Looking for the best hydrangea tree varieties to grow? Here are 10+ of the best tree form hydrangeas to consider. These are all standard cultivars of Hydrangea paniculata (panicle hydrangea).
1. Limelight hydrangea tree
The Limelight hydrangea tree is perhaps the most popular variety of hydrangea tree available. The cultivar ‘Limelight’ has most commonly been grown in its natural shrub form, growing to a mature size of 6-8 feet tall and wide.
The newer version, Limelight Prime, is smaller, reaching 4-6 feet tall and wide. As a tree, standard Limelight hydrangeas typically reach 6-8 feet tall, the bottom several feet of which is a bare trunk.
2. Pinky Winky hydrangea tree
The Pinky Winky hydrangea tree is another very popular cultivar of tree-form hydrangea. These trees are a similar size to Limelight, also reaching 6-8 feet tall at maturity. As the name suggests, the flowers open as a white color with a blush hint, and then age to a brighter pink tone.
3. Vanilla Strawberry hydrangea tree
The Vanilla Strawberry hydrangea tree is a smaller hydrangea tree, typically growing to only 4-6 feet tall and wide at maturity. When young, the flower heads are creamy white but then age to an attractive pale pink color.
4. Quick Fire hydrangea tree
Quick Fire is another popular hydrangea cultivar used for standard-form specimens. Like Limelight and Pinky Winky, this variety grows to 6-8 feet tall at maturity. It is one of the earliest blooming tree-form hydrangea varieties.
5. Phantom hydrangea tree
The Phantom hydrangea tree is a large variety that can reach 6-10 feet tall in the landscape. This cultivar also has large flower heads, which can reach over a foot long on mature shrubs. The flowers start out white before aging to a pinkish-blush color.
6. Pee Gee hydrangea tree
The Pee Gee hydrangea tree was once the most popular variety of tree-form hydrangea in gardens. Also called a Grandiflora hydrangea tree, Pee Gee is a particularly large panicle hydrangea variety that is generally pruned into a multi-stemmed tree reaching 10-20 feet tall and wide at maturity.
7. Little Lime hydrangea tree
The Little Lime hydrangea tree is a dwarf form of the popular ‘Limelight’ cultivar. These adorable small trees reach only 4-5 feet tall at maturity. Like Limelight, they have green flowers that age to an antique blush pink.
8. Bobo hydrangea tree
The Bobo hydrangea tree is a smaller variety of hydrangea tree, reaching only about 3 feet tall when mature. Due to its small stature, this cultivar is usually sold as a container tree. It’s perfect for around a doorway or for adding some blooms to a patio.
9. Fire Light hydrangea tree
The Fire Light hydrangea tree is an interesting variety due to its vibrant flower colors. As the hydrangea blooms, they change from cream white to a bright pink color. The tree itself grows 5-6 feet tall at maturity.
10. Strawberry Sundae hydrangea tree
The Strawberry Sundae hydrangea tree is another interesting hydrangea that changes color as it blooms. The flowers open up a creamy white and then age to a deep pinkish-red, making for an eye-catching display in the landscape. This hydrangea tree grows 6-7 feet tall at maturity.
11. Little Quick Fire hydrangea tree
The Little Quick Fire hydrangea tree is a compact version of ‘Quick Fire’ (as discussed above). This hydrangea tree grows only 4 feet tall and wide, making it the perfect choice for small yards or gardens. Its flowers open up white with a pinkish blush before aging to bright pink.
12. Wim’s Red hydrangea tree
The Wim’s Red hydrangea tree is a unique hydrangea tree with deep red/purple flowers. The flowers start out as a creamy white color, but age to a rich pink and onto a glowing ruby red in the early fall. This hydrangea tree grows 5-6 feet tall at maturity and is perfect for adding color to your landscape.
13. Early Evolution hydrangea tree
The Early Evolution hydrangea tree is an early blooming hydrangea tree with white flowers that age to a soft, elegant blush pink. This hydrangea tree grows 4-6 feet tall at maturity, making it the perfect choice for small gardens or yards. Its showy blooms will provide color all season long.
14. Magical Candle hydrangea tree
The Magical Candle hydrangea tree is a unique hydrangea tree that gets its name from its beautiful candle-like flower panicles. The flowers open up creamy white before aging to a light pink hue. This hydrangea tree grows 4-6 feet tall at maturity and is perfect for adding beauty to your garden or yard.
FAQs about different varieties of hydrangea trees
What hydrangea trees bloom the longest?
The hydrangea tree varieties that generally bloom the longest are Pee Gee hydrangea, Fire Light hydrangea, and Magical Candle hydrangea.
What hydrangea tree has the deepest blooms?
The hydrangea tree with the deepest blooms is Wim’s Red hydrangea, which has dark pink/red flowers that age to a ruby red color.
What hydrangea trees are best for small spaces?
The best hydrangea trees for small spaces are Little Lime hydrangea, Bobo hydrangea, Little Quick Fire hydrangea, and Early Evolution hydrangea. These hydrangeas reach only 4-6 feet tall at maturity, making them perfect for small gardens or yards.
How can I make my hydrangea tree last longer?
To make your hydrangea tree last longer, make sure to plant it in an area with well-draining soil and provide plenty of water. Pruning in the late winter can help promote new growth and flowering. Additionally, applying fertilizer every spring will help keep your hydrangea tree healthy and blooming throughout the season.
