Hydrangeas from the wild to the show bench and more
Howard Drury DHE(Hons)
Why A Talk on Hydrangeas?
Worked with Ashwood Nurseries for more than 25 years
Developed a large collection under Philip Baulk
Exhibited Hydrangeas at Gardeners World Live and Chelsea
Now taking it one stage further to expand it to a presentation on Hydrangeas covering many aspects
Growing and Showing Hydrangeas With Ashwood Nurseries
Hydrangeas are day length responsive
Normally flower June onwards
Challenges of Chelsea, we messed up
Perfect for Gardener’s World Live in June
Problems of staging and watering
Types of Flowers on Hydrangeas
Rounded head corycomb = Mophead
Flat topped corycomb = Lacecap
Inverted cone Hydrangea paniculata Panicle
Hydrangeas in the wild
Eastern North America towards Central and South America
Eastern Asia, temperate zones of Tibet, southern and central China, Japan, Taiwan, Philippines, Java and Sumatra also North America
Fossils show hydrangeas growing in northern hemisphere as long as 70 million years ago! (Hydrangea alaskana found in fossils)
Most grow in temperate conditions
Began reaching the Uk by plant collectors around early 1700s
The name ‘Hydrangea’
Botanist Jan Frederik Gronovius gave it this name in 1739, referring to the seed capsules' resemblance to an ancient water pitcher and plants need for water (hydra)
Made up of two Greek words
hydor meaning water
angeon storage vessel or seed pod
Mythical monster Hydra who had many snake-like heads, seed head resembles this creature
Hydrangea Meanings & Symbolism
Pink hydrangeas represent love, sincerity, and heartfelt emotions, whilst blue hydrangeas can be a sign of gratitude, forgiveness, and understanding. Purple hydrangeas express a desire to get to know someone better.
An old Japanese legend says that an emperor gave blue hydrangeas to the woman he loved as a sincere apology for neglecting her. More widely in Asia, pink hydrangeas are said to show someone that they are the beat to your heart.
Interestingly, the Victorians had a much less generous view of hydrangeas. Their language of flowers was a way of sending coded messages through flowers, but for hydrangeas it was nearly always a negative one. Their large blooms were believed to demonstrate boastfulness and vanity, and Victorians also sent blue hydrangeas to love interests who rejected them to criticise their frigidity and general heartlessness. Receiving hydrangeas was almost universally seen as an insult
Hydrangea Facts and Feats
Hydrangea quercifolia was declared the official state wildflower of the U.S. state of Alabama in 1999
In Korean tea, Hydrangea serrata is used for an herbal tea called sugukcha
Hydrangea root and rhizome are indicated for the treatment of conditions of the urinary tract
Hydrangeas were used by the Cherokee people of what is now the Southern U.S. as a mild diuretic and cathartic; it was considered a valuable remedy for bladder stones.
Hydrangea paniculata is reportedly sometimes smoked as an intoxicant, despite the danger of illness and/or death due to the cyanide
Hydrangeas are moderately toxic if eaten, with all parts of the plant containing cyanogenic glycosides
The Genus Hydrangea
Probably around 75 species
Group 1
Americanae - arborescens (eastern USA 1736)
- quercifolia (southeast USA 1803)
Asperae - aspera (Nepal 1836)
- involucrata (Japan early 1900)
- sikokiana (Japan)
Calyptranthe - anomala (Nepal 1820)
Heteromallae - heteromalla (Himalayas 1825)
- paniculata (China Japan 1860)
The Genus Hydrangea
Probably around 75 species
Macrophyllae - macrophylla inc serrata (1789)
Petalanthe - hirta (Japan 1828)
- scandens (Japan Asia 1878)
Group 2
Monosegia - integrifolia (Taiwan climber)
- seemannii (Mexico warmer)
Polysegia - serratifolia (Chile 1927 climber)
Hydrangea species
Probably around 75 species
Hydrangea - anomala (Climbing Hydrangea). Himalaya, southwest China.
Hydrangea - arborescens (Smooth leaved Hydrangea) Eastern North America.
Hydrangea - aspera China, Himalaya.
