangeas, you can amend the soil to alter bloom colors: for pink flowers, make the soil more alkaline by adding lime; for blue flowers, adjust the soil to be more acidic with garden soil amendments. You can create blooms in shades of pink, blue, purple, or even a combination.
Display Blooms From A Cutting Garden
Hydrangeas are delightful in the garden, but cutting your own blooms to enjoy indoors is another great benefit of these beautiful shrubs. To extend the life of your cut hydrangeas, which require ample hydration, dip the cut ends in alum powder. Found in the spice aisle of grocery stores, alum powder helps flowers absorb more water.
Grow Them Along A Picket Fence
A standalone hydrangea shrub becomes a vibrant burst of color against a classic white picket fence. Hydrangeas require minimal pruning; too much pruning or pruning at the wrong time can prevent them from blooming. Understanding your hydrangea variety is key to proper pruning—refer to a seasonal calendar for guidance on common hydrangea types.
Enjoy A Strawberry Sundae
Even better than a trip to the ice cream parlor, these compact blooms make a spectacular display in small outdoor spaces. ‘Strawberry Sundae’ is a panicle hydrangea that transitions from white to pink to red throughout the growing season. These compact hydrangeas bloom from July to September and typically grow 3 to 4 feet wide and 4 to 5 feet tall.
Arrange Hydrangeas in Planters
Hydrangea trees can be a welcoming sight by the front door, drawing the eye upward. Whether you opt for a casual look with a basket planter or choose something more formal like porcelain blue and white, there are countless ways to grow hydrangeas in containers. From terracotta pots to window boxes, and with many companion plants available, hydrangeas can thrive in planters, offering versatile and eye-catching displays.
Add Blooms by the Water
With rows of striking hydrangeas and a canine companion welcoming guests, this lake house garden is a picture-perfect retreat. In this layout, the hydrangeas are planted at a height that doesn’t obstruct the view of the lake and cabin. When planning your hydrangea garden, be sure to consider the mature size, spacing requirements, and light needs of each variety to ensure a harmonious design that complements your space.
Plant in Masses
Rows of blue, pink, and purple hydrangeas showcase the full spectrum of this beloved Southern bloom. When planting in masses, space French hydrangeas about 3 to 4 feet apart to allow room for growth. For new plants, consistent watering is essential during the first few years. To keep hydrangeas hydrated, provide a deep soak once or twice a week, allowing water to reach the roots. Established French hydrangeas require at least an inch of water weekly during the growing season.
Make Rustic More Romantic
The combination of weathered wood fences and vibrant hydrangea blooms adds a touch of romance to any garden. When selecting a site for your hydrangeas, choose loamy, well-drained soil rich in nutrients, and avoid rocky or dry soil conditions. Southern Living’s gardening expert, Steve Bender, recommends amending the soil with materials like compost, manure, wood clippings, and sphagnum peat moss to improve its quality and support healthy growth.
Make Neighbors Green with Envy
With their soft lime shade, these delicate blooms blend seamlessly into the landscape, creating a lush hydrangea backdrop. For a neutral garden palette, consider hydrangea varieties that bloom in shades of white and lime green. Explore dwarf varieties like ‘Little Lime,’ ‘Little Honey,’ and ‘Invincibelle Limetta,’ or opt for larger classics like ‘Annabelle’ and ‘Limelight’ to make a bold statement.
Create Cottage Charm
No window boxes are necessary when hydrangeas, shutters, and ivy frame a cottage window so perfectly. Hydrangeas can be scaled to fit any garden space, with compact varieties being ideal for smaller, cottage-style gardens that are typically packed with a diverse array of plants. For the best fit in limited spaces, look into compact hydrangea varieties that complement your garden’s charm while providing vibrant blooms.
