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european hydrangea

European hydrangea has long been admired for its spectacular blooms and adaptability in gardens across New Zealand. This classic garden shrub, often known for its lush mophead or lacecap flowers, brings a timeless, romantic feel to both modern and cottage-style landscapes. Whether planted as an eye-catching specimen or grouped for a breathtaking floral display, the European hydrangea delivers months of colour, reliability, and joy.

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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.

From $30.29

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
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Hydrangea paniculata 'Levana'

Hydrangea 'Levana' is a spectacular deciduous shrub admired for its enormous cone shaped flower heads and lush green foliage. Flowering abundantly through summer, this impressive hydrangea produces masses of creamy white blooms that gradually soften with age, creating outstanding seasonal colour in New Zealand gardens.

From $27.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 2.50 m
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
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
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$27.95
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$27.95
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$21.95
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$27.95
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$27.95
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$21.95
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...

From$36.95
Fagus sylvatica (European Beech) specimen tree with emerging green foliage.
Fagus sylvatica

Fagus sylvatica, commonly known as the Common Beech or European Beech, is a large, deciduous tree that grows with a broad, spreading crown. The...

From$192.51
Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain' specimen tree.
Fagus sylvatica 'Purple Fountain'

The Purple Fountain beech is a variety of European Beech tree that features colourful foliage and weeping branches. The glossy leaves emerge deep...

From$270.40
Hydrangea 'Zaunkonig' purple flowers with blue florets.
Hydrangea 'Zaunkonig'

Hydrangea 'Zaunkönig' is a charming lacecap hydrangea admired for its delicate outer florets surrounding a vibrant pink to red centre. This elegant...

OUT OF STOCK
Hydrangea aspera pink and blue flowers above lush, green foliage.
Hydrangea aspera (Rough Leaf Hydrangea)

Hydrangea aspera is a striking deciduous shrub valued for its large velvety leaves and distinctive lacecap flowers in soft purple and blue tones...

OUT OF STOCK
Hydrangea 'You Me Romance' pink flower.
Hydrangea 'You Me Romance'

Hydrangea 'You & Me Romance' is a stunning deciduous shrub admired for its elegant double flower heads and lush green foliage. Flowering abundantly...

OUT OF STOCK
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Hydrangea 'Paris'

Hydrangea 'Paris' is a compact deciduous shrub admired for its vibrant flower heads and lush green foliage. Flowering abundantly through summer, this...

OUT OF STOCK
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Hydrangea 'Perfection'

Hydrangea 'Perfection' is a stunning deciduous hydrangea admired for its large rounded flower heads and elegant long lasting blooms. This beautiful...

OUT OF STOCK
Hydrangea 'You Me Emotion' pink flower head.
Hydrangea 'You Me Emotion'

Hydrangea 'You & Me Emotion' is a stunning deciduous shrub admired for its elegant double flower heads and lush green foliage. Flowering abundantly...

OUT OF STOCK
Hydrangea 'You Me Forever' blue flowers.
Hydrangea 'You Me Forever'

Hydrangea 'You & Me Forever' is a stunning deciduous shrub admired for its elegant double flower heads and lush green foliage. Flowering abundantly...

OUT OF STOCK
Hydrangea quercifolia shrub with green foliage and white flowers.
Hydrangea quercifolia

Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea) is a striking deciduous shrub admired for its large oak shaped leaves, elegant cone shaped flowers, and...

OUT OF STOCK
Hydrangea 'Harlequin' pink and white flower head above lush, green foliage.
Hydrangea 'Harlequin'

Hydrangea 'Harlequin' is a distinctive mophead hydrangea known for its large blooms edged in crisp white with vibrant pink to red centres. This eye...

OUT OF STOCK
Hydrangea 'Tardiva' white flowers.
Hydrangea 'Tardiva'

Hydrangea paniculata 'Tardiva' is a graceful deciduous shrub admired for its elegant late season cone shaped flower heads and lush green foliage...

OUT OF STOCK
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Altona' stunning, blue flowers.
Hydrangea 'Altona'

Hydrangea 'Altona' is a classic mophead hydrangea admired for its large rounded blooms in rich pink to rosy red tones. This reliable variety brings...

