The famous perennial gardener Karl Foerster wrote about the hydrangea: “No flower dies more beautifully”. Even though many hydrangeas shed their leaves in autumn, they are an ornament to any green space. The fading, smoky colors of the hydrangea flowers, decorated with spider webs glittering in the dew, enchant the autumn garden. However, some more or less winter-hardy new varieties retain their attractive foliage even in the cold months.
Which hydrangeas are evergreen?
Evergreen hydrangeas are rare and include some tropical varieties as well as new climbing hydrangea varieties such as Semiola and Silver Lining. They are suitable for partially shaded or shady locations, can be delicate and require regular watering in winter.
Evergreen hydrangeas – enchanting rarities
The evergreen hydrangea varieties that do not shed their leaves even in the cold season include some tropical hydrangeas and new climbing hydrangea varieties. The best known are:
- Semiola, which adorns itself with bright copper-red shoots in spring.
- Silver lining, with silver marked leaves and large white flower umbrellas.
The evergreen climbing hydrangeas form adhesive roots similar to ivy, with which they climb several meters in height. In contrast to many climbing plants, the roots of these evergreen hydrangeas do not penetrate the masonry. They are suitable for semi-shady or shady locations as they require little sunlight and still produce a rich flower flora.
Evergreen hydrangeas are slightly more sensitive than the deciduous varieties and should only be planted outdoors in mild regions. You must water this hydrangea regularly during dry periods in winter, as, like many evergreen plants, a lot of liquid evaporates over the large leaf surface on sunny winter days.
Deciduous varieties are the rule
Most hydrangeas shed their leaves in autumn and prepare for the cold season. These species include:
- Farmer Hydrangeas
- Ball hydrangeas
- panicle hydrangeas
- Plate hydrangeas
- Velvet hydrangeas
- Oakleaf Hydrangeas
- Some climbing hydrangea species.
Some varieties such as the oakleaf hydrangea take on an intense foliage color in autumn and adorn themselves with the most beautiful autumn colors before the dreary winter months.
Tips & Tricks
Evergreen climbing hydrangeas are also suitable as attractive ground cover in mild regions. However, they should only be planted where the temperature does not permanently fall below five degrees below zero.
