Hydrangeas are beloved for their stunning blooms and lush foliage, but many varieties can quickly outgrow their designated space, leaving gardeners with a pruning headache. However, fear not! There are several small hydrangea cultivars perfectly suited for compact gardens, containers, and even balconies. In this guide, we’ll explore seven such varieties that will add beauty to your landscape without taking over.
1. Cityline® Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Cityline’)
Cityline® hydrangeas are a series of compact, dwarf hydrangeas that thrive in small spaces. These varieties typically reach heights of 1 to 3 feet, making them ideal for borders, containers, or even as foundation plants. Despite their diminutive size, Cityline® hydrangeas produce large, vibrant blooms in shades of pink, blue, or purple, depending on soil acidity. Their tidy growth habit and long-lasting flowers make them a favorite among urban gardeners.
2. Bobo® Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘ILVOBO’)
Bobo® hydrangeas may be small in stature, but they pack a punch when it comes to flower power. This compact panicle hydrangea tops out at around 3 feet tall and wide, making it perfect for smaller gardens or even as a focal point in a mixed border. Despite its petite size, Bobo® produces an abundance of large, white blooms that gradually turn pink as the season progresses. Its sturdy stems and tidy habit make it an excellent choice for both landscaping and cut flower arrangements.
3. Little Lime® Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Jane’)
Little Lime® hydrangea is a petite version of the popular Limelight hydrangea, boasting the same stunning lime-green blooms in a smaller package. This compact shrub reaches heights of 3 to 5 feet, making it an excellent choice for smaller gardens or even large containers. Like its larger counterpart, Little Lime® blooms on new wood, ensuring reliable flowering year after year. Its compact size and sturdy stems make it a great choice for windy locations or as a low hedge.
4. Let’s Dance® Rhythmic Blue® Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘SMHMLR’)
Let’s Dance® Rhythmic Blue® hydrangea is a compact reblooming hydrangea that packs a punch with its vibrant blue blooms. This compact mophead hydrangea reaches heights of 2 to 3 feet, making it perfect for smaller gardens or even containers on a patio or balcony. Unlike traditional mophead hydrangeas, Rhythmic Blue® blooms on both old and new wood, ensuring a continuous display of flowers from summer through fall. Its compact size and repeat blooming habit make it a must-have for any garden.
5. Tuff Stuff™ Hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata ‘MAK20’)
Tuff Stuff™ hydrangea is a tough and compact mountain hydrangea that is perfect for small spaces. This versatile shrub reaches heights of 2 to 3 feet and boasts lacecap blooms in shades of pink or blue, depending on soil acidity. Tuff Stuff™ is known for its compact habit and sturdy stems, making it an excellent choice for borders, mass plantings, or even as a low hedge. Its reliable reblooming habit ensures a steady stream of flowers from spring through fall, adding beauty to the garden year-round.
6. Invincibelle® Wee White® Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens ‘NCHA5’)
Invincibelle® Wee White® hydrangea is a compact and reliable smooth hydrangea that is perfect for small gardens or containers. This petite shrub reaches heights of 1 to 2 feet and produces an abundance of pure white blooms from summer through fall. Unlike traditional smooth hydrangeas, Wee White® blooms on new wood, ensuring reliable flowering even after harsh winters. Its compact size and sturdy stems make it an excellent choice for borders, mass plantings, or even as a low hedge.
7. Sikes Dwarf Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Sikes Dwarf’)
Sikes Dwarf oakleaf hydrangea is a compact and elegant shrub that is perfect for adding texture to small gardens or shaded areas. This dwarf variety reaches heights of 3 to 4 feet and boasts large, oak-shaped leaves that turn vibrant shades of red and purple in the fall. In addition to its stunning foliage, Sikes Dwarf produces elongated clusters of white flowers in late spring and early summer, adding beauty and interest to the garden. Its compact size and tolerance of shade make it a versatile choice for any landscape.
In conclusion, small hydrangeas offer all the beauty of their larger counterparts without the worry of overgrowth. Whether you have a tiny urban garden, a balcony, or just prefer compact plants, these seven varieties are sure to add charm and elegance to your outdoor space. With their stunning blooms, tidy growth habits, and versatility, these small hydrangeas are a must-have for any garden enthusiast.
