Hydrangea bushes are a long-time favorite of ornamental gardeners, as well as professional landscapers. Their large size and vibrant flowers combine to create impressive floral displays. Though flowering bushes in bright shades of pink, blue, and purple are most common, newly introduced varieties offer a wider range of color and flower shape, and white hydrangea varieties can create a fresh new look in the garden.
White Hydrangea Bushes
White hydrangea flowers are an extremely popular option due to their versatility. Easily blending into already established landscapes, planting white hydrangea is an excellent way to add dimension and interest to flower beds and borders.
To select and begin growing white hydrangeas, gardeners will need to determine which cultivars are ideal for the planting site. This includes consideration of the plant’s size and its needs related to light, irrigation, and soil conditions.
To begin planning, let’s explore some of the most commonly planted types of white hydrangea bushes.
Hydrangea paniculata (Panicle Hydrangea)
White panicle hydrangeas are quite common in home gardens. Known for their unique conical flower shape, these adaptive plants can thrive under a wide range of growing conditions. When it comes to growing white hydrangeas, paniculata cultivars often prove to tolerate more sun as well as a wide range of soil conditions. Hydrangeas that are white are numerous; however, many also display tones of green or pink. Varieties which produce white hydrangea flowers include ‘Bobo,’ ‘Limelight,’ ‘Little Lime,’ ‘Great Star,’ ‘Quickfire,’ and ‘Sundae Fraise.’
Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea)
Also known as oakleaf hydrangeas, these plants are most prized for their long pyramid shaped flower spikes. Their ability to withstand warmer temperatures and drier soil conditions make them an ideal hydrangea for gardeners living in more challenging growing zones. Oakleaf hydrangeas that are white include ‘Gatsby Gal,’ ‘Gatsby Moon,’ ‘Snow King,’ and ‘Alice.’
Hydrangea macrophylla (Mophead Hydrangea)
Macrophylla, or mophead, hydrangeas, have exceptionally large flowers which often bloom in an array of bright colors. However, pure white hydrangea bushes of this type do exist. Those growing white hydrangea bushes may have the most success with cultivars such as ‘Fireworks,’ ‘Lanarth White’ and ‘Blushing Bride.’
Hydrangea arborescens (Smooth Hydrangea)
Smooth hydrangeas are among the most popular hydrangeas that are white such as ‘Annabelle,’ ‘Incrediball,’ and ‘Invincibelle Wee White.’ These white hydrangeas are known to thrive in shady garden locations and may even naturalize where conditions are ideal.
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