Hydrangeas are Maine’s favorite summer shrub, blooming from July into fall. Panicle and smooth hydrangeas flower reliably in our winters; bigleaf hydrangeas need a sheltered spot to bloom well.
We carry these at both stores — they just aren’t in our online catalog yet. Please call South Portland or Westbrook for what’s in today.
How to choose
- Panicle (paniculata) types like Limelight are the hardiest and take full sun.
- Smooth (arborescens) types like Annabelle bloom on new wood every year.
- Bigleaf (macrophylla) types turn blue in acidic soil and pink in sweet soil.
Frequently asked questions
Why didn’t my hydrangea bloom?
Bigleaf hydrangeas bloom on last year’s stems; a hard winter or fall pruning removes the buds. Reblooming varieties and panicle types are more reliable here.
When should I prune hydrangeas?
Prune panicle and smooth hydrangeas in early spring. Only remove dead wood from bigleaf types.
How do I make my hydrangea blue?
Bigleaf hydrangeas turn blue in acidic soil. Add soil acidifier in spring; results take a season.
How much sun do hydrangeas need?
Panicle hydrangeas handle full sun; bigleaf and smooth types prefer morning sun and afternoon shade.