The Redwood Guide to Hydrangeas: Plant Now for Summer Wow

If there’s one shrub that truly defines the beauty of a New England summer, it’s the hydrangea. With bold, colorful blooms and lush foliage, hydrangeas add drama, charm, and long-lasting color to gardens of every style. And the good news? Now is the ideal time to plant them.

At Redwood Nursery in Swansea, we offer an incredible selection of hydrangeas—carefully curated for our local climate—and the expert guidance to help you plant with confidence. Whether you’re looking for a cottage garden vibe, a striking focal point, or a pollinator-friendly landscape, hydrangeas are a must-have.


Why We Love Hydrangeas at Redwood

Hydrangeas are beloved by seasoned gardeners and newcomers alike—and for good reason:

  • Season-spanning blooms: Most varieties flower from early summer well into fall.

  • Chameleon-like color: Bigleaf types can change from blue to pink based on soil pH.

  • Low maintenance: Once established, they’re hardy, adaptable, and drought-tolerant.

  • Versatile in the garden: Use them as showpieces, hedges, or companions in perennial beds.

🌿 Redwood Tip: Keep your hydrangeas happy with Espoma Organic Soil Acidifier or Holly-tone Fertilizer, both available in our store. And don’t forget to mulch with Coast of Maine products to keep roots cool and moist through the heat of summer.


Find the Right Hydrangea for Your Garden

We stock a wide variety of Proven Winners® hydrangeas and other top-performing cultivars—each suited to the unique conditions of Southeastern Massachusetts.

Bigleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla)

With their iconic mophead or lacecap blooms in pinks, purples, or blues, these are perfect for partly shaded spaces.

Panicle Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata)

Known for their cone-shaped blooms that age from white to blush pink or lime green. Sun-loving and ultra-reliable.

Smooth Hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens)

Think ‘Annabelle’—huge white blooms and impressive tolerance to varying soil and light conditions.

Oakleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia)

A native standout with distinctive foliage and stunning fall color—great for naturalistic designs and shady corners.

Not sure which to choose? Our expert staff will help you find the perfect fit based on your garden’s light, soil, and style.


Need Help Planting? We’ve Got You Covered.

Dreaming of hydrangeas but short on time? Let the Redwood Direct team bring the beauty right to your doorstep. We’ll help you plan, plant, and perfect your space—all with local expertise you can trust.

Our planting services include:

  • Personalized planting and layout plans

  • Soil prep and site evaluation

  • Delivery and professional installation

  • Mulching, edging, and finishing touches for a polished look


Come See What’s Blooming

Visit RedwoodNursery.com or stop by our garden center in Swansea to explore hydrangeas in bloom and chat with our plant experts. Don’t forget to download the Redwood Nursery App for seasonal tips, deals, and app-only specials—and join the Grow Campaign to get inspired by the joy of gardening!

🌼 Plant a Pollinator Patch with your hydrangeas while you’re at it—our staff can show you companion plants to support bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

📲 Download the app now at apjl.app/redwoodnursery

🌿 Hydrangea happiness starts here—plant now and enjoy the wow all summer long.