Birds and Blooms Extra – September 01, 2019

SEPTEMBER EXTRA 2019 birdsandblooms.com 51

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: COURTESY OF PROVEN WINNERS - PROVENWINNERS.COM (3); PAULROOKES/ISTOCK

COMMON

HYDRANGEAS

Six species to look for

at the garden center:

1. Bigleaf (Hydrangea macrophylla)


2. Mountain (H. serrata)


3. Panicle (H. paniculata)


4. Climbing (H. petiolaris)


5. Oakleaf (H. quercifolia)


6. Smooth (H. arborescens)

Use climbing

hydrangeas to

cover buildings,

fences or arbors.

Among the six species, “smooth

hydrangeas are incredibly easy to

grow,” Natalie says. “They are super

cold hardy down to USDA Zone 3.” One

of her favorites is the line of Incrediball

hydrangeas. “If you are familiar with

the classic white Annabelle hydrangea,

you’ll love Incrediball hydrangea,” she

says. “It has massive white blooms held

up on sturdy stems, so they don’t flop

over as Annabelle tends to do.”

Bigleaf hydrangeas are the plants

most people gravitate to, especially

Little Quick Fire

panicle hydrangea

blooms a month

earlier than others.

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