7.9k saves
Hydrangea
We track 107 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Hydrangea varieties
See all 107 Hydrangea varieties →Search this genus →
9 species of Hydrangea
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Hydrangea in Sow
Save the Hydrangea you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Hydrangea
Whats common across all Hydrangea varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Hydrangea year
- PruneFebruary100% of varieties
Shape lightly immediately after flowering; do not prune after August
- FertilizeMarch100% of varieties
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring
- MulchMarch and April88% of varieties
Refresh mulch layer in spring; apply 2-3 inches in fall for insulation
- Spring CleanupFebruary55% of varieties
Remove only dead or damaged wood before new growth begins
- DeadheadJune–September33% of varieties
Remove spent blooms to maintain a tidy appearance.
Do
- Water consistently to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
- Mulch to conserve moisture
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
- Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Hydrangea
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Distorted or sticky leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Increase humidity and spray with horticultural oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on leaves | Spray with strong jet of water or insecticidal soap |
| Scale insects | Yellowing leaves and sticky residue | Apply horticultural oil |
| Powdery Mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Ensure well-drained soil and reduce watering |
Making more Hydrangea
Cuttings
- Select healthy semi-hardwood stems in late summer.
- Cut 4-6 inch sections and remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone and plant in moist soil.
- Keep in indirect light for 6 weeks until rooted.
Division
- Dig up mature shrub in early spring or fall.
- Divide into sections with roots attached.
- Replant immediately at same depth.
- Water thoroughly after planting.
Hydrangea questions
How many types of Hydrangea are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 107 distinct Hydrangea varieties. The most popular — ranked by 7.9k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Hydrangea grow in?
Across its varieties, Hydrangea covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Hydrangea bloom?
Most Hydrangea varieties bloom in mid-summer, summer, late summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Hydrangea should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.