Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Heavenly Hydrangea

The hydrangea are finally in bloom! We love them all but here is a sampling of our favorites:

Hydrangea 'Quickfire'



An early bloomer, the flowers bloom white and then turn rich pink, then red. Versatile, cold-hardy shrub, really pays its rent in your garden. Will reach 6 to 8 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide in maturity. Cold hardy to zone 3.



Hydrangea LET'S DANCE™Moonlight™

Hydrangea LET'S DANCE™Moonlight™ is strong rebloomer with large, rich rose-pink (or blue depending upon pH) mophead flowers that are held on sturdy stems. Moonlight™ has a wonderful compact habit, growing to only 2-3 feet tall. In autumn, the healthy foliage takes on rich bronze red tones for additional interest late in the season.





'Twist-n-Shout' Hydrangea

The Twist-n-Shout, the latest release from the Endless Summer® Collection, is the first reblooming lacecap hydrangea. A true re-bloomer that is hardy to Zone 4 and grows 3 to 5 feet tall and wide in maturity.

The Twist-n-Shout flowers on both old and new growth all summer long. Gorgeous blossoms of pink or periwinkle blue, depending upon your soil type (make them blue with a sprinkle of aluminum phosphate or a mixture of citrus peels and coffee grounds).





Oakleaf Hydrangea:

Oakleaf hydrangea is native to the United States and can take the most shade of all the hydrangeas. It can also tolerate dry sandy soil, better than its "mophead" cousins. But what is really attractive about this shrub (besides the dramatic cone-shaped flowers) is its knockout fall color. Grows 6 to 8 feet high and 4 to 6 feet wide in maturity.