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different types of hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are a garden favourite in New Zealand, prized for their vibrant blooms, lush foliage, and versatility. With so many different types of hydrangeas available, selecting the right variety for your landscape can be an exciting journey. Whether you're after bold colours, unique flower shapes, or shrubs that thrive in specific conditions, there's a hydrangea suited for every style and space. Understanding the distinct characteristics of each type will help you make the most of these stunning plants and create a garden that flourishes year-round.

Hydrangea 'Libelle' lacecap white and blue flowers.

Hydrangea 'Libelle'

4.5 from 2 customers

Hydrangea 'Libelle' is a graceful lacecap hydrangea renowned for its pure white sterile florets that elegantly frame a centre of tiny fertile flowers. With its clean, delicate form and soft contrast against deep green foliage, 'Libelle' is ideal for shaded borders, cottage gardens, or woodland-style landscapes in New Zealand. It thrives in part-shade with moist, well-drained soil and flowers through summer, offering understated beauty and a timeless presence in the garden.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' shrubs with lime-green flowers and lush, green foliage.

Hydrangea 'Limelight'

5 from 6 customers

The 'Limelight' Hydrangea is a showstopping variety celebrated for its large, conical lime-green flower heads that gradually soften to cream, blush pink, and burgundy with age. Blooming from late summer into autumn, this hardy and upright shrub brings structure, colour, and long-lasting appeal to New Zealand gardens. ‘Limelight’ thrives in full sun to part-shade and performs well in a range of soil types, provided they are moist and well-drained. It’s an ideal choice for hedging, feature planting, or mass displays with dramatic seasonal flair.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.50 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$29.63
hydrangea-macrophylla-blue-wave-2
Hydrangea 'Blue Wave'

Hydrangea 'Blue Wave' is a stunning lacecap hydrangea known for its vibrant blue flower centres surrounded by delicate outer florets. Flowering...

From$29.63
hydrangea-paniculata-levana-
Hydrangea paniculata 'Levana'

Hydrangea 'Levana' is a spectacular deciduous shrub admired for its enormous cone shaped flower heads and lush green foliage. Flowering abundantly...

From$29.63
Hydrangea paniculata 'Kyushu' shrub with masses of white flowers.
Hydrangea 'Kyushu'

Hydrangea 'Kyushu' is a graceful deciduous shrub admired for its elegant white lacecap flowers and lush green foliage. Flowering through summer, this...

From$29.63
Hydrangea petiolaris white flowers and green foliage.
Hydrangea petiolaris

Hydrangea petiolaris is a climbing hydrangea that grows as a vigorous, self-clinging deciduous climber that produces flat white lacecap blooms in...

From$40.43
Hydrangea Princess Juliana young, cream coloured flowers.
Hydrangea 'Princess Juliana'

Hydrangea 'Princess Juliana' is a beautiful deciduous shrub admired for its large rounded flower heads and lush green foliage. Flowering generously...

From$29.63
hydrangea-quercifolia-snowflake-2
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snowflake'

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snowflake' is a stunning deciduous shrub admired for its large double white flower heads, bold oak shaped foliage, and...

From$29.63
hydrangea-macrophylla-masja-
Hydrangea 'Masja'

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

From$26.93
hydrangea-mrs-kumiko-
Hydrangea 'Mrs Kumiko'

Hydrangea 'Mrs Kumiko' is a graceful deciduous shrub admired for its elegant flower heads and lush green foliage. Flowering generously through...

From$29.63
dichroa-blue-stars--1
Dichroa Blue Stars (Evergreen Hydrangea)

Dichroa 'Blue Stars' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its clusters of intense blue star shaped flowers followed by brilliant metallic blue...

From$29.63
hydrangea-mariesii-perfecta-3
Hydrangea 'Mariesii Perfecta'

Hydrangea 'Mariesii Perfecta' is a stunning deciduous shrub admired for its elegant lacecap flowers and lush green foliage. Flowering generously...

From$29.63
Hydrangea 'Madame Plumecoq' shrub with pink flowers.
Hydrangea 'Madame Plumecoq'

Hydrangea 'Madame Plumecoq' is a stunning deciduous shrub admired for its large rounded flower heads and lush green foliage. Flowering abundantly...

From$29.63
hydrangea-macrophylla-piamina--1
Hydrangea 'Piamina'

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

From$29.63
A Hydrangea 'Strawberries and Cream' red and cream flower.
Hydrangea 'Strawberries and Cream'

Hydrangea 'Strawberries and Cream' is a stunning deciduous shrub admired for its beautiful flower heads featuring soft pink and creamy white tones...

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Trophy' stunning white flowers with blue florets.
Hydrangea 'Trophy'

Hydrangea 'Trophy' is a classic mophead hydrangea prized for its large rounded blooms in rich pink to rose tones. This reliable variety delivers bold...

From$29.63
Hydrangea serrata 'Preziosa' cream coloured flower above dark green foliage.
Hydrangea serrata 'Preziosa'

Hydrangea serrata 'Preziosa' is a beautiful deciduous shrub admired for its changing flower colours and rich seasonal foliage. Flowering through...

