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types of hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are some of the most beloved shrubs in New Zealand gardens. Known for their lush blooms and bold colours, hydrangeas are as beautiful as they are versatile. With countless varieties to choose from, finding the right types of hydrangeas for your landscape can be both exciting and rewarding. Whether you’re searching for dramatic mophead blossoms or the elegant panicle types, hydrangeas offer something for every garden style and climate.

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
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Pee Wee' in a border garden and displaying masses of white flowers.
Hydrangea 'Pee Wee'

Hydrangea 'Pee Wee' is a dwarf oakleaf hydrangea known for its compact size and striking seasonal appeal. It produces upright clusters of white...

From$30.29
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
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 '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-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
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 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$30.29
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$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
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$30.29
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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
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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$30.29
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
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 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
An informal Hydrangea 'Bombshell' hedge covered with amazing white flowers and lush, green foliage.
Hydrangea 'Bombshell'

Hydrangea 'Bombshell' is a compact, mounding shrub that produces masses of white, star-shaped flowers with soft lime centres. Flowering from early...

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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...

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
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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 '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 '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
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
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
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Tree Fertiliser (Tree Fertiliser)

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

From$12.50
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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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Native Plant Fertiliser (Native Fertiliser)

Selecting the correct native plant fertiliser is essential as they often tend to be slow growing and so require a tailored nutrient plan to meet...

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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...

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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...

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Hydrangea 'Libelle'

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Dichroa Hydrangea and Plagianthus, or related Categories - General Garden Fertiliser, Native Plant Fertiliser, Vegetable Fertiliser, Grafting and Budding, Rooting Hormone, Deciduous Climbers, Deciduous Shrubs Evergreen Shrubs and Deciduous Trees.

Search types of hydrangeas

Popular Types of Hydrangeas

While hydrangeas come in many shapes and sizes, a few main types have become favourites among gardeners. Understanding the key differences helps you select the best fit for your garden.

Mophead Hydrangeas

Mophead hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) boast large, rounded flower heads and are perhaps the most recognisable type. Their blooms can range from pink, blue, or purple, with colour often influenced by soil pH. Varieties like Hydrangea Masja are known for their vibrant, deep pink flowers and compact form, making them perfect for smaller spaces or containers.

Lacecap Hydrangeas

Lacecaps feature a more delicate, flat bloom with central fertile flowers surrounded by larger, sterile blossoms. Their subtle structure provides a different texture in the garden, with varieties such as Hydrangea Blue Deckle bringing a refined touch and a lovely blue hue that stands out in partially shaded spots.

Panicle Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata)

If you crave impressive, elongated clusters of blooms, panicle hydrangeas are a standout choice. Their cone-shaped flowers often start white and take on rose or lime tones as they mature. For an especially grand specimen, Hydrangea paniculata Levana offers massive panicles and a graceful, upright habit ideal for making a bold statement.

Mountain Hydrangeas

Known for their hardiness, mountain hydrangeas (Hydrangea serrata) bring resilience alongside beauty. Their smaller, lacecap-style blooms pair well in mixed borders, adding gentle colour and structure. You might consider Hydrangea Blue Deckle, a popular serrata type, if you want reliable flowers and a bushy, compact shape.

Unique and Unusual Varieties

Beyond the classics, there are unique hydrangea varieties worth noting. Hydrangea Kyushu features elegant, airy panicles, lending a soft, ethereal quality. Hydrangea Princess Juliana delights with delicate, beautifully formed blooms that make a striking addition to specialty collections or focal points.

Choosing the Right Hydrangea for Your Garden

When considering the types of hydrangeas for your garden, think about the space, sunlight, and style you want to achieve. Mophead varieties like Hydrangea Masja are ideal for borders and containers. Panicle types like Hydrangea paniculata Levana provide height and drama. Delicate mountain and lacecap types such as Hydrangea Blue Deckle or Hydrangea Kyushu offer refined beauty for shadier or sheltered areas.

Explore our full range of hydrangeas and discover the perfect types of hydrangeas to enhance your New Zealand garden with lasting colour and charm.


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