Hydrangeas are diverse class of shade-loving shrubs known for the abundance of large, brightly colored flower clusters produced during summer and into fall.

Fifty or so varieties are commercially available. Most popular are the French hydrangeas which produce an abundance of round blooms in shades of blue, red, pink or white and grow to 4 feet in height and about the same in width.

Other favorites are the 'Oakleaf' hydrangeas that have oak-shaped leaves and large, elongated cone-shape flower clusters produced on plants growing from 6-7 feet in height and an equal spread. A personal favorite of ours is 'Limelight', which produces an abundance of large chartreuse, cone-shape flowers on plants that grow to 8 feet in height and 5-6 feet in spread.

There is another class of hydrangeas known as the 'lacecaps'. These varieties produce an abundance of flower clusters that are flat. 'Bluebird' and 'Mariesii' are a couple fo our favorite lacecaps.

Hydrangeas are long-lived and low maintenance. The faded flowers are excellent for use in dried flower arrangements.

We plant hydrangeas as accents to light up shady areas of the landscape.

Special Note: If you have a blue hydrangea that you wnnt to turn to pink simple apply lime. If you have a pink hydrangea that you woulf like to turn to blue apply alluminum sulphate.