Hydrangea - bretschneideri China.
Hydrangea - candida China.
Hydrangea - caudatifolia China.
Hydrangea - chinensis China.
Hydrangea Species
Probably around 75 species
Hydrangea - chungii China.
Hydrangea - cinerea (Ashy Hydrangea) Eastern United States.
Hydrangea - coacta China.
Hydrangea - coenobialis China.
Hydrangea - davidii China.
Hydrangea - dumicola China.
Hydrangea - gracilis China.
Hydrangea Species
Probably around 75 species
Hydrangea - heteromalla Himalaya, west and north China.
Hydrangea - hirta Japan.
Hydrangea - hypoglauca China.
Hydrangea - integrifolia China.
Hydrangea - involucrata Japan, Taiwan. Hydrangea - kawakamii Taiwan.
Hydrangea - kwangsiensis China.
Hydrangea - kwangtungensis China.
Hydrangea Species
Probably around 75 species
Hydrangea - lingii China.
Hydrangea - linkweiensis China.
Hydrangea - longifolia China.
Hydrangea - longipes Western China. Hydrangea - macrocarpa China.
Hydrangea - macrophylla (Big leaf Hydrangea). Southern Japan, Korea
Hydrangea - mangshanensis China.
Hydrangea Species
Probably around 75 species
Hydrangea - paniculata (Panicled Hydrangea). Eastern China, Japan, Korea, Sakhalin.
Hydrangea - petiolaris (Climbing Hydrangea). Japan, Korea, Sakhalin.
Hydrangea - quercifolia (Oak leaf Hydrangea). Southeast United States.
Hydrangea - radiata (Silver leaf Hydrangea). Southeast United States.
Hydrangea - robusta China, Himalaya.
Hydrangea Species
Probably around 75 species
Hydrangea - sargentiana Western China.
Hydrangea - scandens Southern Japan south to the Philippines.
Hydrangea - serrata Japan, Korea.
Hydrangea - serratifolia Chile, western Argentina.
Hydrangea - stenophylla China.
Hydrangea - strigosa China.
Hydrangea Species
Last of the probably around 75 species
Hydrangea - stylosa China.
Hydrangea - sungpanensis China.
Hydrangea - xanthoneura China.
Hydrangea - zhewanensis China.
Hydrangea History
Grown in France, Germany, Holland and Belgium
Also, Switzerland, Denmark, Italy Sweden
Seen in gardens from Australia China and Japan
Wilson and Banks were major collectors
Initial confusion with Viburnum opulus
Hydrangea hortensia? RHS states should be Hydrangea macrophylla (H) also known as H. sieboldii, H. hortensis, not H. hortensia (more than 60 synonymous names!)
Introduction to UK Cultivation
In 1736 H. arborescens was introduced to UK from Pennsylvania
Hydrangeas from the orient were growing in Chinese and Japanese gardens much earlier
Joseph Banks introduced H. hortensis in 1798
Pre 1840 Japanese species introduced
Japan closed 1639 - 1856 few garden hybrids
Early 19c before American climbing Hydrangeas were introduced to UK
Hydrangeas in the garden
Definition of a garden
Species sometimes less attractive
Hydrangea macrophylla flowers influenced by various factors including soil Ph
Some are large shrubs or small trees
Evergreen climbers plus H. petiolaris
Often grow where other plants struggle
Cold and warm sites
Most Hydrangeas dislike late spring or early autumn frosts generally opening their buds too early (Protection)
Good in frost pockets
H. arborescens, H. paniculata
Needing a warm site
H. Quercifolia, evergreen climbing species
Where to grow Hydrangeas
Shaded Hydrangea bed (lighter colours)
Woodland situation (not competing for nutrients water and light)
By streams (Bodnant style)
Sloping sites
Where to grow Hydrangeas
Site ideally should have dappled shade
Mid-day sun is the worst enemy
In a cool acid moisture retentive soil
Humus rich soil
Not waterlogged ground
Space depends on species or cultivar
Most hydrangeas are long lived few die early!
