Hydrangea
at Digging Dog
Including Hydrangea serrata, Hydrangea quercifolia, Hydrangea paniculata, & Hydrangea macrophylla
Hydrangea (trees and vines)
Climbing Hydrangea
View a slideshow of plant images from this genus
Climbing Hydrangea
Don’t be put off by the name; this climbing Hydrangea features broad white flower heads, reddish bark, and the glossiest leaves. It produces self-clinging, aerial roots that easily attach to just about anything: pergola, wall, fence or tree, and may need 10 years to reach its full height, but patience pays off with this spectacular deciduous specimen. Meanwhile, enjoy it on a north wall with an understory of Corydalis ‘Blue Panda’ and Geranium ‘Ann Folkard’. Large Band.
Blooms June–July. Size: 60'–80' high & spreading; hardy to zone 5. Hydrangea anomala ssp petiolaris (T-0015)
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This sterling cultivar's lustrous, toothed greenery is dappled with choice cream-colored lacy blooms. A luminous standout amid eastward shadows, ‘Skylands Giant’ was selected at the New Jersey Botanical Garden in Skylands for its exceptionally large showy lacecaps, which feature soft-looking centers of tiny fertile flowers ringed by loosely arranged, larger white sterile florets. Large Band
Blooms June – July. Size: 30' high & spreading; hardy to zone 4. Hydrangea anomala ssp. petiolaris ‘Skylands Giant’ (T-0250)
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Climbing Evergreen HydrangeaHailing from the Philippines and Taiwan, this climbing evergreen Hydrangea is seldom seen in cultivation. Rambling, red-hued, hairy stems sport pairs of lustrous elongated leaves, which are so exquisite, it’s easy to wait for the vine to establish itself and produce its intriguing rounded buds and pretty lacy white flowers. A stellar choice for a mild maritime climate or a sheltered wall.
Large Band.
Blooms August. Size: 25'–30' high & spreading; hardy to zone 7. Hydrangea integrifolia (T-0138)
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Hydrangea (shrubs)
The name Hydrangea, means “water vessel,” given for its cup-shaped seed vessels.
A genus of diverse forms, Hydrangeas are commonly found throughout Asia, from the Himalayas to Taiwan and Japan, with the exception of two species, Hydrangea arborescens and Hydrangea quercifolia, which are native to North America.
Easily grown, this shrub’s lush deciduous leaves are best suited to loose, moist soil in the shade of tall trees or on the north side of the house. If, like us, you’ve tired of the commoner sort, these delicacies will be a welcome surprise. View a slideshow of plant images from this genus
In cultivation for more than 60 years, this robust sumptuously colored German cultivar is still considered one of the finest mopheads. Pale green stems and bold, waxy and somewhat wrinkled medium green foliage sculpt its dense, small-statured globular form. A vivacious deep rosy red bedazzles each alluring rounded flower, defined by attractively spaced individual florets with pointed tips and upturned edges. Surprisingly sun tolerant, the red-tinged foliar margins echo the bloom hues, while autumn brings a suffusion of dark maroon to the entire leaf.
‘Glowing Embers’ is second-to-none for the smaller garden and promises to parade its marvelous hues for several months if a soil pH of 6.5 is maintained.
Blooms July – August. Size: 3'–4' high x 3'–4' wide; hardy to zone 6. AVAILABLE MID-SUMMER 2013 Hydrangea ‘Alpengluhen’ (S-0746)
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‘Annabelle’ is “unabashedly the queen of the Hydrangea arborescens cultivars”, wrote esteemed horticulturist, Michael Dirr, and we wholeheartedly concur! Named and introduced by the late great plantsman, J. C. McDaniel, this superior native Hydrangea was first found along a wooded trail over 100 years ago in the small town of Anna, Illinois. The lovely spectacle of immense, foot wide pure white snowballs with closely clustered sepals, concealing fertile flowers and thick celery-colored stalks with broad mint green serrated leaves, is a cool antidote to the stickiest summer day.
Steeped in old-fashioned feminine appeal, ‘Annabelle’ luxuriates as a dense dramatic specimen next to Deutzia ‘Nikko’ and Phlomis ‘Amazone’.
