If May is the month for roses, June is the month for Hydrangeas. Every specie and every variety is in bloom in Atlanta in June.  All of them all at once.  All looking cool, soft, voluptuous,  and appealing in every way.  I’m referring to Hydrangeas, although the description may sound like a June bride.  Is there perhaps a hydrangea cultivar named ‘June Bride’?  Selecting a favorite hydrangea is as hard as choosing a favorite rose or a mother choosing a favorite child.  Each is unique and appreciated for its special characteristics.  My short list is comprised of Hydrangea serrata ‘Preziosa’ for its initially white flower heads that turn to deep maroon red by the end of summer, Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snow Flake’ for its’ tall branched topped with long panicles of double cream to pistachio green florets, Hydrangea marisii variegata is worthy for its’ white streaked foliage.  Finally, plain old Hydrangea macrophylla, the dear old mophead, is never plain as the flowers change color with the soil acidity levels and the age of the flowers.

Observing and knowing all of these flowers is one thing. The true value comes in applying these to overall landscape design. How do each of these flowers effect your overall home, yard and garden? You may not know. But it’s our job to – to plan and design your total scene, how it fits you, your home and your life. We observe the flowers because we love them, but also to index their beauty, environmental and seasonal needs to apply to your specific landscape design. It’s your life after all, we’re just happy to have a part in it – and with plants and the flowers like hydrangeas.

Billingsly Nursery in Rabun Gap, Georgia grows a very comprehensive selection of hydrangeas including their own found vegetative sport named ‘Vaughn’s Lily’.  It is a collector’s plant as it requires staking due to the extreme density of the flower heads and dwarf growth habit.  Goodness Grows Nursery in Lexington, Georgia provided me with my pure white flowering ‘Sister Theresa’ that gives me great joy at the base of my fig trees.  Wherever you find your hydrangeas, you will find hydrangea happiness.

Marcia Weber

Read more on our specific approach and experience with landscape design ideas for Buckhead and around Atlanta, Georgia.  

Snowflake Hydrangea