Cultivating Hydrangeas
Wind - cold easterly spring winds are dangerous
Frost - late frosts more dangerous to flower buds
Damage varies according to species
H. aspera warmer, H. petiolaris stands more cold
Local climate variations are important
Moisture is essential, hence easier on wet west coast
Problems growing in vicinity of tree roots, dryness
Cold wet clay soils give added problems
Soils and Hydrangeas
Soil texture – rich moist loam is ideal not sand
Not stagnant stinking soils, wet but well drained is ok
Leaf mould not peat
Clay soils rich in nutrients but plants suffer root loss, cultivations
Soil acidity affects flower colour in H. marcophylla and H. serrata, not white or other species, also affects nutrient uptake in all species and cultivars
Flower Colour
On acid soils blue H. macrophylla cultivars stay blue
On alkaline soils they turn pink
Variation in effect from year to year in cultivars
Variation from one cultivar to another
Old remedies included old razor blades and nails
Today aluminium and iron considered important
Addition of sulphur to lower soil pH
Blues need low phosphates, high potash feed, pinks and reds a more balanced feed
Sun versus shade
Natural dapple shade difficult to achieve
Avoiding midday heat especially in south, north is cooler and therefore easier
Less frost damage in shade, last longer into autumn
Keep colours better,
Ideally have an architectural backcloth
H. aspera shade, H. paniculata need more sun
Lacecaps generally more sun, mopheads less sun
Blue early flowers can scorch more than later reds
Planting, Mulching and Feeding
Early autumn or late spring planting
Prepare a large area not a planting hole
No bonemeal (changes flower colours) better to use Vitax Hydrangea feed
Reasons to mulch- conserve moisture, feed, improve soil structure and suppress weeds
Feed according to soil type and hydrangea type and mulch
Pruning (Simplistically and Basic)
Best hydrangeas are left unpruned!
Older plants become leggy and often too large
H. macrophyllas best left until after last frosts
Leave old flower heads on for winter protection
Cut down to strong pair of flower buds
Only thin out oldest stems if too overcrowded
Pruning Hydrangea macrophylla varieties
Remove dead heads in spring (late March/early April), and thin out weak and dead stems. You can thin the brown stems to get larger flowers.
Do not prune in the autumn as the old flowers give some frost protection to young shoots in early spring. The brown flower heads also look great in winter when covered in frost.
If you need to shorten the plant always cut above a bud.
Pruning Hydrangea serrata varieties (native of Japan, Korea)
Remove dead heads in spring (late March/early April), and thin out weak and dead stems. You can thin the brown stems to get larger flowers.
Do not prune in the autumn as the old flowers give some frost protection to young shoots in early spring. The brown flower heads also look great in winter when covered in frost.
If you need to reduce the height of the plant always cut above a bud.
Pruning Hydrangea paniculata varieties
Hard Pruning. Cut back to 2 buds on previous year's growth in early spring. This will produce fewer but very large flowers.
2. Medium Pruning. Cut back to 4 buds on previous year's growth in early spring. This will produce more medium-size flowers.
3. Light Pruning. Remove last year's flower heads and lightly prune to reshape the plant. This will allow the plant to produce large numbers of smaller flowers.
Pruning Hydrangea arborescens varieties
1. Hard Pruning. Cut back to 2 buds on previous year's growth in early spring. This will produce fewer but very large flowers.
2. Medium Pruning. Cut back to 4 buds on previous year's growth in early spring. This will produce more medium-size flowers.
3. Light Pruning. Remove last year's flower heads and lightly prune to reshape the plant. This will allow the plant to produce large numbers of smaller flowers.
Pruning Hydrangea quercifolia varieties (from Eastern US in woodlands)
Hydrangea quercifolia only need minimal pruning in spring to remove dead heads and to reshape the bush.
Renewal Pruning
Only carried out after last spring frosts
Acknowledge no flowers that season
Cut down all stems to 1.5ft
Select and save only strongest new shoots
Can also be used on straggly or frost damaged plants
Remember excessive regrowth always follows drastic pruning – you have been warned!
