Four Hydrangeas to Thrive in your Georgia Garden this Summer

These southern belles thrive in Georgia’s climate. Our warm summers and mild winters provide a favorable environment for hydrangeas to grow and flourish. Hydrangeas thrive in partial shade, especially in Georgia's hot summers. Be careful as excessive sun exposure can cause leaf scorch. Expect these guys to bloom from late spring to summer.  

First Editions® Strawberry Sundae® Hydrangea, Hydrangea paniculata 'Rensun' PP 25,438

This compact deciduous shrub is a true delight, blooming on both old and new wood. The Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea’s  heavy panicles arch the branches, adorning them with a mesmerizing display. Starting off white, these blossoms gradually mature into delicate shades of pink, then deepen to a red that persists until frost. These enchanting flowers are also butterfly magnets. While the Strawberry Sundae Hydrangea can tolerate full sun, its best bloom is achieved when basking in partial sun, accompanied by rich, moist, well-drained acidic soils. 

Big Daddy Hydrangea, Hydrangea macrophylla 'Big Daddy'

 This compact deciduous shrub boasts an impressive feature – it blooms on both old and new wood. Its serrated, glossy dark green leaves transition to a stunning shade of yellow in the fall, adding warmth to the landscape. The large rounded panicles of mophead flowers are a true delight, as their colors are influenced by the soil's pH. In alkaline soils, they embrace a gentle blush of pink, while acidic soils gift us with vibrant blue blooms. Starting off as green, these flowers gradually transform to white throughout summer, inviting a flurry of pollinators to work among them. For best bloom, provide them with partial sun and rich, moist, well-drained soils.

Endless Summer® Pop Star® Hydrangea, Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bailmacsix'

This truly compact deciduous shrub is a showstopper that keeps blooming from late spring all the way through fall. Adorned with large serrated dark green leaves, it paints the landscape with a red-burgundy hue in the autumn. They are known for their delicate lacecap flowers, whose colors work with the soil's pH. Acidic soils bring blue clusters, while alkaline or neutral soils present shades of pink. We thank these blooms for attracting all kinds of butterflies to our gardens. For the best outcomes, give Pop Star Hydrangeas partial sun and nurture them with rich, moist, well-drained soils.

 

Fire Light® Hardy Hydrangea, Hydrangea paniculata 'SMHPFL' PP25,135

Last but not least, the Fire Light Hydrangea, a hardy upright deciduous shrub with sturdy dark stems and lush green foliage. As midsummer arrives, witness as the white florets burst open, inviting butterflies. Come fall, these blooms evolve into rich hue of pomegranate red, adding a vibrancy to your garden. For optimal beauty, bask in part sun, and nurture with rich, moist, well-drained acidic soils. Let this magnificent beauty ignite your garden with its captivating hues.