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If you could choose only 1 type, what would it be?

16 years ago

I am asking this question to get a pool of favorites for newbies like me.

For those of you who love hydrangeas.....knowing what you know..........

If you could have only 1 hydrangea in your garden which variety would you choose and why?

Joy

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Comments (15)

mxk3 z5b_MI
16 years ago
Annabelle. She is an old time *REALIABLE* bloomer in this zone. Blooms on new wood exclusively, so makes no difference whatsoever if dies back. Never, ever disappoints me. :)
mohicansong
16 years ago
Definitely Annabelle, I agree, RELIABLE AND BEAUTIFUL.

My next "only one" hydrangea would be a Vaughn's Lillie Oakleaf, GORGEOUS!
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ego45
16 years ago
I think this is the question to which is impossible to give a definite answer.
For the different zones, different settings and different purposes in landscape you can't chose 'one size/type fits all' hydrangea among a sea of them.
If it would be me and I was allowed to pick ONLY ONE from each group of hydrangeas that would be (for z6):
-arborescens-Annabelle,
-macrophilla-Nikko Blue,
-serrata-Preziosa,
-oakleaf-????(probably Alice),
-paniculata-PG,
-climbing-schizophragma Moonlight.

As you can see, no fancy names, just old PROVEN and RELIABLE standby cultivars despite the fact that I grow enough of 'novelties' to be excited by them at one point or another.
ostrich
16 years ago
I was going to say Annabelle too! It's so beautiful and yet reliable, even in my climate!
yellowgirl
16 years ago
There is no such thing as "only one" hydrangea!!.....yg
annie4
16 years ago
I bought a Quick Fire last year. It was in a one gallon pot. It is just beautiful this year. It is about 4' high and 3' wide and has been blooming for over two weeks. It has been a huge surprise for me. I just love it!
ostrich
16 years ago
Annie, please post a photo of your Quick Fire! I would love to see it! Thank you!!!
annie4
16 years ago
If I could I would post a picture but I can't! Sorry!
jackz411
16 years ago
I have only begun to focus on hydrangeas in the past 14 months and my knowledge is somewhat limited. Being in zone 4b in VT is also a limiting factor because of the cold winters. I have seen some wonderful specimens of Annabelle and Pani's up here.

But at this very moment in time, for me up here, I would have to say that ES have done very well and would be my #1 choice. They are also nearly labor free. I find that if you tinker with them abit in regard to acidity/manure/compost that you can nicely vary the intensity of the blues and purples. They seem to respond rather quickly to the tinkering in the early spring.

That said, I am sure that in the future I will find other hydrangeas of interest which will do well up here. But, for now ES hold the spotlight.
ego45
16 years ago
Ostrich,
QF as per your request.
First one was planted in ground last fall as a 1G rooted cutting (2x2' right now) and the second picture is of her 1G twin-sister that was repotted in 3G and still waiting for the permanent place in a garden.
Flower heads certainly doesn't look like a panicles, but rather as a milky-creamy lacecups.
I like it so far.
{{gwi:1011702}}
{{gwi:1011703}}
ostrich
16 years ago
Ego, thank you, thank you, thank you! I truly appreciate it!

Ego, how do you like the color changes of Quick Fire? I remember that last year, someone said that she did not like the dusky pink color that it changed to. How about you?

BTW, how many hydrangeas do you have!? You have everything! I am so envious! You must have a huge yard to accommodate all these lovelies... :-)

Thank you again.
ego45
16 years ago
Ostrich,
I got them last fall as just a rooted cuttings.
There were no flowers, so can't comment on the issue.
I have one theory about QF, but it's preliminary to talk about it. If it will turn to be true, QF will be a very usefull plant for those who can't provide sunny locations for paniculatas.
Let's talk about that in a year.
ostrich
16 years ago
Ego, you have really raised my interest on your theory! Hmm... a paniculata in the shade! Wouldn't that be so great!? \

Are you sure we cannot talk about it now??? :-)

BTW, your photography is wonderful. What equipment do you use?
ego45
16 years ago
Ostrich, just a hint:
having the same sun/light conditions, Tardiva will bloom about one month later than PG. However, if planted in full sun it will bloom at about the same time as PG that planted in a part-sun. Acceleration. Proven fact.
So, if QF bloom one month ahead of PG, maybe lesser amount of available sun will just postpond the bloom time without compromising the quality/intensity of the blooms. Deceleration. Just a theory.
ostrich
16 years ago
Ah ha! Ego, I see what you are saying! It does make sense.... so I am now waiting for someone with a Quick Fire in the shade to tell us how it is blooming... maybe I will hear back in a year's time?! :-)

Thanks!

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