In Western North Carolina, hydrangeas typically bloom from June to August. This is the prime blooming season for most cultivars of hydrangeas in this region. However, it is important to note that there are different species and cultivars of hydrangeas, each with their own unique blooming periods.
One of the most common hydrangea species found in North Carolina is the bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla). This species includes both lacecap and mophead flower types. The bigleaf hydrangeas have large, showy blooms that come in a variety of colors, including white, pink, and blue. However, it is interesting to note that the color of the blooms is not determined by the soil pH for white bigleaf hydrangeas. Unlike blue or pink hydrangeas, which change color depending on the acidity or alkalinity of the soil, white bigleaf hydrangeas will always remain white regardless of the soil pH.
It is worth mentioning that there are over 1,000 cultivars of bigleaf hydrangeas, each with its own unique characteristics and blooming habits. Some recent introductions of cultivars may even have the ability to re-bloom on new wood. This means that they can produce additional blooms later in the growing season, extending their blooming period beyond the traditional June to August timeframe. These re-blooming hydrangeas can be a great addition to any garden, as they provide continuous blooms throughout the summer.
In addition to bigleaf hydrangeas, there is another species called mountain hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata) that is also found in Western North Carolina. Mountain hydrangeas have similar lacecap and mophead flower types, but they are slightly smaller and more delicate compared to the bigleaf hydrangeas. They also come in a variety of colors and bloom from June to August, similar to their bigleaf counterparts.
If you are looking to enjoy the beautiful blooms of hydrangeas in Western North Carolina, the summer months of June, July, and August are the best time to do so. Whether you choose bigleaf hydrangeas or mountain hydrangeas, you can expect a stunning display of flowers during this period.
