Here’s a detailed description of the Hydrangea flower plant — a beloved garden plant known for its large, showy blooms and ability to change flower color based on soil pH.

🌸 Hydrangea Flower Plant Description
Feature Description
Common Name Hydrangea
Botanical Name Hydrangea spp. (mainly Hydrangea macrophylla, H. paniculata, H. arborescens, H. quercifolia)
Family Hydrangeaceae
Origin Native to Asia and the Americas
Plant Type Deciduous shrub (some are climbers or small trees)
Height Typically 3–10 feet (can vary by species and pruning)
Growth Habit Bushy, rounded or spreading
Leaves Large, opposite, ovate, serrated edges; deep green in color
Flowers Large globe-like or cone-shaped clusters (called corymbs or panicles)
Bloom Colors Blue, pink, white, purple, green – color may change with soil pH
Blooming Season Late spring to early fall (depending on type and region)
Sunlight Partial shade preferred; some species tolerate full sun
Water Needs High – prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil
Soil Preference Rich, loamy, well-drained; pH-sensitive (affects color in some species)
Maintenance Moderate; needs pruning, regular watering, and feeding
🎨 Color and Soil pH Relationship

For Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf Hydrangea):

Acidic soil (pH < 6): Blue or lavender flowers

Neutral to alkaline soil (pH > 7): Pink or red flowers

White hydrangeas do not change color with pH

🌿 Common Hydrangea Species
Species Common Name Key Features
Hydrangea macrophylla Bigleaf Hydrangea Color-changing; round flower heads
Hydrangea paniculata Panicle Hydrangea Cone-shaped flowers; more sun-tolerant
Hydrangea arborescens Smooth Hydrangea Native to North America; large white blooms (e.g., ‘Annabelle’)
Hydrangea quercifolia Oakleaf Hydrangea Distinctive oak-shaped leaves; good fall color
Hydrangea petiolaris Climbing Hydrangea Vine-like climber with white lace-cap flowers
🌱 Basic Care Tips

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially in hot weather.

Mulching: Helps retain moisture and keep roots cool.

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring and early summer.

Pruning: Depends on the type – some bloom on old wood, others on new.

Winter Protection: In colder climates, protect roots with mulch and avoid early pruning.

🌸 Special Features

Long-lasting Blooms: Often used in bouquets and dried flower arrangements.

Shade Tolerant: Ideal for part-shade gardens.

Landscape Use: Borders, hedges, specimen plants, woodland gardens.