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Home Ask MG Are all hydrangeas perennials?

PLEASE NOTE: In the autumn of 1995, we hatched the idea for a free, local gardening publication. The following spring, we published the first issue of Michigan Gardener magazine. Advertisers, readers, and distribution sites embraced our vision. Thus began an exciting journey of helping our local gardening community grow and prosper.
After 27 years, nearly 200 issues published, and millions of copies printed, we have decided it is time to end the publication of our Print Magazine and E-Newsletter.

Are all hydrangeas perennials?

April 13, 2011   •   

Are all hydrangeas perennials? If not, how can you tell which are or which are not?

All hydrangeas are either woody or herbaceous perennials. The problem for northern states like Michigan is that not all hydrangeas are winter hardy, and are not able to take the Zone 5 winters that can dip to -20 degrees. We seem to crave those bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) with lovely pink and blue, large lacecaps. They do not do well in Zone 5 unless extremely well-sited. Once you travel south into Zone 6 and beyond, the plants become more common and successful. In Zone 5, these hydrangeas should be considered container plants to be brought inside for the winter.

There is a climbing hydrangea (H. petiolaris), which is winter hardy here and can be used both as a shrub or a disguise for a large structure. It produces a white blossom in late June that is fragrant and lasts for two weeks or more. Two other hydrangeas with a large shrub or spreading tree habit are panicle hydrangea (H. paniculata) and oakleaf hydrangea (H. quercifolia). Both are winter hardy and work well in a larger landscape. In both cases, it is important to obtain a named variety from a reputable nursery to insure plant characteristics live up to your expectations.

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