Hydrangeas For Small Gardens
H. macrophylla ‘Pia’, H. ‘Ami Pasquier’, H. ‘Ave Maria’, H. ‘Hornli’, H. ‘Tovelit’, H. ‘Westfalen’ H. ‘Little Blue’, H. Little White’, H. ‘Pink Elf’
H. serrata ‘Diadem’
Against a house wall (Bodnant style) West/north-west walls
H. serrata ‘Presiosa’ H. macrophylla ‘Mme E. Mouillere’
Top 5 Hydrangeas to Attract Pollinators and Predators
1. Hydrangea paniculata all inc. ‘Butterfly’
2. Hydrangea arborescens all inc. ‘Annabelle’
3. Hydrangea quercifolia all inc. ‘Alice’
4. Hydrangea serrata all inc ‘Bluebird’
5. Hydrangea macrophylla all inc.‘Twist-n-Shout’
Mophead varieties, which are mostly sterile and have therefore limited wildlife value.
Drought Tolerant Hydrangeas
H. arborescens ‘Annabelle’ Award of Garden Merit (AGM)
Hydrangea paniculata hybrids inc. H. ‘Limelight’, H. ‘Wims Red’, H. ‘Little Lime’, H. ‘Groundbreaker’ and selections
Hydrangea quercifolia hybrids inc. H. ‘Ice Crystal’, H. ‘Ruby Slippers’,
Hydrangea serrata ‘Tough Stuff’
New hanging basket Hydrangea
Propagation of Hydrangeas
Layering (naturally occurs) Some sucker!
Division especially H. macrophylla cultivars
Softwood or semi ripe cuttings July to September
Hardwood cuttings in late autumn
Keep hairy leaved species foliage dry! No plastic bags
Root all cuttings in the shade and in the cool
Do not pot too early, wait until spring
Hydrangea Diseases
Anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides)
Armillaria (honey fungus)
Bacterial Leaf Spot (Xanthomonas campestris)
Botrytis Blight (Botrytis cinerea)
Leaf Spots (Cercospora species and Phyllosticta hydrangea)
Powdery Mildew (Erysiphe polygoni)
Rust (Pucciniastrum hydrangea)
Pests of Hydrangeas
Aphids - leaf curl flower damage virus spread
Capsid bug - small, ragged hoes in leaves
Deer grazing on flower buds
Scale insects on stems
Slugs damaging buds especially in spring
Thrips - discolouration of flowers and foliage
Vine Weevils typical leaf notching
Man! Incorrect cultivation and pruning
Why won’t my Hydrangeas bloom?
H. arborescens and H. paniculata: flower on new wood, prune regularly for best results.
Hydrangea macrophylla or H. serrata: do not prune!
H. petiolaris or H. quercifolia: If you have climbing or oakleaf hydrangeas, give them at least five years to start blooming, don’t prune them
Hydrangea species best left unpruned
Hydrangeas generally – if in doubt do not prune then observe
Hydrangea Problems
Wrong species wrong position
Sun heat
Dryness at the root
Late spring frosts
Incorrect pruning
Hydrangeas In Containers Outside
Single subject
Part of long-term mixed planter
Size
Material
Position
Watering
Feeding
Hydrangeas in the home
Cultivars bred especially for indoor use, much like indoor Azaleas, may not survive out of doors
They need cool well-lit conditions with at least 4 hours good but not direct sunlight 16-23c max
Best regarded as short term indoor plants
Cultivars include he Magical series (Amethyst, Revolution, Evolution) known for long-lasting, colour-shifting blooms (green/red hues in autumn), Petite Cherry, and Nikko Blue
Hydrangeas as Pot Plants
Council Chambers
Conservatories
Older large houses
European and American markets
Long term bunch of flowers
Plant in garden afterwards
Not all varieties grown are garden hardy or worthy
Cut Flower hydrangeas
Only if conditioned, soaking all in water 2 hours
Remove all leaves
Cooled boiled water
Shortening cut stems to lose any air locks
Cannot use oasis, better in chicken wire
Wire large heads in place
Dried Hydrangea Flowers
Heads dry well and last well
Cut on a dry day late into end of flowering season
Remove all leaves
Place in cool dark airy place air currents help
