I absolutely love mophead hydrangea varieties! These stunning plants, scientifically known as Hydrangea macrophylla, are famous for their large, round clusters of flowers that resemble a mop—hence the name “mophead.” The flowers are usually made up of smaller florets, and their colour can range from blue to pink, purple, or even white, depending on the soil’s pH. They’re one of my favourite types of hydrangeas because of their dramatic, showy blooms that make a garden truly stand out.
Key Features of My Mophead Hydrangeas:
- Flower Clusters: The most distinctive feature is the large, ball-shaped flower clusters. They often have a fluffy, pom-pom-like appearance, making them look almost too perfect to be real!
- Colour: I love that the colour of mophead hydrangeas can vary based on the soil. In acidic soil (pH below 6), the blooms tend to be blue. In alkaline soil (pH above 7), they usually turn pink. I’ve also seen beautiful purple blooms in soils closer to neutral, and white varieties like Madame Emile Mouillere produce creamy white flowers.
- Bloom Time: I enjoy watching them bloom from late spring into summer, and sometimes even into the fall, depending on the climate.
- Hardiness: Mophead hydrangeas are hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and thrive in slightly acidic, well-drained soils.
- Growth Habit: These hydrangeas typically grow as shrubs with a bushy, compact form, making them perfect for borders, hedges, or even containers in smaller spaces.
Flowering on Old Wood vs. New Wood:
Most mophead hydrangeas, like the classic varieties, bloom on old wood (the growth from the previous year). So, I have to be careful when pruning to avoid cutting off next season’s blooms. However, there are newer varieties like Endless Summer that bloom on both old and new wood, which is such a relief! It means they’ll bloom even if the old wood is damaged by winter.
Popular Mophead Hydrangea Varieties:
There are many beautiful mophead hydrangea varieties, each with distinct flower colours and features. Here’s a list of popular Hydrangea macrophylla (mophead) varieties:
1- Big Daddy
- Color: Deep blue (acidic soil) to pink (alkaline soil)
- Bloom Time: Summer
- Features: Large, dense flower heads with deep blue colour in acidic soils and large pink blooms in alkaline soils.
2- Penny Mac
- Colour: Blue (acidic soil), Pink (alkaline soil)
- Bloom Time: Summer
- Features: A compact variety of Endless Summer, known for consistent blooms and adaptability in different climates.
3- All Summer Beauty
- Colour: Pink to lavender
- Bloom Time: Summer to fall
- Features: Another reliable re-blooming variety, often with pink flowers that deepen in colour as they mature.
4- Nikko Blue
- Colour: Blue (acidic soil), Pink (alkaline soil)
- Bloom Time: Mid-summer to fall
- Features: One of the most well-known mophead varieties, producing classic blue or pink blooms depending on soil pH. The flowers are large and showy.
5- Macrophylla ‘Bailmer’ (Endless Summer®)
- Colour: Blue (acidic soil), Pink (alkaline soil)
- Bloom Time: Spring through fall
- Features: This variety is similar to Endless Summer but with more compact growth and the same re-blooming ability.
6- Blushing Bride
- Colour: White to pale pink
- Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
- Features: Features large, mophead clusters that start off white and gradually turn pink as they age. Known for its soft, romantic look.
7- Madame Emile Mouillere
- Colour: White
- Bloom Time: Summer to fall
- Features: A classic white mophead hydrangea, often used in wedding bouquets and for its elegant, pure white flowers.
8- Tuff Stuff™
- Colour: Pink to lavender lacecap blooms
- Bloom Time: Spring to summer
- Features: Known for its compact size and re-blooming ability. This variety produces small but dense flower clusters.
9- Mini Penny™
- Colour: Blue (acidic soil), Pink (alkaline soil)
- Bloom Time: Mid-summer
- Features: A smaller, more compact version of the Penny Mac, ideal for smaller spaces or containers.
10- Endless Summer® Summer Crush
- Colour: Raspberry red
- Bloom Time: Summer to fall
- Features: Produces rich, vibrant pink to raspberry red blooms, making it a standout among mophead varieties.
11- Sparkling Sapphires®
- Colour: Blue (acidic soil)
- Bloom Time: Summer
- Features: Known for its deep blue flowers that are especially vivid in acidic soil, with a glossy texture.
12- You & Me®
- Colour: Pink, Blue
- Bloom Time: Summer
- Features: A newer hybrid that blooms on both old and new wood, with the ability to shift color based on soil pH.
Tips for Growing My Mophead Hydrangeas:
Soil pH: One of the things I love about mophead hydrangeas is how I can adjust the soil pH to change the colour of the blooms. If I want blue flowers, I aim for slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.0). For pink blooms, I raise the pH to a more alkaline range (pH 6.5–7.0). To influence the colour, I’ll sometimes add aluminium sulfate for blue or lime for pink—it’s such a fun experiment to see the results each season!
Re-blooming Varieties: I’ve found that some of the newer varieties, like Endless Summer™ and Tuff Stuff™, are a game-changer for me. They bloom on both old and new wood, which means I get more consistent and longer-lasting flowers throughout the growing season. I love how these varieties can offer blooms even if the older wood gets damaged during winter.
Pruning: I’ve learned that most mophead hydrangeas bloom on old wood, so I make sure to prune them just after they finish flowering to avoid cutting off next season’s buds. Pruning at the wrong time can limit the amount of blooms, so this step is key to ensuring I get those gorgeous flowers every year!
Summary,
Overall, mophead hydrangeas are one of my favourite ways to add colour and a soft, romantic look to any garden. They’re so versatile, and their blooms never fail to impress me, whether I’m enjoying them in a backyard border, a container, or as part of a larger landscape design.
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.