Rhododendrons and hydrangeas have many similarities in terms of their location and soil quality requirements. For this reason, they can be easily combined with each other in the garden. In this article you will find out how the two shrubs differ and what you should pay attention to when caring for them.
What is the difference between rhododendron and hydrangea?
Although rhododendrons and hydrangeas are very similar shrubs at first glance, their flowers and leaves differ significantly from each other upon closer inspection. In terms of their needs, both plants have very similar requirements, the differences are only very small.
How do rhododendrons and hydrangeas differ visually?
At first glance, rhododendrons and hydrangeas look quite similar. However, they belong to different plant genera, which leads to some distinguishing features.
Theflowersof the rhododendron are arranged in large, hemispherical umbels and slightly curl. The flower color is usually pink, but shades of blue and yellow are also available. The flower balls of hydrangeas are denser and stand out clearly from those of rhododendrons.
Rhododendronblooms earlier in the yearthan hydrangeas. While most hydrangea flowers only open in June and then bloom until September, rhododendron flowers appear in March. By combining both shrubs, you can achieve continuous flowering from March to September.
The clearest difference is visible in winter: While most hydrangeas lose their leaves in winter, the rhododendron isevergreen
What different needs do the two shrubs have?
Rhododendrons have significantlythicker leaves compared to hydrangeasThey can store water well in them and can therefore cope with dry phases better than hydrangeas.
AlsoShade Rhododendron tolerates shade a little better, but like the hydrangea, it grows best in partial shade.
Tip
A question of personal taste
Because the needs of rhododendrons and hydrangeas are so marginal, you can ultimately decide which of the two shrubs you want to plant in your garden based on your personal taste. You can also combine rhododendrons and hydrangeas, which also looks very harmonious.