Store hanging in small bunches upside down
H. macrophylla ‘Altonia’, ‘Lilacina’, ‘veichii’
H. Serrata ‘Grayswood’ and H. aspera dry well
Important Hydrangea Breeders
Messieurs Lemoine of Nancy began raising cultivars in 1903
Messrs Mouillere of Verdome 1920ish
M Hernri Cayeux of Le Harre (also Iris & Rosa)
H J Jones of Hither Green RHS show 1924
Kolster Holland (Magical Hydrangeas)
Hibreeding Holland (Hydrangea Innovation)
Hoko Breeding USA (Surfing Safari & Magical Hydrangeas
Koos Hofstede and his son Wilko, living in the little Dutch town of Huissen, situated at the river Rhine (Rijn) just south of Arnhem
Modern Day Hydrangea Nurseries
Ashwood Nurseries Kingswinford (growers)
Burncoose Nurseries Gwennap Redruth
Cooks Garden Centre Stourport (importer)
Crug Farm (own collections BSWJ)
Glendoick, Glencare, Perthshire
Grassland Nurseries (Cheshire)
Hydrangea Heaven (Loder Plants) Sussex
Signature Hydrangeas Kent (Golden Hill Plants) Kent (breeders & growers)
Hydrangea Suppliers
Many online mail-order suppliers
Dutch suppliers to Garden Centres
Hortiex Holland importers for growers
Hydrangea breeders Association
Hydrangeas and Well Dressing
First records from 960 AD
Tissington in Derbyshire is still the centre
Weekend celebrations from Mid-May until late August in surrounding villages
Only allowed natural vegetation used
Pictures made on wooden framework using hydrangea flowers only pressed into clay
You have been Warned!
Records of tea made from Hydrangea leaves but not to be recommended
In USA H. paniculata ‘Grandiflora’ has been used to create a high!
Roots used by Indians to treat strokes, kidney stones and malaria
Can get contact dermatitis H. macrophylla
Some hydrangeas contain cyanogenic glycotain cyanide poisoning could occur from eating parts of hydrangeas!
Hydrangea Gardens Around the World
Hakone Gora Park, Kenagawa, Japan
Heritage Museums and Gardens, Sandwich, Massachusetts USA
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay, Maine, USA
Jeju Hydrangea Festival, Hueree Natural Park, Jeju Island, South Korea
Cloudehill Nursery and Gardens, Olinda, Victoria Australia
Taranaki region especially around Plymouth, famous for festivals and trails, New Zealand
Hydrangeas in Japan
Hydrangeas are originally native to Japan
Gaku Hydrangea is the ancestral form of the common hydrangea, and through selective breeding of this species, the so-called Western hydrangea, or Hydrangea, was developed.
It is characterized by small flowers clustered at the center, surrounded by larger petals which resemble a picture frame, hence the name "Gaku Hydrangea."
Hydrangea Gardens to Visit in UK
Abbotsbury Subtropical Garden, Dorset
Holehird Gardens Lakeland Horticultural Society Windermere, Cumbria
Hydrangea Derby Darley Park, Derby
Trebah Gardens Falmouth Cornwall
Sources of Hydrangea Information (www)
American Hydrangea Society
Cape Cod Hydrangea Society
Hydrangeas in the UK Facebook (Private Group)
International Dendrology Society Trees and Shrubs Online
Sources of Hydrangea Information (social Media)
Many inc Trebah (Facebook)
Hydrangeas in the UK (Facebook)
The American Hydrangea Society (Facebook)
Further Reading
Complete Hydrangeas Gly Church (2007)
Encyclopaedia of Hydrangeas Gelderen, Gelderen, (2004)
Hydrangeas Naomi Slade (2020)
Hydrangeas: A Gardener’s Guide Toni Lawson-Hall and Brian Rothera (2005)
Hydrangeas Heritage Grace Charlotte Harper (2024)
Hydrangeas Species & Cultivars Corinne Mallet (1992)
Success with Hydrangeas Lorraine Ballato (2017)
The Hydrangea A reappraisal Maurice Foster (2023)
I suggest a web search on the title, many books are also available second hand often representing a huge saving.
© Howard Drury 2026
