Color in the Shade: Growing Hydrangeas in Charleston

Are you in a constant struggle with your landscaping to add interest and color in the shade? This battle can easily be won with hydrangeas! Growing hydrangeas in Charleston is a wonderful way to achieve color and blooms in the shady parts of your garden. Take a look at the four common types of hydrangeas we offer and find one that works for your space.

Hydrangea macrophylla, also known as the 'bigleaf' hydrangea is what most people are picturing when they hear "hydrangea." Think glossy leaves and iconic fluffy blue, pink, and purple blooms in gardens around the Hamptons and coastal towns on the east coast. These stunning shrubs bloom on old wood and change color based on the pH of the soil, so we recommend Espoma Soil Acidifier for bright blue blooms! Prune in the late summer to early fall, after flowering has finished, to avoid cutting off buds for next years blooms. In the Lowcountry, big leaf hydrangea thrive in part sun to shade and require consistent watering, especially in the summer heat.

Hydrangea arborescens or the 'smooth' hydrangea differs slightly from the bigleaf, but is equally as stunning! Smooth hydrangeas are native to the United States and are found growing in wooded areas around streams. They are more cold hardy and easier to prune. Since they bloom on new wood growth, you can cut them back to the ground in the winter. They have thinner leaves and blooms appear later, mid summer to fall, and are typically white or pink and not impacted by the pH of the soil. Smooth hydrangeas thrive in part shade and are sensitive to drought, so keep the soil moist.

Hydrangea quercifolia, or 'oak leaf' hydrangea, are fun and funky! They are native to the southeast and thrive in the Lowcountry. Like the bigleaf, they bloom on old wood so they should only be cut back in the late summer to early fall after flowering. The oak leaf flowers are cone shaped and typically emerge white, fading into pink over the season as they age. The interesting leaves help differentiate this variety from its relatives! The leathery leaves are shaped like oak leaves and add fall interest, changing color from green to orange and red and eventually dropping for the winter. They prefer moist soil and thrive in shade to part sun and can handle a bit more sun than the smooth and bigleaf hydrangeas. If planting in the sun, it's best to air on the side of caution and choose a spot with morning sun, not harsh afternoon rays.

Hydrangea paniculata also known as the 'panicle' hydrangea is the most sun tolerant and cold hardy option on the list! When planting in sun, ensure they are well watered and receiving some relief from intense afternoon sun. Panicle hydrangeas have become more popular in recent years and are a very popular option for Charleston gardens. Like the smooth hydrangea, they bloom on new growth so they can be pruned back significantly in the winter. The cone shaped blooms are typically white and may fade to a pink hue into the fall. They require less water than other varieties and prefer well draining soil. We are restocking these beauties soon and they sell fast! Keep up with us here on our website, Instagram (@meetinggreen), and subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know when they're available.

When deciding which hydrangea is best for you, evaluate how much sun the area receives and be realistic about your ability to water and prune. In the yard below, we utilized two different hydrangeas for an interesting but cohesive landscape. The front yard receives morning sun, so we planted panicle hydrangeas. They flank the front steps and anchor the end of each bed, softening the brick exterior and enhancing the cottage garden vibe. In the shaded back yard, we opted for bigleaf varieties that thrive nestled under the mature oak tree.

Shop hydrangeas online or come by the shop and grab your favorite! We're adding more varieties to the website over the next few weeks, so check back often to see what's new.