Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

hydrangea species

Hydrangea species are among the most beloved and versatile shrubs for New Zealand gardens. Known for their stunning, long-lasting blooms and lush green foliage, hydrangeas bring colour and structure to borders, cottage gardens, and shaded spaces. With many different hydrangea species to discover, there's an ideal choice for nearly every garden setting, whether you’re after dramatic mophead hydrangeas or those with more delicate lacecap flowers. Choosing the right hydrangea species can add beauty and value to your outdoor space year after year.

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 through summer, it adds texture and colour to NZ gardens while its lush foliage provides structure.

From $36.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.25 m
Spread: 1.25 m
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
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.

From $27.95

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-serrata-blue-deckle-1
Hydrangea 'Blue Deckle'

Hydrangea 'Blue Deckle' is a refined lacecap hydrangea valued for its delicate blue flower centres surrounded by pale outer florets. Flowering...

From$27.95
Hydrangea 'Nigra' shrub with blue flowers.
Hydrangea 'Nigra'

Hydrangea 'Nigra' is a distinctive deciduous shrub admired for its striking dark stems, lush green foliage, and elegant flower heads. Flowering...

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$27.95
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-macrophylla-paris-2
Hydrangea 'Paris'

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

From$36.95
hydrangea-macrophylla-alpen-gluten-
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
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$30.29
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
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$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$36.95
A colourful Hydrangea 'Raspberry Crush' flower.
Hydrangea 'Raspberry Crush'

Hydrangea 'Raspberry Crush' is a stunning deciduous shrub admired for its vibrant raspberry pink flower heads and lush green foliage. Flowering...

From$36.95
Sophora longicarinata yellow flowers.
Sophora longicarinata (Limestone Kowhai)

Sophora longicarinata is a rare and beautiful NZ native tree belonging to the kowhai family. This evergreen to semi deciduous species is admired for...

From$323.65
Juncus maritimus (Sea Rush) plants growing in saline water.
Juncus maritimus (Sea Rush)

Juncus maritimus, commonly known as Sea Rush, is a species of rush that prevails in coastal areas. It has long and rigid leaves that are lime-green...

From$18.29
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-blaumeise-4
Hydrangea 'Blaumeise'

Hydrangea 'Blaumeise' is a striking lacecap hydrangea known for its rich blue flower heads that create a refined and elegant display in NZ gardens...

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 '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 'Zaunkonig' purple flowers with blue florets.
Hydrangea 'Zaunkonig'

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

OUT OF STOCK
Hydrangea paniculata shrub with white flowers.
Hydrangea paniculata

Hydrangea paniculata is a hardy and versatile shrub species loved for its large, upright panicle flowers that bloom in shades of white, cream, pink...

OUT OF STOCK
hydrangea-macrophylla-perfection-
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 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-macrophylla-fireworks-
Hydrangea 'Fireworks'

Hydrangea 'Fireworks' is a unique lacecap hydrangea known for its double star shaped florets that create a striking layered effect. Flowering through...

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 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
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...

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 '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 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...

OUT OF STOCK
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...

OUT OF STOCK
A purple-blue Hydrangea 'Renate Steiniger' flower.
Hydrangea 'Renate Steiniger'

Hydrangea 'Renate Steiniger' is a stunning deciduous shrub admired for its vibrant rounded flower heads and lush green foliage. Flowering abundantly...

OUT OF STOCK
Hydrangea 'Blue Wave'

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.

Search hydrangea species

What Makes Hydrangea Species Unique?

Hydrangea species charm gardeners with spectacular displays of flowers, ranging in hue from classic blues and pinks to elegant whites and purples. Some hydrangea species offer large, rounded flower heads, while others present lacecap forms with a subtle, natural look. Each species may differ in size, leaf shape, bloom colour, and growing requirements. In New Zealand, hydrangeas thrive thanks to the country’s mild climate, and many gardeners choose to plant several hydrangea varieties together for a multi-season show.

Popular Hydrangea Species for New Zealand Gardens

Gardeners have a wealth of choices when it comes to hydrangea species. Some of the most widely grown include Hydrangea macrophylla (the classic mophead and lacecap types), Hydrangea paniculata, and Hydrangea aspera. The latter is also known as Rough Leaf Hydrangea, prized for its textured foliage and unique flowers. For those who appreciate rare or standout varieties, options like Hydrangea Madame Plumecoq, Hydrangea Mariesii Perfecta, and Hydrangea 'Zaunkonig' are outstanding selections. Each hydrangea species brings something a little different, from bloom size to leaf character and shade tolerance.

Choosing the Right Hydrangea Species

Picking the best hydrangea species for your garden depends on your space, light levels, and desired flower colour. If you're after large, statement blooms in soft pastel shades, traditional mophead forms are ideal. Consider Hydrangea Garten Baudirektor Kuhnert for showy, robust flowering in mixed borders. For a more delicate appearance and unique foliage, Hydrangea aspera (Rough Leaf Hydrangea) offers lacy lavender blooms and hairy leaves, making it a talking point in any part-shaded spot.

Tips for Growing Hydrangea Species

Most hydrangea species prefer moist, well-drained soil, shelter from strong winds, and dappled shade, though some are happy in full sun if kept consistently watered. They respond well to organic mulch and regular pruning after flowering. Adjusting your soil pH can even influence the bloom colour of some hydrangea species, particularly the Hydrangea macrophylla group. With a little care, hydrangeas will reward you for decades with spectacular floral displays.

Ready to explore the possibilities? Enhance your garden by exploring favourites like Hydrangea Madame Plumecoq or distinctive varieties such as Hydrangea 'Zaunkonig'. Discover how hydrangea species can transform your outdoor space with enduring beauty and effortless style.

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.
Our garden favourites Corokia 'Frosted Chocolate' and Gardenia 'Veitchii' get lots of love, but don’t miss out on a few lesser-known delights: Podocarpus totara 'Aurea' (Golden Tōtara), Buxus harlandii, and Cornus 'Cloud 9'.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

466 Google reviews