Characterized by their big, showy blooms, hydrangeas have long been a favorite shrub of many gardeners. Hydrangeas are hardy plants and many varieties are available that will grow in most areas of the United States. Before selecting a hydrangea, make sure that the variety you are considering is recommended for your zone in Virginia. If you are in a colder climate area, it is best to plant hydrangeas in areas that are protected from harsh winter winds.

A unique attribute of hydrangeas is the fact that the color of their blooms may be directly related to the ph balance of the soil in which they are planted. Raising the acidity of the soil will encourage blue blooms where as lowering it typically yields pink or red blooms. Most hydrangeas bloom on old-wood, so be careful in your pruning. For best results, plant hydrangeas in an area where they are not exposed to afternoon sun as they have a tendency to dry out easily and that may discourage blooms.

Click here to find hydrangeas in Virginia. You might also wish to consult with them for recommendations for ways of adjusting soil ph and pruning tips for your hydrangeas.

Although there are many varieties of hydrangeas to choose from that are suited for Virginia, here are a few you may want to consider: Nigra Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), Climbing Hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala), Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia), and Peegee Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata). A broad range of sizes of hydrangeas are available, so be sure to consider the size of the variety relative to the intended planting location.