Exploring Hydrangea Flowers: From Native Varieties to Unique Characteristics

Hydrangea  flowers are beloved for their stunning blooms, which come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. In this guide, we'll take a deep dive into the world of hydrangeas, exploring the different types available, with a special focus on two native varieties: the oakleaf hydrangea and the smooth hydrangea. Join us as we uncover the unique characteristics that set these hydrangeas apart and learn how to distinguish their flower shapes and colors.

Different Types of Hydrangea Flowers

Before we explore native hydrangea varieties, let's discover the wide range of hydrangea types:

Bigleaf Hydrangea: Known for their large, globe-shaped blooms, bigleaf hydrangeas offer a spectrum of colors, including blue, pink, and purple.

Panicle Hydrangea: These hydrangeas feature cone-shaped flower clusters that often turn pink or red as they mature.

Lacecap Hydrangea: Lacecap hydrangeas have a flat-topped appearance, with tiny, fertile flowers surrounded by larger, sterile ones.

Mountain Hydrangea: Similar to bigleaf hydrangeas, mountain hydrangeas offer vibrant flowers but are generally more compact.

Native Hydrangea Varieties in the United States

In the United States, you'll find two hydrangea species that are native to the country:

Oakleaf Hydrangea: This native beauty is renowned for its oak-like foliage and conical clusters of white flowers. It's prized for its lovely, multi-season interest.

Smooth Hydrangea: Smooth hydrangeas boast large, round clusters of white or greenish-white flowers and thrive in a variety of conditions.

Characteristics of Oakleaf Hydrangea and Smooth Hydrangea

Let's delve into the unique characteristics of these two native hydrangea varieties

Oakleaf Hydrangea:

Foliage Resembles Oak Leaves: The leaves of oakleaf hydrangea are reminiscent of oak tree leaves, often turning shades of red and purple in the fall.

Cone-Shaped Flower Clusters: Oakleaf hydrangea bears conical clusters of white flowers that gradually fade to pink as they age.

Peeling Bark: As it matures, the bark of oakleaf hydrangea exfoliates, revealing an attractive cinnamon-brown inner layer.

Smooth Hydrangea:

Larger Leaves: Smooth hydrangea features larger leaves compared to oakleaf hydrangea, with serrated edges.

Round Flower Clusters: The flower clusters are round and made up of numerous small, white or greenish-white flowers.

Thrives in Shade: Smooth hydrangea is more shade-tolerant, making it a great choice for shady spots in the garden.

Flower Shape and Color Differences

To distinguish between the two, pay attention to the flower shapes and colors:

Oakleaf Hydrangea: Its flowers form elongated, cone-shaped clusters, and they start off white, aging to pink. The unique cone shape sets it apart.

Smooth Hydrangea: The flowers of smooth hydrangea are round and fluffy, with a predominantly white or greenish-white coloration. The round clusters are a key identifier.

Conclusion

Hydrangeas offer a diverse and captivating world of blooms. While there are many types to explore, native varieties like the oakleaf hydrangea and the smooth hydrangea add a touch of natural beauty to American landscapes. For more invaluable care tips and an exquisite selection of flowers, your destination is always FrenchFlorist.com. Want more help? Visit our “Contact Us” page to submit a question or inquiry! If you’d like a subscription too, click floral subscription offerings to be directed there! All orders placed online are eligible for our rewards program, too.