Blooms August–October. Size: 3'–6' high x 4'–6' wide; hardy to zone 4.
Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ (S-0048)
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Large pink clouds of buds and pinkish bronze, downy new growth bring a soft look to this noble, rarely cultivated Hydrangea. Mounted on stout fuzzy stems, wide, hairy serrated foliage, with red-hued petioles, provides a graceful deep green foil for the enormous mauve lacecaps ringed by white bracts. Adequate water and bright shade will ensure ‘Rocklon’s prosperity, while Corydalis and Stylophorum diphyllum offer contrasting texture beneath.
Blooms August to mid-November. Size: 10' high x 8' wide; hardy to zone 7.
Hydrangea aspera ‘Rocklon’ (S-0421)
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This choice lacecap Hydrangea deserves center stage, where its lovely broad flowers, in shades of lilac to bright blue, can create a colorful splash. Brushed with streaks of claret as they mature, the blossoms are still alluring in November, and if picked at the right time will dry to an exquisite silvery blue.
Handsome and robust, the glossy foliage often displays burgundy-hued margins as it cloaks green branches speckled in red. ‘Blue Wave’ is irresistible next to Philadelphus ‘Manteau d’Hermine, while golden-leafed Carex skirts below.
Blooms mid-August – November. Size: 5'–6' high x 4' wide; hardy to zone 6. Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Blue Wave’ (S-0302)
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Bred nearly 70 years ago, this vivid, bright cobalt blue mophead is coveted by both florists and landscapers. Overlapping, white-eyed cupped florets mature to pure blue, taking on a flatter appearance, while the large gorgeous blooms later exhibit rich plum hues dappled with smoky blue tinges.
Second-to-none for cutting and drying, the lavish flowers can last through October, festooning a medium-sized, coarse textured shrub whose dark green, maroon edged leaves transmute coppery wine autumnal shades. Euphorbia longifolia’s chartreuse floral bracts create a flashy union.
Blooms July – October. Size: 3'–4' high x 5' wide; hardy to zone 5. Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Enziandom’ (S-0718)
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Boasting a plethora of late blooming, bold, bright crimson mopheads, this delectable small-sized Hydrangea originated in Wadenswil, Switzerland. The nonoverlapping sepals crowd onto a compact 4 to 5 in. domed cluster, enhanced by fuzzy looking, prominent fertile flowers.
Well-suited for the front of the border, a patio or a container, ‘Hörnli’s handsome, red-rimmed and toothed, matte green leaves cloak a neat vigorous shrub that easily nestles into a tighter spot, never needs pruning and promises to gratify.
Blooms August – October. Size: 20"–2' high x 2' wide; hardy to zone 6. Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Hörnli’ (S-0720)
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The unusual foliage of this smaller statured Hydrangea will surely bring a “wave” of interest to a shady garden spot. Each leaf is uniquely marked: some are porcelain to cream with lemon yellow margins. Others are green, ranging from emerald through mint to chartreuse. The lacecap
flowers can vary in color as well, all the way from white to mauve to blue.
Blooms June–August. Size: 4'–5' high x 4' wide; hardy to zone 6. Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Lemon Wave’ (S-0448)
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Gracing gardens for an entire century, this vintage French glamor queen parades quantities of large, pure white flower clusters. The rounded mopheads include tightly packed serrated florets, which eventually open wide and push up against one another to produce a frilly feminine silhouette.
Blooming on both old and new wood, and appreciating protection from hot sun, the stylish blossoms bounce back after a rain, unfurl until late in the season, and make unparalleled cut flowers, fresh or dried, while showcasing soft pink and lime-green brush strokes as they age.
The tall robust frame, supported by unspotted stems and smooth, notched glossy green foliage, can be situated along a sheltered shady garden wall or the north side of a house.
Blooms June – August. Size: 6' high x 6' wide; hardy to zone 5. Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Madame Emile Mouillère’ (S-0719)
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This compact lacecap Hydrangea deserves center stage, where its broad, light blue flowers and dense green foliage can create a colorful splash. Handsome and verdant, the glossy leaves, which are narrower than those of the species, display a tasty reddish plum hue in late summer and fall. A drift
of ‘Blue Billow’ is irresistible next to Philadelphus ‘Innocence’,
while golden-leafed Hakonechloa skirts below.
