I’ve been exploring some beautiful variegated hydrangea varieties, and I’m excited to share the ones I came across. Each one offers a unique combination of vibrant blooms and striking foliage, making them stand out in the garden. Here’s what I love about them:
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Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Variegata’
- Type: Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
- Why I Love It:
- The first thing that caught my eye about ‘Variegata’ is the stunning variegated foliage. The leaves are a beautiful mix of dark green with creamy white edges, creating a bold, eye-catching contrast that looks gorgeous even when the plant isn’t in bloom.
- Flowers: When it blooms, it’s just as lovely. It produces the classic mophead blooms in shades of pink, blue, or purple, depending on the soil. The flowers add to the plant’s appeal, but it’s the variegated leaves that truly steal the show for me.
- Size: I love that it’s a manageable size, growing around 3–4 feet tall and wide, which makes it perfect for smaller gardens, borders, or even containers.
- Bloom Time: Summer to fall
- Hardiness: Zones 5–9
- Care: I’ve found it thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil with some shade, especially during hot weather, to prevent the leaves from scorching.
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Hydrangea serrata ‘Euphoria Pink’: Variegated Hydrangea Varieties
- Type: Mountain Hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata)
- Why I Love It: While not exactly a “classic” variegated hydrangea, ‘Euphoria Pink’ has a subtle beauty I can’t resist. The foliage sometimes has a soft pink or purple tint around the edges, which gives it a delicate, almost ethereal quality.
- Flowers: The blooms are what I’d call romantic—starting out as soft pink and deepening as the season progresses. The flower clusters are a bit smaller and more refined compared to the typical mophead, which is perfect for a more understated look in my garden.
- Size: At just 2–3 feet tall, it’s compact enough to fit into smaller spaces or containers.
- Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
- Hardiness: Zones 5–9
- Care: This variety loves partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It’s easy to care for and adaptable, which I really appreciate.
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Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Mariesii Variegata’
- Type: Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
- Why I Love It:
- ‘Mariesii Variegata’ is a lacecap variety, and I adore how it combines the distinct variegated foliage with the elegant lacecap flowers. The leaves are dark green with white or cream edges, and they make a stunning backdrop to the delicate blooms.
- Flowers: The lacecap flowers have smaller, fertile flowers in the centre, surrounded by larger, showier blooms. The colour can shift from blue to pink depending on soil pH, adding to the charm.
- Size: It grows to about 3–4 feet tall, which works well in medium-sized gardens.
- Bloom Time: Mid-summer to early fall
- Hardiness: Zones 5–9
- Care: I’ve found it grows best in partial shade with moist, acidic soil. It’s a bit more delicate than mophead varieties, but the unique blooms make it worth the effort.
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Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Maculata’
- Type: Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
- Why I Love It: ‘Maculata’ has some of the most beautiful variegated foliage I’ve seen in a hydrangea. The leaves are splashed with irregular white or cream markings that create an intriguing, almost painted look. This variety has a lovely, unique texture that stands out in my garden.
- Flowers: Like other bigleaf hydrangeas, it produces mophead blooms that can be pink, blue, or purple, depending on the soil. The blooms complement the variegated leaves, creating a striking combination.
- Size: It grows to about 3–5 feet tall, making it suitable for medium-sized borders or larger containers.
- Bloom Time: Summer to fall
- Hardiness: Zones 5–9
- Care: I’ve found that ‘Maculata’ thrives in partial shade with well-drained, acidic soil. Like other bigleaf hydrangeas, it’s not too difficult to care for, as long as I protect it from intense afternoon sun.
Why I Love These Variegated Hydrangeas:
- Beautiful Foliage: The variegated leaves on these varieties are what really draw me in. Whether it’s the creamy edges or the splashes of white and pink, they add texture and interest to my garden all season long, even when the plant isn’t in bloom.
- Elegant Flowers: When they do bloom, the flowers are just as stunning, with soft hues of pink, blue, or purple that complement the foliage beautifully. Each variety has its own charm, from the refined lacecaps to the full mopheads.
- Compact and Versatile: These hydrangeas are all relatively compact, which makes them perfect for my garden. They fit well in smaller spaces, containers, or as part of a border.
- Hardy and Adaptable: These varieties are all hardy in Zones 5–9, so they’re well-suited to my climate. Plus, they’re versatile and thrive in partial shade, which is ideal for the conditions in my garden.
| My Other Posts for Caring for Indoor Hydrangea |
In Conclusion,
I’m really enjoying the variety and beauty these variegated hydrangea varieties bring, from their distinctive foliage to their gorgeous blooms. If you’re looking to add a little extra flair to your garden, these variegated hydrangeas are definitely worth considering!
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.
inhouseplant2017@gmail.com