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Hydrangeas are the sort of flowers that quietly steal the show. Whether you're a budding gardener or someone who simply enjoys the sight of a flourishing bloom, hydrangeas hold a special charm. From their pom-pom-like clusters to the soothing pastel shades, these versatile beauties offer a world of variety.
In this post, we’ll walk you through 23 different types of hydrangeas, from the well-loved classics to some lesser-known favourites. If you’ve been curious about the different kinds of hydrangeas and which suits your space, you're in for a treat.
Let’s take a closer look at these hydrangea types and what makes each one unique.
1. Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
Also known as French hydrangeas, these are the most recognisable types of hydrangeas. They bloom in pink or blue, depending on the soil pH, and are perfect for home gardens.
2. Mountain Hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata)
Similar to the bigleaf variety but with a daintier frame. Their lacecap blossoms make them a charming choice for shaded areas and containers.
3. Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
Easily identifiable by their oak-shaped leaves, which turn red or bronze in autumn. Their cone-shaped blooms bring depth to gardens.
4. Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)
Known for its bold white blooms, the most famous cultivar ‘Annabelle’ is a reliable favourite for creating a soft, elegant look.
5. Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)
These cone-shaped bloomers are more sun-tolerant than others. Look out for the popular ‘Limelight’ variety with greenish-white flowers.
6. Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris)
As the name suggests, these hydrangeas climb up walls or fences. They produce fragrant white flowers and work well in shaded vertical spaces.
7. Hydrangea ‘Endless Summer’
A standout among the different types of hydrangeas, this one reblooms throughout the season. It’s known for its ability to thrive in a variety of climates.
8. Mophead Hydrangea
A subset of bigleaf hydrangeas, these produce full, round flower heads that resemble colourful balls. Great for hedges or bold displays.
9. Lacecap Hydrangea
Another bigleaf subtype, lacecaps, has flat clusters of tiny fertile flowers surrounded by showy sterile ones, giving them a delicate look.
10. Hydrangea ‘Zorro’
Notable for its dramatic black stems and lacecap blooms, it brings contrast and sophistication to your garden beds.
11. PeeGee Hydrangea
Technically a panicle hydrangea, ‘PeeGee’ is often shaped into small trees. It blooms late and thrives even in tough spots.
12. Hydrangea ‘Little Lime’
A dwarf variety of the ‘Limelight’ hydrangea, ideal for smaller spaces. It packs the same lush lime-green flowers in a more compact size.
13. Hydrangea ‘Twist-n-Shout’
This reblooming lacecap hybrid has vivid stems and a reliable blooming cycle, making it both practical and pretty.
14. Hydrangea ‘Vanilla Strawberry’
A panicle variety that shifts colour from creamy white to strawberry pink, making it a dynamic addition through the season.
15. Hydrangea ‘Bobo’
Short in stature but big on blooms, ‘Bobo’ is a panicle type perfect for containers and tight garden corners.
16. Hydrangea ‘Blue Wave’
A favourite among the different kinds of hydrangeas, this lacecap displays waves of soft blue or lilac petals, depending on your soil.
17. Hydrangea ‘Preziosa’
This changing variety starts with creamy blooms that age to deep purple and burgundy, a fascinating feature for flower lovers.
18. Hydrangea ‘Tuff Stuff’
This compact mountain hydrangea reblooms and is cold-hardy. Great for border plantings or patio pots.
19. Hydrangea ‘Incrediball’
Known for massive white blooms on sturdy stems, it’s a smooth hydrangea that delivers both strength and style.
20. Hydrangea ‘Cityline Series’
These compact mopheads come in a range of bold colours and are designed for smaller gardens and urban containers.
21. Hydrangea ‘Fire Light’
One of the newer varieties of hydrangeas, it starts white and then matures to deep rose pink, excellent for evening drama in your yard.
22. Hydrangea ‘Miss Saori’
A showstopper with double-flowered petals in white, edged in pink. This variety adds a unique artistic flair.
23. Hydrangea ‘Pistachio’
With its striking green petals tinged in red and pink, ‘Pistachio’ brings a splash of unexpected colour to the garden.
Conclusion About The Different Kinds Of Hydrangeas
From fluffy mopheads to refined lacecaps and dramatic panicles, the world of hydrangeas is anything but dull. Each variety brings its own texture, colour and personality, whether you're sprucing up a shaded walkway, filling a sunny patio corner or building a floral arrangement.
Looking to bring these blooms into your life? At Singapore Florist, we offer the flower delivery service, along with 10% off your first purchase and a convenient flower subscription to keep your space blooming all year long. Treat yourself or someone special, flowers speak when words fall short.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Different Kinds Of Hydrangeas
What Are The Most Common Types Of Hydrangeas?
The most common types include bigleaf, panicle, smooth, oakleaf and climbing hydrangeas. These varieties are widely available and well-suited for home gardens.
How Can I Tell The Different Types Of Hydrangeas Apart?
Look at leaf shape, flower structure, and blooming season. For instance, oakleaf has lobed leaves while panicle hydrangeas have cone-shaped flowers.
Which Hydrangeas Are Best For Sunny Spots?
Panicle hydrangeas, like ‘Limelight’ or ‘Fire Light’, are more sun-tolerant and do well in areas that receive full sunlight.
Are There Hydrangeas Suitable For Small Gardens Or Pots?
Yes, varieties like ‘Bobo’, ‘Cityline’, and ‘Little Lime’ are compact and ideal for container planting or tight spaces.
Can I Change The Colour Of My Hydrangea Flowers?
Yes, the flower colour of bigleaf and mountain hydrangeas can change based on soil pH. Acidic soils yield blue flowers, while alkaline soils give pink flowers.
Do All Hydrangeas Rebloom?
No, but some varieties like ‘Endless Summer’ and ‘Twist-n-Shout’ are bred to rebloom throughout the season.
From our Singapore florist: Found a hydrangea you love? Browse our hydrangea bouquets in Singapore, hand-arranged and delivered fresh.
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Jim Ng
Owner of Singapore FloristJim Ng is the owner of Singapore Florist, the boutique flower studio first opened in 1987 by its founding family. Jim and his team acquired Singapore Florist from the original owners with one promise: keep the craft, keep the customer relationships, and modernise everything else. Today the studio works out of Eunos Techpark, ships fresh stems islandwide, and has grown its review base past 202 verified Google reviews.
This article is part of an ongoing, well-researched flower-care library written by the Singapore Florist team, drawing on nearly four decades of hands-on bouquet design, daily delivery experience, and direct relationships with growers across Asia. If you spot anything we have missed or have a specific flower question, WhatsApp us directly and we will weave the answer into a future post.
