9 Stunning Blue Hydrangeas for Your Garden

2024-03-15
9 Stunning Blue Hydrangeas for Your Garden

Of all the hydrangeas on the market these days, only one species produces the beautiful blue flowers that these plants are known for. Commonly called the bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), this type is unique because the flowers (technically sepals) can appear bright pink to purple to bright blue, depending on the soil acidity. You can enjoy these stunning blue blooms on scores of cultivars in either mophead or lacecap style. The best blue hydrangeas in this list also offer improved characteristics such as reblooming, compact size, and more hardiness.

Bigleaf Hydrangea Growing Tips

Native to East Asia, bigleaf hydrangeas are hardy in Zones 5-9 (some varieties are even more hardy). They prefer organically enriched moist soils with good drainage and a partly sunny location, although they can handle full sun in cool summer regions provided they’re given ample moisture. In colder regions, you may need to provide some winter protection to ensure your hydrangeas bloom the following year.

01 of 09

Nikko Blue

If you’ve seen large blue hydrangea flowers before, chances are you’ve seen this cultivar. Coming from Japan, 'Nikko Blue' reliably turns blue in home gardens and like the bigleaf species, grows to about 6 feet tall and wide. Plant your 'Nikko Blue' in moist, well-mulched soils in part shade for them to look their best throughout the growing season.

02 of 09

Endless Summer

Endless Summer is often credited for changing the game for hydrangeas with their ability to produce flower buds on old and new growth, unlike the species which produces flower buds only on the previous year’s growth. This ability and hardiness down to Zone 4 has allowed northern gardeners to enjoy the “mophead” blooms of bigleaf hydrangeas without fear of losing buds over winter. Endless Summer grows slightly shorter than the species.  

03 of 09

Pop Star

A newer introduction in the Endless Summer line, Pop Star features electric blue lacecap flower heads all summer long on very sturdy stems. These plants are fairly compact, growing to just 3 feet tall and wide at maturity. Pop Star also is very hardy, reliably coming back each spring down to Zone 4.

04 of 09

Blue Enchantress

Another reblooming blue hydrangea with hardiness to boot, 'Blue Enchantress' grows to a max height and width of about 5 feet, making it a bit more compact than the species. Blooms start out a light sky blue and eventually change to a creamy green.

05 of 09

Blue Jangles

From the Let’s Dance series, 'Blue Jangles' is an improvement on color in the reblooming and dwarf categories. Growing to only 3 feet tall and exceptionally compact, this small hydrangea is great for tight spaces and containers.

06 of 09

Starlight

Another addition from the Let’s Dance series, 'Starlight' produces gorgeous lacecap flowers. Unlike the traditional mophead look, lacecaps produce flattened flower heads that bloom more sporadically, producing a starry look. It gets up to 4 feet tall and is best grown in Zones 5-9.

07 of 09

Big Daddy

Heading in a totally different direction in terms of size and flower shape, 'Big Daddy' is a large hydrangea, reaching upwards of 6 feet tall and produces huge mophead type flowers. A little more sensitive than most on the list, this gentle giant prefers part shade and constant moisture to maintain its giant flower heads and is only hardy to Zone 6 and higher.

08 of 09

Cape Cod

Back on the smaller end of the spectrum, 'Cape Cod' is a part of the Seaside Serenade series that combines a small size (about 4 feet tall and wide) and hardiness down to Zone 4. This blue hydrangea is great for in-ground plantings in the north and grow them in pots year-round further south. 'Cape Cod' is a repeat bloomer with two tone blue and white individual flowers, giving it a unique look.

09 of 09

Twist-N-Shout

'Twist-N-Shout' combines cold hardiness with a maximum size of 4 feet tall and wide, lacecap style, and repeat blooms. Against the darker, unopened buds, the light blue color of the flower heads really pops, creating a beautiful and eye-catching effect.

Keeping Blue Hydrangeas Blue

In basic to neutral soils, bigleaf hydrangeas will produce pink flowers while in acidic soils, blue flowers are produced. So if your soil has a neutral or higher pH, you will need to treat the soil around your blue hydrangeas with aluminum sulfate to keep that blue color.

While there are many home remedies for acidifying the soil such as mulching with pine needles and coffee grounds or citrus peels, the best and most effective way is to purchase ready-made soil acidifier products at your local garden center. These products will not only do the trick, but have longer-lasting effects. They contain both an acidifier as well as aluminum, which is also necessary for producing blue hydrangeas. Plus, some of these acidifiers include additional plant nutrients as well to support the overall health of your plant. Plan to add the acidifier in spring before buds begin to break open, and again in late fall. 