From$29.63
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$29.63
hydrangea-macrophylla-geoffrey-chadbund-1
Hydrangea 'Geoffrey Chadbund'

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

From$29.63
Hydrangea 'Saxon Pink Maiden' pink and cream flower head with dark green foliage.
Hydrangea 'Saxon Pink Maiden'

Hydrangea 'Saxon Pink Maiden' is a beautiful deciduous shrub admired for its vibrant pink mophead flowers that bring cheerful summer colour to New...

From$29.63
hydrangea-macrophylla-nightingale-3
Hydrangea 'Nightingale'

Hydrangea 'Nightingale' is a beautiful deciduous shrub admired for its elegant flower heads and lush green foliage. Flowering abundantly through...

From$29.63
Hydrangea 'Blueberries and Cream' blue flower with cream-coloured florets.
Hydrangea 'Blueberries and Cream'

Hydrangea 'Blueberries and Cream' is a stunning deciduous shrub admired for its beautiful lacecap flowers featuring creamy white outer florets...

From$29.63
Hydrangea 'Tuxedo Red' plant in a pot with stunning red flowers and lush, purple-green foliage.
Hydrangea 'Tuxedo Red'

Hydrangea 'Tuxedo Red' is a bold and dramatic deciduous shrub admired for its deep red mophead flowers set against dark stems and rich green foliage...

From$26.93
Plagianthus regius as a small tree in a garden.
Plagianthus regius (Ribbonwood)

Plagianthus regius, commonly known as Ribbonwood or Manatu, is one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing native trees. It can reach 10–15 metres tall and...

From$24.23
phylica-pubescens--1
Phylica pubescens

Phylica pubescens, commonly known as the Flannel Flower, Featherhead, or Flannel Plant, is a small and bushy shrub grown for its interesting flowers...

From$28.28
Clonex Rooting Hormone one litre bottle.
Rooting Hormone (Rooting Hormone)

Clonex is the preferred rooting hormone for nurseries across NZ and the world. It is the industry standard for rooting softwood, semi-hardwood, and...

From$148.75
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1m wide Black Polythene

This polythene is 80 microns thick, very durable, and suits a host of different uses. Please enquire about larger sizes and heavier grades.

From$138.40
black-polythene-2-m-wide-
2m wide Black Polythene

This polythene is 80 microns thick, very durable, and suits a host of different uses. Please enquire about larger sizes and heavier grades.

From$254.60
bahco-grafting-knife-1
Bahco Grafting Knife

This grafting knife from Bacho is the industry standard for all types of grafting including cleft, side approach, and air layering. The design...

From$89.98
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Vegetable Fertiliser (Vegetable Fertiliser)

Vegetable plants respond exceptionally well to The Plant Company’s vegetable fertiliser with better quality produce, higher yields, and a much...

From$12.50
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Rose Fertiliser

Roses respond exceptionally well to rose fertiliser with better quality flowers and foliage, stronger stems, and a much healthier and brighter...

From$12.50
Hydrangea 'Libelle'

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Dichroa, Hydrangea Phylica and Plagianthus, or related Categories - Black polythene, Rose Fertiliser, Vegetable Fertiliser, Grafting and Budding, Rooting Hormone, Deciduous Climbers, Deciduous Shrubs Evergreen Shrubs and Deciduous Trees.

Search different types of hydrangeas

Understanding Hydrangea Varieties

Hydrangeas belong to a diverse genus, which includes mophead, lacecap, panicle, and oakleaf types. Each has unique features, from flower shape to colour-changing abilities. Mophead hydrangeas, with their iconic ball-shaped clusters, are a classic choice for gardeners wanting dramatic colour. Lacecap hydrangeas offer a more delicate look, with flat flowers and tiny fertile centres surrounded by showy petals. Panicle hydrangeas, such as Hydrangea paniculata Levana, produce elongated blossoms and thrive in cooler climates, making them perfect for New Zealand gardens that experience a range of temperatures. Oakleaf hydrangeas boast lush foliage and cone-shaped blooms, adding texture and depth to garden borders.

Popular Types of Hydrangeas in New Zealand

If you're searching for different types of hydrangeas to plant, start by considering the following options:

For a nod to unique aesthetics, try Hydrangea Kyushu for airy white flower clusters, or Hydrangea Princess Juliana for refined, compact shrubbery suited to smaller spaces.

Specialty Hydrangeas to Enhance Your Garden

For gardeners looking to make a bold statement, specialty hydrangeas are a must. Hydrangea Merveille Sanguine stands out with its dramatic deep red blooms, contrasting beautifully with lush green foliage. These striking varieties can serve as feature plants or anchor colour-themed beds all season long.

Choosing the Right Hydrangea for Your Garden

When selecting from the different types of hydrangeas, consider your site conditions, design goals, and desired bloom colour. Mopheads and lacecaps bring vivid hues and texture, while panicle and oakleaf types deliver structure and season-long interest. Explore the extensive selection at our nursery, including Hydrangea Masja, Hydrangea Kyushu, Hydrangea paniculata Levana, Hydrangea Merveille Sanguine, and Hydrangea Princess Juliana to find the perfect hydrangea for your landscape. With the right choice, you’ll enjoy spectacular blooms and a garden brimming with personality.


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.

Everyone knows classic varieties like Lomandra 'Tanika' and Lomandra Frosty Tops, but you might just fall in love with Sequoia sempervirens (Coastal Redwood), Ophiopogon Silver Mist (Silver Mondo Grass), and Hebe Waireka.
–The Plant Company

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