Big, blowsy and beautiful, hydrangeas have traditionally been the go-to plant for a shady spot in our summer gardens. Now, there are varieties that are more sun and heat-tolerant, meaning that, as our weather evolves, so too can our gardens.
Traditional hydrangeas prefer temperate climates with mild winters and moist summers, soft morning sun and afternoon shade. This has sparked fears about how climate change – especially rising heat – will turn hydrangeas into botanical dinosaurs.
Don’t panic – plant breeders around the world have been on the case and new hydrangeas tolerant of heat and strong sunlight are now available. Full sun hydrangeas are now an option for those who want beautiful clusters of flowers without worrying about the heat of the sun withering them.
Chris Sargent, managing director of Plants Management Australia, says that new varieties of panicle hydrangeas “take more sun, produce more flowers and colour up well”.
“The flowers emerge white and, as the nights grow cooler, they age into a pink-red. The only thing they don’t like is a west wind as it saps the moisture,” he says.
Chris recommends ‘Sundae Fraise’ and ‘White Knight’ for Australian gardens. “They need more sun to flower, with protection from west winds,” he says.
Hydrangea paniculata has bunches of gleaming white flowers pierce the foliage in huge spearhead shapes. They are ideal for sunnier, dryer and even colder climates. Most of the flowers (bracts) are sterile, but tucked in among them are tiny fertile flowers. As they age and the temperatures cool down, blooms turn a delicate pink, then deep red, setting your garden ablaze – ageing can indeed be spectacular!
Check out our article on how to grow hydrangeas for the best care for your panicle hydrangea.
What is a panicle hydrangea?
As for other plants you may be concerned about, Chris says breeders have been working on adaptations for climate change for decades.
If you love the mophead but have a sun-filled garden, try growing its best imitator – the snowball tree (Viburnum opulus).
Growing to about 3 metres, it produces masses of green flower balls in spring that evolve into huge, pure white orbs. It’s a welcome-to-summer stunner!
