Hydrangeas are a quintessential part of summertime. Their big, showy blooms bring vibrant color to gardens and landscapes across the country. And while most people are familiar with the classic mophead and lacecap hydrangea shrubs, did you know you can also get hydrangea trees? Hydrangea trees give you gorgeous blooms at eye level, without having to bend down to enjoy them. One of the most stunning is the pink and white hydrangea tree. Keep reading to learn all about this beautiful two-tone tree.
What is a Pink and White Hydrangea Tree?
A pink and white hydrangea tree is a flowering tree that produces large, two-toned blossoms As the name suggests, the flowers open up white before gradually turning pink as they mature This results in big bundles of flowers in both shades all over the tree.
The pink and white hydrangea tree belongs to the Bigleaf hydrangea species. It’s a deciduous tree meaning it drops its leaves in autumn. The flowers bloom in late spring to early summer on both old and new wood. They last for months well into fall in some areas.
Some popular cultivars of the pink and white hydrangea tree include:
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Pinky Winky® – Extra large two-tone blooms up to 12 inches across. It has the strongest pink tones.
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Double Delights WeddingTM – Lacy flowers with double petals. Colors are slightly more muted.
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Strawberry Sundae® – Medium blooms with vivid pink and white contrast.
Why Grow a Pink and White Hydrangea Tree?
Here are some of the reasons to consider adding a pink and white hydrangea tree to your landscape:
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Beautiful flowers – The two-tone blooms are absolutely stunning. They add loads of visual interest with their giant snowball-shaped flower heads.
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Long bloom time – Flowers emerge in spring and last into the fall, up to 4 months in ideal conditions!
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Eye-catching colors – The mix of blush pink and crisp white is so elegant and summery. It pairs beautifully with other plants.
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Unique form – Having hydrangeas on a tree is unexpected. It makes quite a statement and gives the flowers a whole new look.
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Fragrance – Some varieties like Strawberry Sundae are deliciously fragrant. The scent enhances the landscape.
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Lower maintenance – These trees don’t require pruning like shrub hydrangeas. Deadheading spent blooms keeps it looking its best.
How to Grow a Pink and White Hydrangea Tree
Fortunately, pink and white hydrangea trees aren’t too demanding. Follow these tips for success:
Sunlight – Give them at least 4 hours of full sun daily, ideally in the morning. Afternoon shade is appreciated.
Soil – Plant in rich, well-drained soil. Amend clay or sandy soils before planting.
Water – Water 1-2 times per week on average. Don’t let soil dry out. Mulch helps retain moisture.
Fertilizer – Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring. Repeat every 6-8 weeks during growing season.
Pruning – Just trim out dead or damaged branches occasionally. Never prune heavily like a shrub hydrangea.
Protection – Add winter protection (burlap, straw, etc.) in cold climates. Cover or move potted trees before freezes.
Zones – Most are hardy to USDA zones 3-8. Those in zone 3 may need extra winter protection.
Where to Plant a Pink and White Hydrangea Tree
Pink and white hydrangea trees make beautiful focal points. Plant them in places where their flowers can really shine:
- Front or side yards
- Near outdoor living spaces
- Next to patios, decks, or porches
- Flanking an entryway
- In island beds or borders
- In containers on a patio or deck
They’re also ideal for small yards since they don’t take up much space. Plant them against walls or fences to maximize vertical space. The blooms can be enjoyed up close.
Companion Plants for Pink and White Hydrangea Trees
Pair pink and white hydrangea trees with plants that complement their colors:
- Purple flowers – Clematis, lavender, iris, salvia
- Red and orange flowers – Lilies, canna lily, montbretia
- White flowers – Gardenias, astilbe, spirea, daisies
- Blue flowers – Salvia, veronica, delphiniums
- Silver or gray foliage – Artemisia, dusty miller
Avoid pairing them with yellows and pinks. Go for colors opposite or adjacent on the color wheel for best contrast.
Caring for Your Pink and White Hydrangea Tree
With the right care, pink and white hydrangea trees will thrive for years:
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Water thoroughly 1-2 times per week. More in hot, dry weather.
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Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring. Repeat again 6-8 weeks later.
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Mulch annually with 2-3 inches of organic matter to retain moisture. Pull back mulch from base of trunk.
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Prune only to remove dead or damaged growth. Never prune heavily.
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Check soil pH every 2-3 years. Add aluminum sulfate if pH is above 6.0 to encourage pink tones.
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Add winter protection such as burlap if you live in an area with very cold winters.
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Avoid extreme temperature swings. Move potted trees to shelter if hard freezes are expected.
Troubleshooting Issues With Pink and White Hydrangea Trees
Pink and white hydrangea trees are quite hardy when cared for properly. But here are solutions to a few potential issues:
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Few or no blooms – Can indicate too much sun or pruning at the wrong time. Also caused by extreme winters.
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Wilty leaves – Usually a sign of underwatering. Check soil moisture and water thoroughly.
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Leaf spots/discoloration – Fungal disease. Improve air circulation and remove affected foliage.
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Flowers turn green – Caused by high pH. Lower pH with aluminum sulfate to restore pink tones.