OUT OF STOCK
Hydrangea 'Hobella' shrub with pink flowers against dark green leaves.
Hydrangea 'Hobella'

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

OUT OF STOCK
Hydrangea 'Merritts Supreme' purple flower with lush, green foliage.
Hydrangea 'Merritt's Supreme'

Hydrangea 'Merritt's Supreme' is a spectacular mophead hydrangea admired for its exceptionally large rounded blooms in vibrant pink to blue tones...

OUT OF STOCK
Hydrangea 'Alpengluhen' dark pink-red flower head above lush, green foliage.
Hydrangea 'Alpengluhen'

Hydrangea 'Alpengluhen' is a striking mophead hydrangea known for its vivid deep red flower heads and glossy dark green foliage. This classic variety...

OUT OF STOCK
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Immaculata' white flowers above lush, green foliage.
Hydrangea 'Immaculata'

Hydrangea 'Immaculata' is an elegant lacecap hydrangea admired for its delicate white outer florets surrounding a soft creamy centre. This refined...

OUT OF STOCK
Hydrangea paniculata 'Diamond Rouge' pink flower head.
Hydrangea 'Diamond Rouge'

Hydrangea 'Diamond Rouge' is a spectacular flowering shrub prized for its large cone shaped blooms that open creamy white before turning rich pink...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
Hydrangea 'Mariesii' blue flowers.
Hydrangea 'Mariesii'

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

OUT OF STOCK
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Blue Diamond' shrubs with masses of blue flowers and lush, dark green foliage.
Hydrangea 'Blue Diamond'

Hydrangea 'Blue Diamond' is a compact and hardy variety prized for its vivid blue mophead flowers that appear from early summer. Perfect for...

OUT OF STOCK
Hydrangea 'Todi' stunning pink flower with lush, green foliage.
Hydrangea 'Todi'

Hydrangea 'Todi' is a charming compact mophead hydrangea admired for its rounded blooms in soft pink to rosy tones that brighten summer gardens. This...

OUT OF STOCK
Dichroa Blue Stars (Evergreen Hydrangea)

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

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What is European Hydrangea?

The term "European hydrangea" generally refers to Hydrangea macrophylla – native to Japan but enormously popular and widely cultivated in European gardens since the 18th century. With its signature large, domed or flattened clusters of blue, pink, or white flowers, European hydrangea is ideal for shady borders, patio pots, or as cut flowers indoors. Its glossy green leaves provide a lush backdrop, accentuating the ever-changing hues of the blooms.

Growing and Caring for European Hydrangea

European hydrangea thrives in moist, well-drained soil and part shade, though it can tolerate more sun if the soil stays consistently damp. Regular watering during dry periods keeps the plant healthy and flowering well. Mulching helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool during warmer months.

Prune European hydrangea after flowering for best results, as most flower on old wood. Deadheading spent blooms encourages fuller growth and prolongs the showy display into autumn. A light feed in early spring supports robust blooms and deep, healthy foliage.

Popular European Hydrangea Varieties

Looking to add a European hydrangea to your garden? Discover some beautiful cultivars commonly grown in New Zealand:

For something with a unique twist, explore Hydrangea aspera (Rough Leaf Hydrangea), which features soft, felted foliage and delicate lilac blooms, or the award-winning Hydrangea Garten Baudirektor Kuhnert with its sturdy structure and prolific flowering.

Landscape Uses for European Hydrangea

European hydrangea is prized for its versatility. Plant it as a specimen shrub in the lawn for instant impact, create lush informal hedges, or mix with other shade-loving companions such as hostas and ferns. Their long-lasting blooms also make European hydrangea a top choice for cutting gardens and floral arrangements, lending elegant seasonal colour to your home.

Add European Hydrangea to Your Garden

With its beautiful blooms, straightforward care, and history of success in New Zealand gardens, the European hydrangea is a must-have for plant enthusiasts and landscape designers alike. Browse our rich selection, including favourites like Hydrangea Paris and Hydrangea Mariesii Perfecta, to find the perfect European hydrangea for your next garden project.

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.

Illustration of plant leaves.
Celebrate your favourites like Anemanthele lessoniana (Pheasant's Tail Grass) and Azara microphylla, then branch out with Liriope 'Gold Banded' (Variegated Liriope), Liquidambar styraciflua, and Coprosma 'Painters Palette'.
–The Plant Company

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