Blooms June–August. Size: 4'–5' high x 4' wide; hardy to zone 6. AVAILABLE FALL 2013 Hydrangea macrophylla var. serrata ‘Blue Billow’ (S-0200)
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A starry cascade of layered sterile florets on long slender pedicels and small round fertile flowers hallmarks the white softly domed heads, each shaped like a unique hybrid between a lacecap and a mop head. Delivering fluid illuminated accents similar to exploding fireworks, and a repeat autumn bloom, the 12 in. wide gossamer-styled flowers are set against large lustrous dark green deciduous leaves with serrated margins and a waxy finish.
Well-known in its Japanese homeland, though rarely offered here, this phenomenal Hydrangea makes an enduring artful choice for the shrubby border, a dynamic sweep or a big terra-cotta pot.
Blooms July–October. Size: 3'–5' high x 3'–5' wide; hardy to zone 5. Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Shooting Star’ (S-0760)
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An awe-inspiring beauty whose blooms first open in creamy white elegance, transition to lime-green until fall, and finally turn deep pink, this vigorous Dutch cultivar deserves to be in the limelight. Strong, upright stems cloaked with handsome greenery shoulder the elegant, cone-shaped trusses, which impart a crisp, refreshing sophistication to the shrubby border or a bouquet. (PP#12,874)
Blooms late July–September. Size: 6'–8' high x 6'–8' wide; hardy to zone 4. Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’ (s-0612)
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Left to its own designs, this vigorous Hydrangea has a natural upright and arching form, but it also responds well to pruning, making ‘Unique’ an effective choice where space is scarce.
The immense flower heads are spectacular and abundant, and true to name are unique in shape, being quite broad at the base and bluntly rounded at the tip. They begin the season a creamy white and gradually darken to a buff pink.
Blooms early July–October. Size: 10' high x 8' wide; hardy to zone 5.
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Unique’ (S-0348)
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We have Mike Dirr to thank for this vigorous selection. Tall and fast growing, ‘Alice’ displays large, very delicate, lacy looking white flower heads, and the show continues when the broad green oak-shaped leaves turn deep carmine in autumn. For contrast, try planting an understory of Persicaria ‘Red Dragon’.
Blooms July–September. Size: 10'–12' high x 8'–10' wide; hardy to zone 5. Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Alice’ (S-0323)
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Yet another first-class shrub introduced by esteemed horticulturist, Michael Dirr, this steadfast smaller-sized cultivar commands our attention. The 6 in. long, upright flowers house creamy white sepals, which darken to a luscious wine-red hue as they mature and make exceptional fresh or dried cut flowers, maintaining their rich hues. Ideal as a stand-alone or massed, easy-to-grow ‘Amethyst’ sports handsome, large coriaceous leaves with a spectacular fall showing of burgundy shades.
Blooms July – September. Size: 5'–6' high x 5'–6' wide; hardy to zone 5. Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Amethyst’ (S-0737)
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Easily slipped into a diminutive spot, this compelling smaller-statured beauty sprung from a 1998 U.S. National Arboretum cross between ‘Snow Queen’ and ‘Pee Wee’. Exceptional 9 in. upright flowers, which open white but quickly transmute pale pink and eventually deeper rose hues, dress up a more petite, compact rounded carriage. Broad, lobed deciduous leaves are dark green in summer and mahogany tinted come autumn. A peerless companion for fine textured plants such as Spiraea ‘Ogon’ or Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis, ‘Ruby Slippers’s lovely low profile can be ushered to the foreground, planted en masse or utilized as a hedge.
Blooms July–September. Size: 3-1/2' high x 5' wide; hardy to zone 5. Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Ruby Slippers’ (S-0766)
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Sikes Dwarf HydrangeaWe have Sarah Sikes to thank for this new low growing Oak Leaf Hydrangea. Hailing from Alabama, it’s half the size of most quercifolias, rendering it a mainstay in the smaller garden. Lobed and closely spaced, the handsome broad foliage shows off abundant ivory-colored conical blooms. Surround with leaves of like shapes such as Anemone and Kirengeshoma to complement
‘Sikes Dwarf’s unparalleled foliar texture.