Related Article

How to Plant and Grow Rose of Jericho

How to Plant and Grow Rose of Jericho

Rose of Jericho is a unique houseplant that can survive with minimal water, making it a great option for travelers and forgetful gardeners.
21 Adorably Petite Plants for Fairy Gardens

21 Adorably Petite Plants for Fairy Gardens

Color is always nice, but scale is everything when choosing miniature garden plants. Peruse our favorite picks for fairy gardens and terrariums.
13 Colorful Nectar Plants for Pollinators

13 Colorful Nectar Plants for Pollinators

Create a gorgeous, pollinator-friendly garden by including these nectar-rich plants.
Is Coleus a Perennial or Annual? Here's How to Grow It Both Ways

Is Coleus a Perennial or Annual? Here's How to Grow It Both Ways

Is coleus a perennial that comes back every year? That depends on where you live and how you care for it. Use these tips to enjoy coleus as a colorful perennial or annual plant.
How to Plant and Grow Ranunculus

How to Plant and Grow Ranunculus

Ranunculus are favorite flowers for weddings, arrangements, and gardens. Here's how to plant and grow ranunculus.
How to Plant and Grow Glossy Abelia

How to Plant and Grow Glossy Abelia

This guide on how to grow glossy abelia includes essential planting and care tips such watering, fertilizing, and pruning needs. You'll also find popular types of abelia to grow and pretty companion plants for this flowering shrub.
Hydrangeas Not Blooming? 7 Reasons Why and How to Fix the Problem

Hydrangeas Not Blooming? 7 Reasons Why and How to Fix the Problem

Hydrangeas not blooming can be a frustrating problem for gardeners. These straightforward tips will promote tons of long-lasting flowers.
10 Best Sweet Potato Companion Plants for Larger Harvests

10 Best Sweet Potato Companion Plants for Larger Harvests

Mix and match these sweet potato companion plants in your vegetable beds for pest-free crops and easier gardening.
How to Harvest Mint, Dry Mint, and Store Mint

How to Harvest Mint, Dry Mint, and Store Mint

Learn how to harvest mint to keep plants more manageable and gather fresh mint leaves for cooking, drying, and storing!
How and When to Harvest Radishes at Their Peak

How and When to Harvest Radishes at Their Peak

These easy-to-follow tips will help you figure out how and when to harvest radishes for the best flavor and size. Plus, get troubleshooting advice if your radish roots aren't developing properly.
How and When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

How and When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors

Find out exactly how and when to start tomato seeds indoors so they'll be ready to transplant into your garden in spring.
Tillers vs. Cultivators: How to Choose the Right One for Your Gardening Tasks

Tillers vs. Cultivators: How to Choose the Right One for Your Gardening Tasks

Learn the differences between tillers and cultivators and the tasks they're best suited for.
Here’s What Not to Put in Compost to Avoid a Contaminated Bin

Here’s What Not to Put in Compost to Avoid a Contaminated Bin

Composting is a simple way to turn your kitchen and yard waste into food for your garden. But some of these items should never be in compost.
Easy Lawn Repair for Patchy Grass Using Seed or Sod

Easy Lawn Repair for Patchy Grass Using Seed or Sod

With a bit of grass seed or sod, lawn repair is easy, and you’ll soon have a lush green carpet again.
What Are the Tiny White Bugs on Your Plants? 4 Common Pests They Could Be

What Are the Tiny White Bugs on Your Plants? 4 Common Pests They Could Be

Tiny white bugs on plants in your home or outdoors can be a big problem. Learn how to identify and get rid of them with this guide.
How to Spot 5 Common Plant Diseases and Keep Your Garden Healthy

How to Spot 5 Common Plant Diseases and Keep Your Garden Healthy

Protect your plants from the most common diseases. Learn to recognize the symptoms and how to prevent these diseases in the first place.
How to Landscape with Rocks and Stones in Your Yard

How to Landscape with Rocks and Stones in Your Yard

Decorative rocks and stones add another element of nature to your yard, whether you grow hydrangeas, tulips, or cacti.
Landscape Planning Tips From Start to Finish for a Perfect Yard

Landscape Planning Tips From Start to Finish for a Perfect Yard

Even if you're a beginner, these simple landscape planning tips will take the mystery out of designing your yard's ideal layout.
10 Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants Growing in Your Garden

10 Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants Growing in Your Garden

Use native plants in your garden instead of popular invasive landscape plants: See a list of common invasive plants, plus native alternatives to plant instead.
Your Seasonal Lawn-Care Schedule for the Midwest

Your Seasonal Lawn-Care Schedule for the Midwest

Use our lawn-care schedule to help you maintain a beautiful yard all year long. You'll learn exactly when to mow, aerate, fertilize, and overseed.