10 New Hydrangeas
Sure, the old-fashioned hydrangea’s heavenly blue flowers are a showstopper. But there’s more to the well-loved shrub these days. For one thing, new changeable hues are giving those classic blooms a run for the money, and today’s varieties don’t stop their color show come Labor Day. Here are some of our favorites from among the newer varieties you might still find at your local nursery—or look ahead and order by mail for planting this fall.
Blushing Bride (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Blushing Bride’)
Part of the Endless Summer series of reblooming hydrangeas, which flower on new and old growth into fall, Blushing Bride packs a lot of color per square inch. Semi-double, 9-inch wide florets start out white, then turn blush pink or pale sky blue, depending on your soil pH. Grows up to 6 feet high and wide. Zones 4-9; Endless Summer
Everlasting Amethyst (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Hokomathyst’)
A mophead that flowers in two colors, going from solid green to either fuchsia or blue with green edges, depending on soil pH. This reblooming variety keeps its color into the fall and its compact growth, about 4 feet high and wide, is a good choice for larger containers. Zones 5-9; Wayside Gardens
Little Lime (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Jane’)
Similar in minty green color to the blooms of the bigger ‘Limelight’, this dwarf version fits into smaller beds and borders. The mounding blooms mature to a pretty pink by the end of September. Grows up to 5 feet high and wide. Zones 3-9; Proven Winners
Invincibelle Spirit (Hydrangea arborescens ‘NCHA1’)
Unlike the pure white orbs on the cold-hardy Annabelle hydrangea, Invincibelle blooms pink—and reblooms all summer. Flowerheads start out dark burgundy, fade to a soft pink, then finish green before the frost. Grows up to 4 feet high and wide. Zones 3-9; Proven Winners
Pinky-Winky (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Dvppinky’)
This fast-growing shrub can reach 8 feet high, but Pinky-Winky is probably better known for its blooms. Panicles reaching 16 inches long are covered with flowers that start white before those toward to the base turn dark pink for a sensational two-tone look. Grows up to 6 feet wide. Zones 3-9; Proven Winners
Twist-n-Shout (Hydrangea macrophylla Twist-n-Shout)
Another Endless Summer variety, this reblooming lacecap boasts deep pink to periwinkle blue flowers, depending on soil pH. Supporting the blooms are red stems that add another layer of ornamental beauty to the garden. Grows up to 5 feet high and wide. Zones 4-9; Endless Summer
Fire Light (Hydrangea paniculata ‘SMHPFL’)
This cold-hardy hydrangea begins flowering about mid-summer, with white blooms, and continues until the end of fall when its spikes turn dark pink. The flower heads can reach up to 16-inches long and are kept upright by strong stems that prevent flop. Grows up to 6 feet high and wide. Zones 3-9; Proven Winners
Diva (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘SMHMLDD’)
This unique reblooming lacecap hydrangea has large florets ringing flower heads as big as dinner plates on a diminutive shrub. Starting in mid-July, bright pink (or blue) flowers emerge, then lighten in color toward the tips. Looks especially dramatic in containers. Grows up to 3 feet high and wide. Zones 5-9; Proven Winners
Blue Enchantress (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Monmar’)
Huge flower orbs up to 9 inches wide on the ends of glossy black stems as thick as pencils on this reblooming mophead hydrangea. Like many varieties, the bloom’s color depends on the pH of the soil. Flowers turn green dotted with cream in fall. Grows up to 6 feet high and wide. Zones 5-9; Monrovia
Vanilla Strawberry (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Renhy’)
Related to the classic PeeGee hydrangea, with its cone-shaped flowers, this French variety can show three colors at once during its bloom time, which can last into late fall. Vanilla Strawberry starts the season blooming creamy white before flower heads turn pink, then red or a darker burgundy. Grows up to 8 feet high and 5 feet wide. Zones 3-8; White Flower Farm