The year 2023 sees several new hydrangeas coming to the retail market. Here's the rundown on some of these exciting shrubs:
Cloud Nine hybrid hydrangea (Hydrangea ‘18/1’)
This unique new hydrangea offers white lacecap flowers that line its stems from spring to fall and stand out against its dark green foliage. With their frilly edges, the kite-shaped petals contribute fascinating detail whether the flowers are left to mature in the garden or snipped for the vase. The pure white color from Cloud Nine is perfect for brightening shady spaces.
Cloud Nine grows three to four feet high and wide. It requires part sun or shade conditions and moderate water. USDA Zones 7b–10.
Endless Summer Pop Star hydrangea
(Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Bailmacsix')
Pop Star, a bigleaf hydrangea, stands out thanks to its compact size and pure flower power. It suits the border, low hedge or large pot with no need of pruning. Its lacecap flowers provide visual texture while catering to pollinators, and its thick leaves hold up well in hot summers. Pop Star® is exceptionally quick to rebloom, with new buds appearing just four weeks after a hard cutback that removed terminal buds. (This harsh treatment in the breeder’s trial mimicked a harsh, bud-killing winter or accidental fall pruning.)
Pop Star grows 18 to 36 inches tall and wide. Its flowers will be neon blue or bright pink, depending on soil pH and the presence of aluminum. Provide regular water and sun or part shade. Zones 4–9.
Seaside Serenade Glacier Bay hydrangea
(Hydrangea macrophylla ‘CAMCHO45’)
Sturdy black stems support the crisp white lacecap flowers of Glacier Bay, which reblooms throughout the summer and into fall. With its rounded habit and substantial foliage, this bigleaf cultivar can be massed in the landscape or used singly as an accent in the garden. Its flowers hold up very well when cut for arrangements.
Glacier Bay grows three feet tall and wide. Plant it in part sun or filtered shade. It needs moderate watering. Zones 4–9.
Invincibelle Sublime smooth hydrangea
(Hydrangea arborescens ‘SMBHRL’)
This cultivar ushers in a new day for full-sized smooth hydrangeas. Its cloud-like tourmaline-green mophead flowers float above the plant on super-sturdy stems. The very dark green foliage sets off the lively green of the blooms. Introduced as a replacement for the variety Lime Rickey, Invincibelle Sublime offers better color and more tolerance of heat. Its green hue looks lovely combined with the white and pink flowers typically found in H. arborescens, a native of North America.
Invincibelle Sublime grows three-and-a-half to five feet tall and wide. It needs full to part sun and moderate water. Flowering occurs on new growth; cut all stems back to 12 inches in early spring. Zones 3–9.
Puffer Fish panicle hydrangea
(Hydrangea paniculata ‘NCHP1’)
Think of Puffer Fish as a larger version of the beloved cultivar Bobo. Fluffy blooms engulf the entire plant, nearly obscuring the foliage. The flowers open pure white. As they age, they turn lime green and then a fresh sprig of white flowers emerges from the tip of the panicle. Unlike most panicle hydrangeas, Puffer Fish’s flowers do not turn pink. This recommends it for moon gardens.
Puffer Fish grows three to five feet tall and wide, with stems strong enough to support its heavy blooms. Provide full to part sun and moderate water. Zones 3–8.
Sweet Starlight panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Pan1782hydr’)
An abundance of bright white blooms stud this compact panicle hydrangea, which produces strong stems that promise to remain upright throughout the growing season. As early as July, a soft pink will begin to show up on the flowers, which will continue to age to a beautiful dark pink.
Sweet Starlight reaches four feet tall and three to four feet wide. It grows in full sun to part shade with moderate water. Zones 4–8.
Read about other recently introduced hydrangeas:
Looking for an oakleaf hydrangea? Read about those in this article.
Images courtesy of (top to bottom): Southern Living Plant Collection; Bailey Nurseries; Monrovia; Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs; Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs; Bloomables.
