Hi, I’m a horticultural consultant. In this post, I provided a list of cheaper alternatives to Hydrangea including Spirea, Elderberry, Cotoneaster, Weigela, Butterfly Bush, Abelia, and Rose of Sharon. Here, you can see their images and price range. I will also give you tips for caring for them which will help you choose the best according to your garden conditions. Let’s get going.
Factors Affecting the Price of the Alternatives to Hydrangea
It is difficult for me to give you the exact price of cheaper alternatives to Hydrangea because their prices are involved with different factors such as:
- Size: Larger plants generally cost more.
- Variety: Unique or rare varieties may have higher price tags.
- Age: Established plants are often more expensive than younger ones.
- Container Size: Larger containers can increase the price.
- Retailer: Prices can vary between nurseries, garden centres, and online retailers.
For instance, the price of Hydrangea varies from $20 to $100. For the most accurate pricing information, I recommend checking with local nurseries or garden centres in your area. They can provide specific prices based on the plants you’re interested in and any ongoing promotions or discounts.
What Are Cheaper Alternatives to Hydrangea?
As I told you above Hydrangea has several lookalikes like Rhododendron ($20 – $200), Lilac ($20 – $100), and Crapemyrtle ($20 – $150) but only some of them are cheaper than Hydrangea (their prices are $10 – $80). You can find 7 cheaper alternatives to Hydrangea in the following:
Spirea: A Cheaper Alternative to Hydrangea
Scientific name: Spiraea japonica (Japanese Spirea) is a common species.
Price: $10 – $50
Hardiness Zone: Zones 3-9
Appearance and beauty:
Spirea shrubs come in various sizes and shapes, from dwarf varieties to upright, cascading forms. Their flowers can be white, pink, red, or purple, and they bloom in clusters. (Read my other post “Plants with clusters of white flowers)
Spirea offers year-round interest with its flowers, foliage, and berries (in some varieties). They are relatively low-maintenance, attract pollinators, and can be used as hedges, ground covers, or specimen plants.
Caring Tips:
Spirea prefers well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. They are drought-tolerant once established but benefit from regular watering during dry periods. Pruning can be done immediately after flowering to shape and remove dead or weak branches.
Elderberry: A Cheaper Alternative to Hydrangea
Scientific name: Sambucus canadensis (American Elderberry) is a popular species.
Price: $20 – $80
Hardiness Zone: Zones 3-9
Appearance and beauty:
Elderberry shrubs have large, compound leaves and clusters of small, white flowers. They produce dark purple or black berries in late summer (read my other post about Blackberry identification).
Elderberry shrubs offer edible berries, which can be used for making jams, jellies, and wine. They also provide habitat for birds and other wildlife.
Caring Tips:
Elderberry shrubs prefer moist, well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. They are relatively low-maintenance but may benefit from pruning to remove dead or weak branches.
Rose of Sharon: A Cheaper Alternative to Hydrangea
Scientific name: Hibiscus syriacus (Syrian Hibiscus)
Price: $10 – $50
Hardiness Zone: Zones 4-9
Appearance and beauty:
Large, showy flowers in a variety of colours, including white, pink, red, and purple. Leaves are typically heart-shaped and green. Read my other post “Identification white flowering trees”.
Blooms throughout the summer, attract pollinators, are drought-tolerant once established, and can be trained as a small tree or shrub.
Caring Tips:
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Well-draining soil.
Watering: Regular watering, especially during dry periods.
Fertilizing: Fertilize annually in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Pruning: Prune immediately after flowering to shape and remove dead or weak branches.
Abelia: A Cheaper Alternative to Hydrangea
Scientific name: Abelia grandiflora (Glossy Abelia) is a popular species.
Price: $15 – $75
Hardiness Zone: Zones 6-9
Appearance and beauty:
Small, tubular flowers in shades of pink, white, or red. Leaves are glossy green and often have a reddish tint.
Blooms continuously from spring to fall, fragrant flowers, low-maintenance, and suitable for hedges or borders.
Caring Tips:
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Well-draining soil.
Watering: Regular watering, especially during dry periods.
Fertilizing: Fertilize annually in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and remove dead or weak branches.
Butterfly Bush: A Cheaper Alternative to Hydrangea
Scientific name: Buddleja davidii (David’s Butterfly Bush)
Price: $10 – $50
Hardiness Zone: Zones 5-9
Appearance and beauty:
Clusters of small, tubular flowers in a variety of colours, including purple, pink, blue, and white. Leaves are oval-shaped and green.
Attracts butterflies and other pollinators, blooms throughout the summer, is relatively low-maintenance, and can grow in a variety of soil conditions.
Caring Tips:
Sunlight: Full sun.
Soil: Well-draining soil.
Watering: Regular watering, especially during dry periods.
Fertilizing: Fertilize annually in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and remove dead or weak branches.
Weigela: A Cheaper Alternative to Hydrangea
Scientific name: Weigela florida (Florida Weigela) is a common species.
Price: $15 – $75
Hardiness Zone: Zones 4-9
Appearance and beauty:
Tubular flowers in shades of pink, red, or white. Leaves are oval-shaped and can be green, variegated, or purple.
Blooms in spring and early summer, attractive foliage, relatively low maintenance, and suitable for hedges or borders.
Caring Tips:
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Well-draining soil.
Watering: Regular watering, especially during dry periods.
Fertilizing: Fertilize annually in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Pruning: Prune immediately after flowering to shape and remove dead or weak branches.
Cotoneaster: A Cheaper Alternative to Hydrangea
Scientific name: Cotoneaster horizontalis (Creeping Cotoneaster) is a well-known species.
Price: $10 – $50
Hardiness Zone: Zones 3-9
Appearance and beauty:
Small, white, or pink flowers followed by red or orange berries. Leaves are oval-shaped and can be evergreen or deciduous.
Provides year-round interest with flowers, berries, and foliage, attracts birds, and can be used as a ground cover, shrub, or small tree.
Caring Tips:
Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Well-draining soil.
Watering: Regular watering, especially during dry periods.
Fertilizing: Fertilize annually in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Pruning: Prune immediately after flowering to shape and remove dead or weak branches.
General Care Tips for Cheaper Alternatives to Hydrangea
- Mulching: Mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Pest and disease control: Monitor plants for pests and diseases, and take appropriate action if necessary.
- Winter protection: In colder climates, protect plants from harsh winters by wrapping them in burlap or frost blankets. I give you the best hardiness zone for cheaper alternatives to Hydrangea, but Hardiness zones can vary slightly depending on microclimates within a region. The specific hardiness zone for your location can be found on the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Conclusion
Now, you have a list of the cheaper alternatives to Hydrangea which not only saves money but also offers unique benefits and adds beauty to your yard or garden. I gave you their prices, images, and caring tips. However, factors such as size, location, variety, and retailer have a significant impact on the prices.
I tried to help you choose the best cheaper alternative, however, price is not the only factor for selecting a plant and you must consider its specific caring needs and your preferences, such as climate, soil conditions, and desired flower colours.
Elahe Rabiei
Hi, I’m Elaheh. My Academic major is plant protection, and houseplants are my expertise. As a houseplant lover, my house is full of indoor plants and it is my passion to take care of them. Hence, I’m here to share my knowledge and experience about growing healthy houseplants. I am also a plant protection advisor, so feel free to ask me any questions you may have.