Hydrangeas are a garden favorite, loved for their large blooms and lush foliage. However, if you have a small yard, you might assume that these floral shrubs are off-limits. The good news is that plenty of compact hydrangea can thrive in small spaces, injecting vibrant color and impact without overwhelming your garden.
As a former professional gardener, I have planted and pruned more hydrangeas than I care to count, and I know firsthand how transformative they can be. While a gardener should never play favorites, I have a soft spot for the oakleaf hydrangea, Hydrangea quercifolia. Growing to just four feet in the shade, its bold, oak-like leaves and delicate white flower clusters make this variety a standout choice for small urban yards.
So, if you’re looking to maximize your space, consider landscaping with hydrangeas. Whether you have a tiny terrace or a small postage-stamp-sized yard, many compact varieties can grow quite happily in confined spaces. Here, one garden expert from Wisconsin reveals five of the best to grow this year.
Best hydrangeas for small spaces
There are over 80 species of hydrangeas found growing worldwide, and many more cultivars have been bred over the years. Fortunately, many of the best hydrangea varieties are dwarf or compact with a limited spread and height, making them ideal for use in smaller yards. Whatever hydrangea you decide to grow, remember that you must always select species suited to your US hardiness zone and climate.
1. Invincibelle hydrangeas
'Invicibelle hydrangeas, bred from Hydrangea arborescens, are a very popular series with a wide range of colors offered,' says plant expert, Katie Sunderlage, based in Wisconsin. 'There are dwarf or mini varieties that are perfect flowering shrubs for full sun in smaller yards.
'My favorite is the 'Invincibelle Mini Mauvette', which produces rounded pink and mauve blooms to a height of three feet,' Katie says. 'It can be grown down to US hardiness zone 3, with a preference for sunshine but it will grow fine in part shade too.
'Blooms will occur on new wood, so you should prune your hydrangeas in early spring to allow the new growth to push through. Flowers should emerge from early summer until the first frost, and a rose-friendly bloom booster feeder should help to prolong the floral display.'
'Hydrangea 'Invincibelle Mini Mauvette' live plants are available from Amazon and can be planted anytime during spring.
2. Hydrangea 'Bobo'
'Hydrangea Bobo is a paniculata variety that produces bright white flowers that turn dusty pink as they mature throughout the summer,' Katie says. 'What I like about this variety is that it has stronger stems than other options, which prevents the plant from flopping over during heavy rain.
'The shrub grows no taller than three feet, making this a perfect border plant for smaller yards or even in pots,' Katie says. 'It grows best from zone 3 to zone 8, with a preference for part-sun-part-shade in moist but well-draining soil.
'Prune in late winter or early spring,' Katie says, 'before applying a slow-release organic fertilizer, available from Amazon, in April that will feed the plant for the growing season ahead.'
Live Bobo hydrangeas are available from Amazon.
These protective leather gardening gloves will keep your hands protected when planting hydrangeas in your yard. The blue coloring helps if you drop one in the borders.
This Bobo hydrangea from Proven Winners is delivered in a 3-gallon pot. On arrival give your plant a good soaking, and plant early in spring for the best results.
These large, modern planters are ideal for growing flowering shrubs including hydrangeas, with white and pink flowers looking impressive against the dark color.
3. Oakleaf hydrangeas
Native to the United States, the oakleaf hydrangea, Hydrangea quercifolia, is not only valued for its flowers but also its incredible fall foliage. The lobed, oak-like leaves turn brilliant shades of red and orange as temperatures drop, maintaining interest in the yard even as the seasons change.
The oakleaf hydrangea grows to a height of three or four feet and is hardy down to zone 5. There are several dwarf cultivars, including 'Munchkin' and 'Pee Wee' which are both ideal for part-shade positions in smaller yards.
While hydrangeas are drought-tolerant, the oakleaf hydrangea will benefit from infrequent but deep watering during the hot summer months.
Oakleaf hydrangea live plants are available from Amazon.
4. Hydrangea 'Tiny Tuff Stuff'
Hydrangea 'Tiny Tuff Stuff' is a beautiful lace-cap variety that will only grow two feet tall and wide,' Katie says. 'This variety is hardy from zone 5 to zone 9, producing masses of prolific blooms when planted in full sun.
'The flowers may range from blue to pink,' Katie says. 'If you are wondering how to change hydrangea color, remember that it is based on the pH of your soil.
'Blooms begin in early spring and again in late summer with sufficient deadheading,' Katie advises. 'This variety prefers well-drained but moist soils, and doesn't need much pruning as it will bloom on old and new wood.'
5. Hydrangea 'Little Quick Fire'
Panicle hydrangeas, or Hydrangea paniculata, are known for their reliable flowering and low-maintenance nature. 'Little Quick Fire' is a compact variety that grows no bigger than three to four feet tall.
In terms of how to grow this hydrangea, it is hardy down to zone 3. 'Little Quick Fire' has an upright habit with large, cone-shaped blooms lasting for much of the summer and into the fall. As the season comes to an end, the white blooms turn pinkish-red, helping to prolong interest in your space as the nights draw in.
'Little Quick Fire' live plants are available from Amazon.
FAQs
What is a good hydrangea to grow in a pot?
If you’re limited on space, 'Bobo' and 'Tiny Tuff Stuff', listed here, are two of the best shrubs for containers. Both varieties remain compact and adapt well to container life, provided they have well-draining soil and are kept consistently moist in summer. Add a slow-release fertilizer to the top of your pot in spring to encourage strong growth and long-lasting blooms.
It is also a good idea to consider vertical garden ideas, especially if you have a small urban yard. Why not learn how to grow climbing hydrangeas, which take up limited ground space while also maximizing greenery in your garden by filling walls with lush green foliage and stunning white blooms?
