Hydrangeas: The Embroidered Globes

Blue Mophead Hydrangea, Seattle, WA LDS Temple

With summer here we can't help but discuss one of the most popular summer flowering shrubs. In China, where many of these fabulous plants originate, the mophead styles are commonly called xiuqiu, being interpreted "embroidered globe or sphere." What a wonderfully poetic and most accurate name for this fabulous plant we call hydrangea.

If you're lucky enough to live in an area where the hydrangea will thrive and are considering adding one or two to your garden this summer, I strongly recommend it.   These plants provide year round interest starting with the great color and texture of their spring leaves, to their fantastic summer blooms, and all the way through most of winter.  In winter the flower petals and heads dry up naturally to a carmel tan and hang on the plant for winter interest, especially on those mornings of a frost or light snow. 

If that wasn't enough, most hydrangeas are not overcome by those pesky and annoying insect or disease problems. They also grow in a variety of soil types and most don't need any pruning, so this is certainly an easy plant to take care of.  If you haven't had the best luck with plants in the past just make sure your hydrangea is in part shade and gets sufficient water, especially during the hotter months of the year.

Although there are many hundred different styles or varieties of hydrangeas under several different species it will help to know the most readily available types you are likely to find at your favorite garden center.

Main Hydrangea Types

Mophead Hydrangea, Seattle, WA LDS Temple

Mophead or Bigleaf Hydrangea

This is the Chinese "embroidered globe." They can get up to 6 ft. high and wide, although there are some dwarf varieties. They are known for their large mop head or globular flower heads, and most flower on two year old wood so reduced and careful pruning is a must. (Note: I plan on doing a follow up post on hydrangea pruning in late winter which is the appropriate time for it to be done.)

Lacecap Hydrangea

Lacecap Hydrangea, Seattle, WA LDS Temple,

The Lacecap is characteristic by its flower head containing two different types of flowers. Around the outside consists a ring or halo of wide open flower faces. This is contrasted by a massing of small--yet no less interesting--flowers located within the halo.  The Lacecap is a type of Bigleaf Hydrangea and is treated the same, yet I separate it out as another group from the Mophead shown above because of distinguishing differences in its flower style.

Peegee Hydrangea, Flower World, Maltby, WA

Peegee (Panicled) Hydrangea

The Peegee Hydrangea generally has smaller leaves than the Bigleaf Hydrangeas and its flower is quite different in that it forms a cone shape and the plant can be much larger in size. The flowers are almost always white or cream colored.  The Peegee Hydrangea also differs greatly from the Bigleaf in that it responds really well to annual vigorous pruning and will respond with larger flowers. Prune it like a rose bush.

Oak Leaf Hydrangea, Flower World, Maltby, WA

Oak Leaf Hydrangea

These excellent hydrangeas are characterized by their large Oak shaped, fuzzy leaves. The flowers are similar to the Peegee and come in shades of white. Pruning should be minimally pruned similar to the Bigleaf variety.  The leaves of this variety can turn a burgundy to red in the fall giving a nice fall interest. Smaller than the Peegee, this plant gets 5-6 ft. tall and wide.




I recommend using the hydrangea in an area where you have the opportunity to see their flowers closely. These plants make great accents to front porches or entrances and will always welcome any visitor with wonder. The larger flowered and more intense pink, red, and blue Mophead varieties can also be planted in groups of three to add serious curb appeal from the street.