Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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rainbow hydrangea

If you’re searching for “rainbow hydrangea” in New Zealand, you’re likely dreaming of a stunning shrub that bursts with a kaleidoscope of colourful blooms. While a true rainbow hydrangea isn’t a recognised species, the name often refers to hydrangea varieties that display multi-tonal flowers or dramatic shifts in colour throughout the season. These vibrant hydrangeas are a spectacular addition to any garden, lending lush foliage and an eye-catching floral show from late spring through to autumn.

Hydrangea Mariesii Perfecta

Hydrangea 'Mariesii Perfecta' is a stunning lacecap hydrangea celebrated for its vivid blue or pink outer florets surrounding fertile central blooms, all set against lush green foliage. This variety delivers a soft, layered floral display throughout summer, perfect for shaded borders, woodland gardens, or cottage-style plantings in New Zealand. It thrives in part-shade with moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil, and rewards with dependable flowering and refined elegance season after season. 'Mariesii Perfecta' is a timeless choice for gardeners who favour classic beauty.

Buy Hydrangea Mariesii Perfecta

From $29.63

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, Cottage, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock

Hydrangea 'You Me Together'

Hydrangea 'You Me Together' is a beautiful compact shrub admired for its fully double pink flower heads that create a lush romantic display through summer. This reliable variety performs exceptionally well in New Zealand gardens, bringing vibrant colour to borders and shaded spaces. With its tidy growth habit and abundant blooms, it is perfect for modern gardens, courtyards, and containers. Easy to grow and highly rewarding, it offers long lasting seasonal impact.

Buy Hydrangea 'You Me Together'

From $29.63

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 80 cm

Spread: 80 cm

Flowering time: Summer, Autumn

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Paths & Steps

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock

What is a Rainbow Hydrangea?

The term “rainbow hydrangea” is widely used to describe hydrangea shrubs that produce blooms with multiple hues—often blues, pinks, purples, and sometimes even creams or greens—all on a single plant. This magical colour variation is primarily influenced by the soil’s pH, which affects the pigment in the hydrangea’s flowers. Acidic soils tend to yield blue shades, while alkaline soils produce pinks and reds. With the right soil management, you can coax a wonderful spectrum of colours from your hydrangeas, giving that sought-after “rainbow” effect.

Best Rainbow Hydrangea Varieties for New Zealand Gardens

While the classic mophead hydrangeas are known for their impressive colour shifts, certain varieties are particularly popular for those wishing to achieve the “rainbow hydrangea” look. For truly unique blooms, consider Hydrangea Mariesii Perfecta, a lacecap hydrangea with delicate, multi-toned flowers, or Hydrangea 'You Me Together', which features exceptional double blooms in several shades across a single cluster. If you love the look of subtle colour transitions, Hydrangea serrata Preziosa makes a beautiful addition, with flowers that deepen in shade as the season progresses.

Planting and Caring for Rainbow Hydrangeas

For the best colour display from your rainbow hydrangea, plant in a sheltered spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade. Hydrangeas thrive in rich, free-draining soil. Adjusting your soil’s pH can help you enhance the multi-colour effect—try adding aluminium sulphate to encourage blues or lime to bring out pinks and reds. Water deeply to keep the soil consistently moist and mulch in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Regular feeding and deadheading will keep your shrub looking its best across the seasons.

Other Colourful Plant Options

For gardeners seeking even more bold and beautiful foliage, consider adding contrasting colour plants. Croton Lauren's Rainbow (Lauren's Rainbow Croton) is a striking indoor plant with variegated rainbow-hued leaves, perfect for adding a pop of tropical colour to your home. In the garden, Leucothoe fontanesiana Rainbow (leucothoe rainbow plant) provides year-round interest with its elegant arching branches and multicoloured new growth.

Make Your Garden a Rainbow Oasis

Whether you dream of a classic hydrangea bush with ever-changing blossoms or a garden overflowing with colour, “rainbow hydrangeas” are sure to delight. Explore our selection of unique hydrangea varieties and companion plants to create your own vibrant, eye-catching oasis. Try mixing your favourite hydrangeas, such as Hydrangea Mariesii Perfecta, with other stunning species for a display that truly celebrates the rainbow.

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.