Hydrangea Heaven

How to Choose and Care for Summer’s Most Stunning Shrub

At Donaldson’s Greenhouse & Nursery, we believe every garden deserves a little hydrangea magic. Whether you’re drawn to big, romantic blooms or sculptural elegance, hydrangeas are the showstoppers of summer. With so many beautiful varieties—and a few care quirks—it helps to know which types fit your garden best and how to help them thrive.

Meet the Three Main Players

🏵️ Mophead Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla)

These are your classic, colorful hydrangeas with big, rounded blooms in pink, blue, or purple. They thrive in partial shade and rich, well-drained soil. Want to change their color? You can!

• Pink blooms = Alkaline soil (higher pH)

• Blue blooms = Acidic soil (lower pH)

Use soil acidifiers like sulfur or aluminum sulfate to lean blue. Prefer pink? Add lime to raise the pH. Be patient—color shifts take time but are worth the wait.

🌿 Panicle Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata)

These sun-lovers bloom in cones of creamy white that blush pink by fall. Varieties like Limelight and Bobo are favorites at Donaldson’s for their toughness, reliability, and new-wood blooms—perfect for pruning in early spring.

🍁 Oakleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia)

With leaves like oak trees and a knockout fall show in shades of crimson and copper, oakleafs bring year-round interest. Their white blooms age to pink or rust. They’re great for naturalized gardens and bloom on old wood, so prune only after flowering.

Tips to Keep Hydrangeas Happy

• Location is key: Morning sun with afternoon shade works best (except panicles—they can handle full sun).

• Water deeply and regularly, especially in summer. Mulch helps retain moisture.

• Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release formula.

• Prune smart: Know your type! Mopheads and oakleafs bloom on old wood. Panicles bloom on new.

Want to shift those mophead hues? Stop by Donaldson’s for soil testing kits and expert advice.

Design Ideas from Our Team

Hydrangeas work beautifully to:

• Create mixed-border backdrops

• Frame porches or patios

• Soften shady corners

• Add mass plantings for coastal or cottage looks

From foundation plantings to containers, there’s a hydrangea for nearly every sunny-to-part-shade spot.

Not sure which hydrangea is right for your yard? Come see us at Donaldson’s Greenhouse—we’ll help you find the perfect one for your garden and growing conditions.

Let summer bloom, beautifully. 🌸