Blooms July–August. Size: 3' high x 4' wide; hardy to zone 5. Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Sikes Dwarf’ (S-0566)
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Though its name might make you think otherwise, this shrub is a showcase of earth tones. Its 8 in. long panicles of white flowers, which later take on a pinkish hue, stand out like snow against the beautiful cinnamon-brown, exfoliating bark and the large dark green Oak-like leaves that turn reddish purple in autumn.
Hardy and undemanding, ’Snow Queen’ offers a fantastic fall display full of similar colors and contrasting forms when matched with Panicum ‘Warrior’.
Blooms July–August. Size: 4'–6' high x 6' wide; hardy to zone 5. Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snow Queen’ (S-0201)
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It was a fortuitous moment when Hydrangea enthusiast Eddie Aldridge and his father happened upon this sumptuous Hydrangea in the woodlands of Jefferson County, Alabama. Premiering enormous 15 in. long white panicles that can extend upward, outward or pendulously, the coarse textured, leathery anchor of large, oaklike foliage burnishes deep burgundy come fall and holds its handsome leaves well into December. The unique, two-toned double flowered effect is created when numerous tiered sepals first emerge white, while older ones below develop dark dusty pink shades with age.
Considered by Michael Dirr to be the most beautiful of the sterile flowering cultivars, ‘Snowflake’s blooms open a little later, seem to last longer than the single quercifolias, and should be showcased in a favored location.
Blooms late July–September. Size: 6'–8' high x 6'–8' wide; hardy to zone 5.
Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snowflake’ (s-0124)
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Japanese Mountain Hydrangea
Beni translates “red” in Japanese, and red, specifically a darkly imbued red lacecap is what this small rounded shrub delivers. Originally collected from a wild clone, its graceful form cushions dainty flowers that first emerge blushed white and gradually deepen to rubescent shades, the rich, stop-in-your-tracks color persisting on the sepals well into autumn. With cool green leaves and ardent inflorescences, ‘Beni’ is a dynamic choice for a tight space.
Blooms mid-July–September. Size: 4' high x 4' wide; hardy to zone 6. Hydrangea serrata ‘Beni’ (S-0643)
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Japanese Mountain Hydrangea
A sterling, highly sought after progeny of renown horticulturist and Hydrangea expert Michael Haworth-Booth’s breeding efforts, this low growing Hydrangea lulls us with cool, light blue lacecaps. The central fertile flowers are encompassed and sometimes hidden by prominent serrated sepals that later transmute sea-green and lilac-purple in sumptuous, glimmering shades. Compact and closely set, red-dashed green stems shape its attractive dwarf frame, while launching a fiery autumnal pageant of purple-rimmed, cardinal-colored leaves soon after the prolific blooms begin to fade.
Blooms July–September. Size: 4' high x 4' wide; hardy to zone 6. Hydrangea serrata ‘Blue Deckle’ (S-0632)
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Japanese Mountain Hydrangea
With unmatched delicacy, these exquisite inflorescences are defined by loosely spaced sepals wreathing around several separate, distinctive clusters of light blue, centrally arranged fertile flowers. The lacy, long lasting drama unfolds in varying shades from soft blue and mauve to nearly white to pale pink, sometimes donning streaks and swathes of different colors, depending upon the pH. Yellow-tinged green foliage attires this small-sized Hydrangea, and come autumn tints of claret warm the margins, veins and eventually the entire leaf.
A seedling selected by M. Haworth-Booth, ‘Miranda’s diminutive profile can be spotlighted in a patio vessel or anywhere its elegance is easily appreciated.
Blooms July–September. Size: 3-1/2'–4' high x 3-1/2'–4' wide; hardy to zone 6. Hydrangea serrata ‘Miranda’ (S-0631)
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Garden Conservancy Open Day
10:00am to 4:00pm, June 8th at Digging Dog
Unique opportunity to view 3-1/2 acre Private Garden. Nursery open for plant sales
Saturday Stroll & Plant Chat
2:00 to 4:30pm, June 22nd
Join us for a fun, informative guided tour of our colorful display borders. Sip lemonade & take home great gardening ideas.
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