Hydrangeas are extremely vigorous, long-lived shrubs that produce extravagant blooms throughout summer and into fall. They are one of the more popular ornamental garden plants in large part due to their large, showy flowers that come in a variety of colors. Hydrangeas love rich, well-draining soil and require consistent moisture without over-watering. Most types enjoy afternoon shade and protection from the intense summer heat.
Fort Collins Nursery has many exciting varieties of hydrangea that were bred for season-long beauty and brilliant color. Here are a few of our recommendations:
Eclipse® Bigleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Bailmacseven’
Eclipse® Hydrangea, the first true dark-leaf mophead hydrangea and offers season-long beauty with intense, dark purple leaves that hold their color, even in warm climates. The striking foliage paired with gorgeous dark purple or cranberry-colored blooms pairs perfectly with anything in the garden and is sure to make a dramatic impact. Maturing at 3-5 feet tall and wide, Eclipse® will stand out, whether used as a focal point in the garden or in decorative containers.
- Height: 3-5’
- Width: 3-5’
- Exposure: Part Shade
- Bloom: Dark Purple/ Cranberry
- Zones: 5-9
Endless Summer® Pop Star® Bigleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Bailmacsix’
Like most hydrangeas, the Pop Star® hydrangea prefers morning sun and afternoon shade in our Colorado climate. It is very compact, cold hardy, and a prolific bloomer with new buds appearing just four weeks after a hard cutback to remove terminal buds. The flower color will be pink in our soil unless it is heavily amended to make soil more acidic. Its short stature makes this a strong border or short hedge plant that doesn’t need pruning to keep its size and is great for year-after-year color on your deck, patio, or porch.
- Height: 18 – 36”
- Width: 18 – 36”
- Exposure: Part Shade
- Bloom: Pink/ Blue in Acidic Soil
- Zones: 4-9
Originally published on April 29th, 2022. Updated on May 1st, 2024.