This time of year, going to the nursery you’ll find hydrangeas without any foliage. But before you pass on these containers of sticks let me show you the summer color that Endless Summer and First Edition hydrangeas will give you. The Endless Summer hydrangeas are Bigleaf selections that have the unique ability to bloom consistently on both old and new wood. Removal of spent flowers will encourage rebloom. The Original is a mop-head selection with beautiful 8-inch diameter flowers all summer long. The flowers are pink in alkaline soils and blue in acidic soil. Summer Crush has intense, deep coloration of big raspberry red blooms. This compact hydrangea has dark green glossy leaves and fits smaller spaces. Twist N Shout produces abundant lacecap blooms all summer long. Lacy centers are surrounded by gorgeous blossoms of periwinkle blue or pink, depending on soil type. The other group of hydrangea I love are the First Edition paniculatas. Vanilla Strawberry has enormous flowers with a blend of white and strawberry on upright red stems. Strawberry Sundae is similar to Vanilla Strawberry. Flowers emerge creamy white and change to pink. The compact habit has striking flowers and is great for patio containers. Berry White has flowers that start out white then progress to dark pink. Coloring occurs from the bottom and transitions to the top of the panicle. Look for Endless Summer and First Edition hydrangeas at your local garden center this spring. I’m horticulturist Gary Bachman and I’ll see you next time on Southern Gardening.
