Hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs or small trees known for their dramatic floral displays and lush foliage. Their size and form vary by species and cultivar, typically growing between 3 to 15 feet tall and 3 to 12 feet wide. They have a rounded to mounded habit, often forming dense, bushy clumps.

• Leaves:

  • Broad, ovate to heart-shaped, and arranged oppositely on the stem

  • Texture: Smooth or slightly coarse with serrated edges

  • Color: Deep green in spring and summer; some species like H. quercifolia (Oakleaf hydrangea) develop brilliant fall colors—reds, oranges, and purples

• Stems and Bark:

  • Young stems are green and flexible; older stems become woody

  • H. quercifolia has exfoliating bark with cinnamon or tan tones, adding winter interest

• Flowers:

  • Clustered in large, showy inflorescences (6–12 inches wide)

  • Flower heads can be:

    • Mophead (globular) – large rounded clusters (H. macrophylla)

    • Lacecap – flat-topped with a center of fertile flowers and a ring of showy sterile flowers

    • Panicle – cone-shaped clusters (H. paniculata)

  • Flower size and color vary with cultivar and soil pH (blue in acidic soil, pink in alkaline)

• Root System:

  • Fibrous and shallow-rooted, which makes them sensitive to drying out but easy to transplant

Hydrangeas are prized for their architectural form, textural foliage, and bold flowers that persist on the plant and can also be used fresh or dried in arrangements.