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blue hydrangea tree

The blue hydrangea tree is a stunning addition to any New Zealand garden, famous for its lush, globe-shaped clusters of vibrant blue flowers displayed atop attractive woody stems. While the term "blue hydrangea tree" commonly refers to hydrangeas pruned into a tree form, these beloved shrubs naturally lend themselves to both shrub and small tree shapes with the right care and training. Their show-stopping flowers light up shaded and partly sunny spots from late spring well into summer, making them favourites for borders, cottage gardens, and statement container displays. For gardening enthusiasts who appreciate colour as well as structure, few plants can match the blue hydrangea tree’s versatility and allure.

dichroa-blue-stars--1

Dichroa Blue Stars (Evergreen Hydrangea)

5 from 4 customers

Dichroa 'Blue Stars' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its clusters of intense blue star shaped flowers followed by brilliant metallic blue berries. The combination of vivid blooms and glossy fruit creates outstanding seasonal interest from summer into autumn.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Living areas, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
A purple-blue Hydrangea 'Renate Steiniger' flower.

Hydrangea 'Renate Steiniger'

5 from 1 customers

Hydrangea 'Renate Steiniger' is a stunning deciduous shrub admired for its vibrant rounded flower heads and lush green foliage. Flowering abundantly through summer, this eye catching hydrangea creates a brilliant display of seasonal colour that brightens New Zealand gardens and outdoor spaces.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.20 m
Spread: 1.20 m
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
Gorgeous Hydrangea macrophylla 'Ayesha' pink flowers.
Hydrangea 'Ayesha'

Hydrangea 'Ayesha' is a distinctive variety prized for its lilac-like flower clusters and subtle fragrance. The waxy, spoon-shaped petals and glossy...

From$27.95
Beautiful purple flowers on the Hydrangea Bloody Marvellous.
Hydrangea 'Bloody Marvellous'

Hydrangea 'Bloody Marvellous' lives up to its name with spectacular deep red blooms that create a bold statement in any garden. This red-flowering...

From$27.95
Hydrangea 'Libelle' lacecap white and blue flowers.
Hydrangea 'Libelle'

Hydrangea 'Libelle' is a graceful lacecap hydrangea renowned for its pure white sterile florets that elegantly frame a centre of tiny fertile...

From$27.95
Podocarpus 'Matapouri Blue' hedge.
Podocarpus 'Matapouri Blue' (Blue Tōtara)

Podocarpus ‘Matapouri Blue’, also known as Blue Totara, is a stunning New Zealand native tree prized for its striking blue-green foliage and tidy...

From$30.29
Large Jacaranda mimosifolia tree with blue flowers.
Jacaranda mimosifolia (Blue Jacaranda)

Jacaranda mimosifolia, commonly known as the Blue Jacaranda tree, is a tropical-looking tree that is widely planted because of its beautiful and...

From$494.05
Aquilegia Blue Barlow cluster of blue flowers.
Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow' (Columbine)

Aquilegia 'Blue Barlow' is a classic perennial admired for its elegant double deep blue flowers that appear in late spring and early summer. This...

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Juncus 'Blue Dart' (Blue Rush)

Juncus 'Blue Dart' is a striking ornamental rush prized for its upright blue green foliage and strong architectural form. This hardy evergreen plant...

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Hydrangea 'Alpen Gluten'

Hydrangea 'Alpen Gluten' is a striking deciduous shrub known for its large flower heads that bring bold colour and presence to NZ gardens. Flowering...

From$27.95
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Hydrangea 'Masja'

Hydrangea 'Masja' is a compact deciduous shrub admired for its vibrant rounded flower heads and lush dark green foliage. Flowering abundantly through...

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Hydrangea macrophylla 'Leuchtfeuer' pink and cream-coloured flowers.
Hydrangea 'Leuchtfeuer'

Hydrangea 'Leuchtfeuer' is a vibrant mophead hydrangea celebrated for its large rounded blooms in intense deep red to crimson tones. This striking...

From$27.95
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Hydrangea 'Geoffrey Chadbund'

Hydrangea 'Geoffrey Chadbund' is a beautiful deciduous shrub admired for its large rounded flower heads and lush green foliage. Flowering through...

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Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca' (Blue Atlas Cedar) large specimen tree in a park.
Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca'

Cedrus atlantica 'Glauca', also known as Blue Atlas Cedar, is a striking evergreen conifer ideal for New Zealand gardens. Its silvery-blue needles...

From$340.69
A Picea pungens 'Glauca' (Colorado Blue Spruce) tree.
Picea pungens Glauca

Picea pungens 'Glauca', commonly known as the Colorado Blue Spruce, is a blue coloured conifer that grows with a broad and open, pyramidal shape. The...

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Westringia 'Blue Gem' low hedge with elegant mauve coloured flowers.
Westringia 'Blue Gem'

Westringia 'Blue Gem' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its fine grey green foliage, naturally dense rounded habit, and masses of soft blue...

From$18.95
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Cupressus 'Blue Ice' (Blue Arizona Cypress)

Cupressus 'Blue Ice' is a striking evergreen conifer admired for its vibrant icy blue foliage and strong upright growth habit. This hardy tree...

From$270.40
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Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears'

Hosta 'Blue Mouse Ears' is a compact perennial prized for its rounded blue green foliage and tidy growth habit. It is an excellent choice for adding...

