An Overview of the Top Hydrangea Tree Varieties

Hydrangeas are cherished for their lush full blooms and relaxed growing habit. By grafting hydrangeas onto standard trunks, these beloved shrubs transform into small flowering trees that make stunning accents in gardens. Different hydrangea species and cultivars can be trained into tree form, yielding a range of flower shapes, colors, and growth habits. Here is an overview of some of the most popular types of hydrangea trees available

Panicle Hydrangea Trees

Panicle hydrangeas produce large, cone-shaped flower clusters on strong upright stems. They make excellent candidates for tree form hydrangeas. Popular panicle varieties include

• Limelight – Chartreuse flowers turn pinkish-red in fall. Grows 6-8 feet tall.

• Vanilla Strawberry – Blooms emerge white then turn pink and red. Compact at 4-5 feet tall.

• Quick Fire – Early summer white flowers become deep pink. Grows 6-8 feet tall.

• Fire Light – Fiery red blooms in summer through fall. About 6 feet tall.

• Strawberry Sundae – Blooms change from white to pink to red. Grows 5-6 feet tall.

Oakleaf Hydrangea Trees

Oakleaf hydrangea is prized for its bold foliage and impressive flower clusters. It lends great form and texture to gardens. Popular oakleaf varieties for tree form include:

• Alice – Huge white blooms in summer. Foliage turns red in fall. Grows 6-8 feet tall.

• Snow Queen – Abundant, dense white flower clusters. Red fall color. Grows 6 feet tall.

• Little Honey – Dwarf variety with golden autumn foliage. White summer flowers. Grows 3-5 feet tall.

Bigleaf Hydrangea Trees

The classic, old-fashioned hydrangeas with full, pillowy flower heads make delightful tree forms. Popular bigleaf varieties include:

• Endless Summer – Reblooming variety with mophead and lacecap flowers. Grows 3-4 feet tall.

• Nikko Blue – prized for its large, spherical blue blossoms. Grows 4-6 feet tall.

• Penny Mac – Stunning blue lacecap flowers with red veining appear all summer. About 4 feet tall.

Smooth Hydrangea Trees

Smooth hydrangea produces gorgeous white panicles of tiny fertile flowers surrounded by showy, sterile bracts. It’s a great choice where bigleaf hydrangeas struggle. Popular smooth hydrangea tree varieties:

• Annabelle – Immense white blooms up to 12 inches across. Grows 5-6 feet tall.

• Incrediball – An improved Annabelle with sturdy, strong stems to support enormous blossoms. Grows 4-5 feet tall.

Mountain Hydrangea Trees

Mountain hydrangeas are native to the southeastern U.S. They offer great foliar interest along with showy blooms. Popular tree form varieties include:

• Blue Ridge – A dwarf variety that grows 3-4 feet tall with pretty white lacecap flowers.

• Alice – White, lacecap-style blooms. Grows 6-8 feet tall with an upright form.

Climbing Hydrangea Trees

While not a true tree form, climbing hydrangea is sometimes grown as a free-standing shrub. It also makes a great focal point espaliered onto a support. Popular varieties like:

• Zephyr – Produces airs white, lacecap-style blossoms. Foliage turns burgundy in fall.

Growing Hydrangea Trees

• Plant in full sun to part shade. Morning sun is ideal.

• Provide consistently moist, well-draining soil. Irrigate during dry periods.

• Apply a slow-release fertilizer for flowers in early spring.

• Prune panicle varieties in late winter. Prune bigleaf varieties after flowering.

• Most are cold hardy to zone 3 or 4 with some protection.

With diverse options like these graceful flowering trees, it’s easy to find beautiful hydrangea trees to enhance gardens with lush, hydrangea-style blooms on unique tree forms. They make unforgettable focal points and specimen plants for landscapes and containers. Explore the many types of hydrangea trees available to discover new varieties to highlight your outdoor space with gorgeous flowers held high.