Hydrangea Plants for Sale: A Complete Buying Guide

Introduction
Hydrangeas are among the most popular and versatile flowering shrubs, offering a variety of sizes, colours, and bloom types to suit any garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, finding the right hydrangea plants for sale can transform your outdoor space. This guide covers everything you need to know about buying hydrangeas, from types and care tips to where to buy them and what to look for when purchasing.

Why Choose Hydrangeas for Your Garden?

Hydrangeas are loved for their beauty, adaptability, and ease of care. Here’s why they’re an excellent choice:

• Variety: With mophead, lacecap, panicle, and climbing varieties, there’s a hydrangea for every garden style.
• Long Blooming Period: Many varieties bloom from late spring to early autumn.
• Seasonal Interest: Some hydrangeas offer changing colours or stunning dried flowers for winter interest.
• Low Maintenance: Hydrangeas require minimal care once established.

Types of Hydrangea Plants for Sale

Understanding the different types of hydrangeas will help you choose the best one for your garden.

1. Mophead and Lacecap Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla)

• Features: Large, rounded blooms (mophead) or flat-topped flower clusters (lacecap).
• Best For: Borders, containers, and mixed garden beds.
• Bloom Colour: Pink, blue, or purple, depending on soil pH.

2. Panicle Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata)

• Features: Cone-shaped flowers that start white and age to pink or red.
• Best For: Full sun gardens, large spaces, or hedges.
• Bloom Colour: Creamy white, pink, or red.

3. Smooth Hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens)

• Features: Large, rounded white blooms.
• Best For: Shadier spots or cottage gardens.
• Popular Variety: Hydrangea Annabelle.

4. Climbing Hydrangeas (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris)

• Features: Self-clinging vines with lacecap-style blooms.
• Best For: Walls, fences, and trellises.
• Bloom Colour: White.

5. Oakleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia)

• Features: Cone-shaped flowers and distinctive oak-like leaves that turn red in autumn.
• Best For: Adding seasonal interest to gardens.
• Bloom Colour: White to pink.

Where to Buy Hydrangea Plants

1. Garden Centres and Nurseries

• Offer a wide selection of mature plants.
• Staff can provide advice on care and placement.

2. Online Retailers

• Convenient for home delivery.
• Check reviews and ratings before purchasing to ensure quality.

3. Plant Fairs and Markets

• Great for finding rare varieties.
• Often sold by knowledgeable growers.

4. Specialist Nurseries

• Ideal for unique or hard-to-find hydrangea varieties.
• Often provide detailed care instructions.

What to Look for When Buying Hydrangea Plants

1. Healthy Foliage: Look for lush, green leaves without signs of wilting, browning, or pests.
2. Well-Developed Roots: If possible, check for a strong, established root system. Avoid plants that are root-bound.
3. Bloom Condition: Choose plants with healthy buds or flowers, but avoid those with faded or damaged blooms.
4. Size and Form: Ensure the plant’s size fits your garden or container. Compact varieties are ideal for small spaces.
5. Labelling: Look for labels that specify the variety, size, and care requirements.

Factors to Consider When Buying Hydrangeas

1. Soil Type

• Hydrangeas prefer moist, well-drained soil. Adjust pH for specific bloom colours (acidic for blue, alkaline for pink).

2. Light Requirements

• Some hydrangeas thrive in full sun (e.g., panicle varieties), while others prefer partial shade (e.g., mophead and lacecap).

3. Space Availability

• Consider the mature size of the hydrangea to ensure it fits your space.

4. Climate

• Choose hardy varieties for colder regions or heat-tolerant types for sunnier areas.

5. Maintenance Level

• Opt for low-maintenance varieties like panicle hydrangeas if you have limited time for gardening.

Tips for Planting Hydrangeas

1. Choose the Right Spot: Ensure adequate sunlight and protection from strong winds.
2. Prepare the Soil: Mix in compost or organic matter to enrich the soil.
3. Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the nursery pot to avoid burying the crown.
4. Water Regularly: Keep the soil moist, especially during the first year.
5. Mulch: Add a layer of mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Seasonal Care for Hydrangeas

Spring

• Prune dead or damaged stems and fertilize for strong growth.

Summer

• Water regularly and deadhead spent blooms to maintain appearance.

Autumn

• Allow flowers to fade naturally for seasonal interest.

Winter

• Protect roots with mulch in colder regions. Avoid heavy pruning.

Common Questions About Buying Hydrangea Plants

1. When is the best time to buy hydrangea plants?

Spring or early summer is ideal, as plants establish better during the growing season.

2. Can I grow hydrangeas in pots?

Yes, compact varieties like Hydrangea ‘Little Spooky’ or mophead hydrangeas thrive in containers.

3. How much do hydrangea plants cost?

Prices vary depending on size, variety, and retailer. Expect to pay £10–£30 for small to medium plants.

4. Can I buy hydrangeas online?

Yes, many online retailers offer quality hydrangeas with delivery to your door.

5. What is the easiest hydrangea to grow?

Panicle hydrangeas are low-maintenance and thrive in a wide range of conditions.

6. Do hydrangeas attract pollinators?

Yes, hydrangeas are popular with bees and butterflies.

7. How fast do hydrangeas grow?

Most hydrangeas grow 30–60 cm per year, depending on the variety and conditions.

8. What soil pH is best for hydrangeas?

A slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5–7.0) is ideal for most hydrangeas.

9. Can I propagate hydrangeas from cuttings?

Yes, hydrangeas are easily propagated through cuttings during the growing season.

10. How do I know if my hydrangea will bloom blue or pink?

Soil pH determines bloom colour: acidic soil produces blue flowers, while alkaline soil results in pink blooms.

Conclusion

Hydrangeas are an excellent investment for any garden, offering beauty, versatility, and long-lasting blooms. By choosing the right variety, buying from a reputable source, and providing proper care, you can enjoy these stunning plants year after year. Whether you’re looking for a compact variety for a patio or a show-stopping shrub for your garden, there’s a hydrangea for every space and style.