From$24.77
A 'Annabelle' Hydrangea informal hedge with masses of white flowers.
Hydrangea 'Annabelle'

The ‘Annabelle’ Hydrangea is a stunning deciduous shrub admired for its large, snowball-like white flower heads that appear from summer into autumn...

From$27.95
Thuja orientalis 'Blue Cone' shrubs with green foliage in pots.
Thuja orientalis 'Blue Cone'

Thuja 'Blue Cone' is a dwarf conifer that features dense and erect sprays of green foliage. It gets its name from the blue cones produced during...

From$289.95
Salvia 'Aztec Blue' plants with elegant blue flowers above green foliage.
Salvia 'Aztec Blue'

Salvia 'Aztec Blue' is an eye catching perennial admired for its bold cobalt blue flower spikes that bloom heavily from late spring through autumn in...

From$27.53
Hydrangea 'Bridal Bouquet' elegant cream-white flowers.
Hydrangea 'Bridal Bouquet'

Hydrangea 'Bridal Bouquet' is a graceful and timeless variety featuring pure white mophead blooms that evoke elegance and charm. This classic shrub...

From$21.95
Agapanthus 'Blue Finn' blue flower.
Agapanthus 'Blue Finn'

Agapanthus 'Blue Finn' is a compact, evergreen variety prized for its deep blue blooms and tidy, clumping habit. This hardy perennial adds a burst of...

From$22.95
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PB28 Planter Bags (Christmas Tree Bag)

PB28 Planter Bags are a durable and economical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and other mature nursery stock. Their...

From$130.50
Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' plant with blue flowers.
Nepeta 'Blue Wonder' (Catmint)

Nepeta 'Walker's Low' is an award winning Catmint admired for its long flowering season and aromatic grey green foliage. From late spring through...

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Eucalyptus 'Baby Blue' (Silver Gum)

Eucalyptus 'Baby Blue' is a highly popular evergreen tree admired for its stunning silver blue foliage and strong ornamental appeal. The rounded...

From$408.85
Melia azedarach tree.
Melia azedarach (Bead Tree)

Melia azedarach (Bead Tree, White Cedar) is a graceful deciduous tree valued for its attractive fern like foliage, fragrant clusters of lilac...

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Tree Fertiliser

Using tree fertiliser results in plants having better quality foliage, more profuse flowering, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

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PB60 Planter Bags (Bag For Xmas Tree)

PB60 Planter Bags are a strong and practical option for growing large trees, shrubs, fruit plants, natives, and advanced nursery stock. Their...

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Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' trees with yellow foliage in autumn.
Liriodendron tulipifera 'Fastigiata' (Tulip Tree)

Liriodendron tulipifera fastigiata, also known as the Upright Tulip Tree, is a stunning deciduous tree admired for its narrow, columnar form. It...

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An upright Rosemary 'Tuscan Blue' shrub with blue flowers in a Mediterranean themed garden.
Rosmarinus 'Tuscan Blue'

The 'Tuscan Blue' Rosemary is a fast-growing and upright variety that features petite, sky-blue flowers borne amidst the dark green leaves through...

From$22.01
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Azalea 'Blue Danube'

Azalea 'Blue Danube' is a striking evergreen azalea admired for its masses of rich purple blue flowers and lush green foliage. This compact shrub...

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Dichroa Blue Stars (Evergreen Hydrangea)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Aquilegia, Dichroa, and Hydrangea, or related Categories - Grasses, Perennials, and Deciduous Shrubs.

Search blue hydrangea tree

What Is a Blue Hydrangea Tree?

When gardeners talk about a blue hydrangea tree, they’re often referring to Hydrangea macrophylla varieties pruned and trained as single-stem "standards" or small trees. Although hydrangeas are naturally multi-stemmed shrubs, patient pruning encourages them to grow into beautiful, tree-like shapes perfect for patios, pathways, and feature planting. The standout trait, of course, is their outrageously blue blooms, which dazzle when soil acidity is right. These flowers attract pollinators and create striking focal points outdoors.

Popular Blue Hydrangea Varieties

There's a wide range of hydrangeas especially suited to New Zealand’s climate that can be grown as blue hydrangea trees. Some top choices include:

All of these varieties thrive when provided with rich, well-drained soil and shade from the harshest afternoon sun.

Growing and Caring for Your Blue Hydrangea Tree

To cultivate a brilliant blue hydrangea tree, select a site with morning sun and protection from hot, drying winds. Hydrangeas prefer moist but well-drained soils with a lower pH (more acidic) to encourage blue flowers. Many New Zealand gardeners amend their soil with peat, compost, or a sprinkle of aluminium sulfate to enhance blue tones.

Train your plant to a tree shape by removing lower stems while it’s young, and prune annually just after the flowers fade to maintain a tidy form. Regular deep watering, mulching, and feeding with a hydrangea fertiliser will support lush blooms and healthy foliage throughout the growing season.

Discover More Blue Hydrangeas

If you love the look of a blue hydrangea tree, explore our full range of beautiful blue-flowered hydrangeas including Hydrangea Blue Wave, Hydrangea Blue Deckle, Hydrangea Mariesii Perfecta, Hydrangea Nightingale, and the versatile Dichroa Blue Stars (Evergreen Hydrangea). Whether you prefer a tree form or classic shrub shape, there’s a blue hydrangea perfect for your garden.


Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Gardeners love Ficus Tuffi and Coprosma acerosa, but there’s a growing buzz around plants like Dianella nigra (New Zealand Blueberry), Acer 'Fireglow', and Corokia 'Sunsplash'.
–The Plant Company

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