Hydrangeas

comparing six types

hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are among the most popular flowering shrubs in Northeast Ohio landscapes. All hydrangeas produce showy summer blooms, but different types vary in flower shape, bloom color, sun tolerance, winter hardiness, and pruning requirements. Understanding the differences between Bigleaf (Macrophylla), Panicle (Paniculata), Mountain (Serrata), Smooth (Arborescens), Oakleaf (Quercifolia), and Climbing (Petiolaris) Hydrangeas can help you choose the best type for your landscape.

At Petitti’s, you’ll find Northeast Ohio’s largest collection of cold-hardy Hydrangeas with dozens and dozens of options ranging in color, size, and type. Explore the six main types of hydrangeas we grow below to find the best fit for your garden.

bloom color from blue to pink

bigleaf, mophead, or macrophylla

Macrophylla Hydrangeas are best for gardeners who want vibrant pink, blue, or purple blooms and don’t mind providing a little extra winter protection.

Sunlight Needs: Part Shade
Bloom Shape: Mophead or Lacecap
Bloom Color: Blue, Pink, Purple, White
Maintenance: Moderate

Shop our varieties online including popular varieties like Endless Summer® ‘The Original’, Summer Crush®, Bloomstruck®, Let’s Dance® Blue Jangles, and so many more!

Sun-loving & Easy-care

PANICLE, OR PANICULATA

Panicle Hydrangeas are best for gardeners looking for reliable blooms, easy maintenance, and excellent sun and cold tolerance in tree or shrub form.

Sunlight Needs: Full Sun to Part Sun
Bloom Shape: Panicle (Cone-Shaped)
Bloom Color: White, Cream, Lime Green, Pink (as they mature)
Maintenance: Low

Shop our varieties online  including popular varieties like Quick Fire®, Little Lime®, Vanilla Strawberry™, Fire Light®, and more!

cold hardy color

Mountain or Serrata

Mountain Hydrangeas are best for gardeners looking for a compact hydrangea with improved cold hardiness and long-lasting blooms.

Sunlight Needs: Part Shade
Bloom Shape: Lacecap or Mophead
Bloom Color: Blue, Pink, Purple, White
Maintenance: Moderate

Shop our varieties online including popular varieties like Tuff Stuff®, Tiny Tuff Stuff®, and the new mountain/macrophylla hybrid, Let’s Dance Can Do!®.

adaptable & low maintenance

smooth, or arborescens

Smooth Hydrangeas are best for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance native shrub with large, reliable blooms.

Sunlight Needs: Full Sun to Part Shade
Bloom Shape: Rounded (Snowball-Shaped)
Bloom Color: White, Cream, Lime Green, Pink
Maintenance: Low

Shop our varieties online including popular varieties like ‘Annabelle’, Invincebelle Limetta®, Incrediball®, Mini Mauvette®, and more!

fantastic fall color

OAKLEAF, OR QUERCIFOLIA

Oakleaf Hydrangeas are best for gardeners looking for a shde-tolerant shrub with showy summer blooms and fantastic fall color.

Sunlight Needs: Part Shade to Shade
Bloom Shape: Panicle (Cone-shaped)
Bloom Color: White, Cream, Pink (as they mature)
Maintenance: Moderate

Shop our varieties online including popular varieties like ‘Queen of Hearts’, ‘Munchkin’, ‘Ruby Slippers’, and more!

shade-loving vine

climbing, or petiolaris

Climbing Hydrangeas are best for gardeners looking to cover walls, fences, arbors, and other structures with lush foliage and beautiful white blooms.

Sunlight Needs: Part Sun to Shade
Bloom Shape: Lacecap
Bloom Color: White
Maintenance: Low

Shop our varieties online, including Flirty Girl™, ‘Roseum’, and more!

Still Have Questions?

Hydrangea FAQs

Q: How do I change blue or pink blooms on my hydrangeas?
A: Soil pH plays a major role in changing bloom color on macrophylla hydrangeas. Read our guide to changing hydrangea color to learn how soil and fertilizer affect bloom color.

Q: Which Hydrangeas need winter protection?
A: Macrophylla and oakleaf hydrangeas need winter protection in Northeast Ohio. Read our winterizing hydrangeas guide for tips on protecting hydrangeas during winter.

Q: Can I plant the blooming Florist Hydrangea I received for Easter?
A: Unfortunately, these types of Hydrangeas are not particularly winter or cold hardy; they are meant to be enjoyed as a houseplant.

hydrangea types

+ Care Tips

Still not sure which hydrangea works best for your garden? Noelle walks one of our stores and talks about each of the 5 main types of hydrangeas we sell here at Petitti’s. She also gives care tips for each type, plus she shares some of our most popular varieties!

successfully growing hydrangeas

in Northeast Ohio

Whether you’re planting your first hydrangea or looking to caring for an established shrub, our Hydrangea Gardening Resources Hub is filled with helpful articles, growing guides, pruning tips, fertilizing recommendations, and more.

Hydrangea Gardening Resources

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