Tag Archives: Hydrangeas

Autumn Hydrangeas

I recently found a small group of red hydrangeas happily blooming in a protected corner spot next to a public building.

Red hydrangeas are not very common, but this little patch is very colourful. One bloom was a light purple, but all the others were raspberry red. I learned that this is likely a “red cardinal” hydrangea.

The soil in this particular spot must be quite alkaline, as that is what’s needed to bring out this bright shade.

The red and green almost looks a bit winter-seasonal, but I’m glad that in this hemisphere, we’re still enjoying autumn.

Happy Friday.

Panicle Hydrangeas

Tis the season for panicle hydrangeas; they tend to bloom in late summer and well into autumn.

The word “panicle” means “loose cluster,” which I think is an appropriate description for these pretty flowers.

Usually, panicle hydrangeas grow to about 2-3 metres (8 ft) and the blooms will turn some shade of pink or light red. They are the hardiest hydrangeas and will tolerate extremes of heat and cold.

It’s lovely that these plants extend the blooming season into the autumn. Although they do not change colour due to soil chemistry, shifting temperatures trigger these plants to transition from creamy white to pink or red.

Happy Thursday.