Size of the plants we ship


Our 1-year plants have been grown in a 3.5” pot for at least one growing season. The root ball is approximately 3” by 3” and foliage is typically 2 to 4”. Our 2-year plants are growing in a trade 1-gallon container for at least one growing seasons. The one-gallon plants have a root ball of approximately 4 inches and foliage can be 4 to 12” in height. Our 3-year plants have been grown in a 2-gallon or a 3-gallon container for at least one season. The root balls are approximately 6 to 8 inches and foliage can be 12 to 24” in height. We do not force our plants out of their normal growing cycle so if you are receiving plants in early spring or late fall, they may be leafless or some state less than full leaf. We cut our hydrangeas often to spur new growth and a better branch system so heights vary by time of year and of course, by variety. Remember, hydrangeas grow quickly and the more branches your hydrangea has, the more blooms. Heights indicated in the catalog are the ideal mature size with annual pruning. Sun tolerance in the catalog is for an established plant. Please protect newly planted hydrangeas from the sun until well established. We do not ship hydrangeas in bloom but will do our best to send plants that have buds in the spring. We do not guarantee our plants will bloom but we will do everything in our power to send you plants that will bloom.

Zone guidelines (based on USDA):

• Zone 4 is –30 degrees F to –20 degrees F for average minimum temperatures
• Zone 5 is –20 degrees F to –10 degrees F for average minimum temperatures
• Zone 6 is –10 degrees F to 0 degrees F for average minimum temperatures
• Zone 7 is 0 degrees F to 20 degrees F for average minimum temperatures
• Zone 8 is 20 degrees F to 40 degrees F for average minimum temperatures
• Zone 9 is 40 degrees F to 60 degrees F for average minimum temperatures

Here is a general guideline for hydrangea hardiness by family. This is our best estimate for hardiness but not necessarily bud hardiness.
Zone 4 - Paniculata, Petiolaris, Quelpartensis & Arborescens
Zone 5 - Schizophragma & Quercifolia
Zone 6 - Aspera, Macrophylla & Serrata
Zone 7 - Dichroa & Seamanii
Be sure to also incorporate wind chill. These are just guidelines and microclimates and weather patterns may skew zone ratings in your particular area.
New hydrangeas should be protected in colder zones for the first few years to ensure well-developed root systems and branch structures.Hydrangeas can be grown in zones higher or lower than illustrated in our catalog with protection from the cold and the heat.

Mature Size – Mature size is the expected height x width in feet for a mature plant with some annual pruning.

Bloom Size – The size of bloom, in inches, one can expect on a mature plant’s average blooms. Incremental weather or heavy pruning can cause smaller blooms.

Sun Tolerance - Our best guess for Sun Tolerance based on our experience in zone 7/8:

• Great – should be able to take full sun given enough water
• Good – able to take mostly sunny areas in all but the hottest areas
• Fair – may be able to take some afternoon sun in the north but may scorch
• Poor – morning sun only

Cut Flower – Based on our experience, we have rated the each variety and our success using is as a cut or dried flower.

Fall Color Change – Based on our experience, we have illustrated if each variety has a noticeable foliage color change as seasons change to fall.