Hydrangeas for the Canadian Garden

Hydrangeas were brought from the Far East and northern parts of South America by the explorers, and their popularity in Canadian gardens continues to surge because of their ease of care and the hues they add to a fall garden that is beginning to wind down. 

The hallmark feature of Hydrangeas is their long-lasting flowers, which morph in colour from their initial display as they age. Many hydrangeas begin to flower in mid-summer and last into the fall. Others bloom in early spring, and some even rebloom. 

Initially a shade-loving plant that appreciated cool, darker spaces, some varieties now grow in sunnier garden spaces that offer protection from the intense midday and afternoon sun, particularly in drier climates. 

Types of Hydrangeas for Canada 

Two categories of Hydrangeas that are readily available and work well in colder regions of Canada are Panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) and Smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens). 

Panicle hydrangeas - Hydrangea paniculata 

Panicle hydrangeas are the most forgiving of northern climates, and some varieties are sun-tolerant. The paniculate features cone-shaped flowers that blossom on new wood and can be pruned in the fall after flowering or in early spring as they emerge from dormancy. Proven Winners has a fantastic collection of Paniculate Hydrangeas.

Smooth hydrangeas - Hydrangea arborescens

These Hydrangeas have smooth leaves, hence their nickname. They tolerate more than 6 hours of sunshine, preferably early morning or evening, with some afternoon shade. They boast dome-shaped flowers that grow from new wood. They typically start white and stay white or change to pink. Smooth hydrangeas should be pruned in the fall or early spring. Great Proven Winners variety options include Incrediball^®, Incrediball Blush^®, and the Invincibelle^® Series.  

Bigleaf hydrangea - Hydrangea Macrophylla

Bigleaf hydrangeas have the broadest array of colours that often start as white or green and change to shades of blue, purple, pink, and rose.  Flower colours can be manipulated by soil pH. Acidic soils produce blue tones and alkaline soils pinks. Flowers appear in late spring and early summer from buds formed the previous year on old growth, so trim these back by the beginning of August after they have flowered—newer varieties flower from old and new wood and some rebloom. 

Be sure to check out varieties offered by Proven Winners, like the Cityline^® Series, the Let's Dance^® Series, and the Wee Bit^® Series. 

Hydrangea Care 

Hydrangeas thrive in fertile, moist, well-draining soil. Mulch helps to keep the soil moist and cool. 

Fertilize annually after they have emerged in early spring, and winter protects in cold growing zones. 

Stay patient with Hydrangeas; they are often the last to wake from winter dormancy.