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Failure to flower pink – Add garden lime to raise pH if needed for pink blooms. Test soil first.
Where to Buy a Pink and White Hydrangea Tree
You can find pink and white hydrangea trees at local nurseries and garden centers, usually in spring and summer. For the best selection, many gardeners shop for trees online. Reputable online nurseries ship healthy container-grown trees nationwide.
Look for vendors that have strong reviews and solid guarantees. This ensures you’ll get a healthy, vigorous tree that arrives in peak condition for planting. Popular online sellers include Fast Growing Trees, Nature Hills Nursery, Brighter Blooms, and Spring Hill Nursery.
Enjoy Endless Summer Color in Your Yard
With their massive two-toned blooms and long flowering season, it’s easy to see why pink and white hydrangea trees are so popular. They’re perfect for creating summer appeal from spring through fall. Plus they’re easier to care for than traditional hydrangea shrubs. Give your landscape gorgeous height and color by planting one of these eye-catching hydrangea trees this year.
Pink Hydrangea Growth and Care
When it comes to planting and growing hydrangeas trees, the process is quite simple. Most pink hydrangeas will have similar planting instructions, but it’s important to check the needs of the variety you choose because they can be a little different.
Planting: Pink hydrangeas, like all hydrangeas, do best in full to partial sun, with at least four hours of sunlight a day. Your ideal planting spot will receive full morning sun and dappled afternoon shade.
Hydrangeas need a lot of water, especially when they are first planted. Their shallow roots make them dry out faster than other flowering shrubs. A 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch around the plants after they are planted will help keep the soil moist and weeds out. Once established, hydrangeas should be watered one to two times weekly. If youre unsure when to water, check the surrounding soil about 2 inches down.
Fertilizing: The right way to fertilize a hydrangea depends on the type you choose, but for most, fertilizing it once a year is part of good care.
Keeping Hydrangea Pink: Some types of pink hydrangea are bred to have flowers that stay pink, but others, like the Bigleaf, can change colors depending on the soil. Choose a variety that can bloom blue or pink. To get pink flowers, add garden lime to the soil to raise the pH. To get blue flowers, add sulfur to lower the pH.
Pruning Pink Hydrangea: Most hydrangea varieties dont require regular pruning unless you desire a specific shape. Some types may do better with occasional pruning, but this should only be done in late winter or early spring, when there is no longer a risk of frost. Make sure to reference your chosen plant’s specific directions.
Can I make my hydrangeas even pinker?
Yes, hydrangea color can be customized in certain varieties like the Bigleaf and Classic Endless Summer. Check the pH level of your soil. For bright pink petals, the pH level of your soil must be above 7. If your pH is testing below that level, add garden lime to the soil.
Why Limelight Standard Hydrangea Trees are a Bad Idea
FAQ
How big do pink hydrangea trees get?
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Soil Type
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Acidic, Adaptable
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Drought Tolerance
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Good
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Mature Height
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6-10 Feet
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Mature Width
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5-6 Feet
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Growth Rate
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slow
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What zone is a strawberry vanilla hydrangea tree in?
What is the name of the pink and white hydrangea?
How to care for a pink diamond hydrangea tree?
How big do Pinky Winky hydrangeas get?
The flower spikes of ‘Pinky Winky can reach up to 16 inches long and make a long-lasting cut or dried flower. Hydrangeas grafted into tree forms rarely grow taller than 8 feet, allowing them to be used in smaller gardens or directly under utility lines.
Do hydrangea trees have pink and white blooms?
Phenomenal Pink and White Bicolor Blooms on a Hardy Hydrangea Tree! Huge Blooms up to 16 inches! Have the most unique and stunning tree in the neighborhood! The new Pinky Winky® Hydrangea tree is exactly what you have been looking for! Similar to the Vanilla Strawberry® hydrangea the Pinky Winky® has huge pink and white cone blooms.
What color is a hydrangea tree?
Large bloom clusters emerge pure white in summer and deepen to rosy pink while the top remains white. This two-toned look gives this showy tree an element of excitement and flare that is beautiful AND bold. With these phenomenal colors and tree form shape this hydrangea tree will elevate your landscape beyond your expectations.
Are Pinky Winky hydrangea trees good for fall?
The fabulous flowers of the Pinky Winky® Hydrangea tree last well into fall and are perfect for fresh cut and dried flower arrangements. The Pinky Winky® Hydrangea tree is sure to brighten up your home and garden! Anchoring the corners of your home with this unique shrub on standard will add color and beauty like no other!
How does Pinky Winky Hydrangea work?
Here’s how it works. The Pinky Winky hydrangea is a large paniculata cultivar that produces massive panicle flower heads atop long, robust stems. Over time, its pristine white flowers fade to attractive shades of pastel and deep pink. A popular choice among home gardeners, Pinky Winky is at home in both formal and informal growing spaces.
Which Hydrangea tree is best?
The Pinky Winky hydrangea tree is another very popular cultivar of tree-form hydrangea. These trees are a similar size to Limelight, also reaching 6-8 feet tall at maturity. As the name suggests, the flowers open as a white color with a blush hint, and then age to a brighter pink tone. 3. Vanilla Strawberry hydrangea tree