When I first started working at Amsterdam Garden Centre, back in 1998, things were a little different as far as popular plants were concerned. The top-selling tree was Robinia ‘Frisia’, the most in-demand perennials were Astilbes, and the shrub of the day was definitely rhododendrons, any colour or size. Almost thirty years later the botanical landscape has changed completely, with trees trending towards smaller species such as Japanese Maples, perennials leaning to the winter-flowering Hellebores and the top-selling shrub being Hydrangeas, be it Mophead, Lacecap, PG or Annabelle-types.
📸 MK Lascelle
I think part of the reason for this change was the rhododendron’s fleeting bloom season, while most hydrangeas can be relied upon for at least three months of endless colour. Plus, there are very few diseases or cultural conditions which impact hydrangeas, so they also fall into that convenient low maintenance category that so many gardeners are looking for. Over the years I have seen many Hydrangea varieties come and go, but some standards are still available and new compact cultivars are also being introduced every year. With that in mind, here are ten of my current favourites, both old and new, for you to consider.
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Starfield’
What makes this repeat-blooming hydrangea so unique are the frilled semi-double florets, giving the blooms a very exotic look. The flowers are produced from spring to late fall on a very compact, yet sturdy shrub. Grows 2-3’ tall. Hardy to USDA zone 5.
📸 Bloomin' Easy
Hydrangea x ‘Fairytrail Bride’
This Japanese introduction was the world’s first cascading hydrangea, and it was also the Chelsea Flower Show’s plant of the year in 2018. What you get is the perfect candidate for a large container with some protection from the hot afternoon sun, where the trailing pristine white lacecap blooms can be appreciated opening at each and every leaf node. Grows 4’ tall. Hardy to USDA zone 5.
📸 Proven Winners
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Blue Wave’
Even though this variety has been with us for over a century, it still deserves a place in your garden. Also known as ‘Mariesii Perfecta’, this robust mophead hydrangea with an abundance of silvery-blue lacecap-form blooms is a real showstopper when in flower. Grows 5-6’ tall. Hardy to USDA zone 6.
📸 RitaE Pixabay
Hydrangea serrata ‘Tuff Stuff Top Fun’
A fairly recent introduction from Proven Winners which has darker foliage than most hydrangeas which really sets off the pink or blue lacecap blooms. The new growth is also purple-tinted, as are the stems at maturity. Compact and quite cold hardy. Grows 2-3’ tall. Hardy to USDA zone 4.
📸 Proven Winners
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Berry White’
A PG hydrangea that is both big and boisterous, which is why it is such a good choice for a showy flowering hedge. The large cone-shaped blooms emerge pure white, transitioning to bicolour rose-pink with white tips and eventually a solid deep raspberry red in autumn. Grows 6 7’ tall. Hardy to USDA zone 3.
📸 First Editions
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Kimono’
A delicate looking beauty from Bloomin’ Easy with balled blooms of creamy-white florets heavily edged in wine red. The contrast doesn’t end there, as the flowers virtually glow against the backdrop of burgundy tinted deep green foliage. She also blooms constantly on new wood from late spring through to the fall. Grows 2-3’ tall. Hardy to USDA zone 5.
📸 Bloomin' Easy
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Little Hottie’
This is such an easy variety to sell because even at a young age, this dwarf PG type is smothered in flowers. The cone-shaped blooms emerge a pale lime green, maturing to a pristine white and then fading in the fall with a bit of antique pink. A great variety to show-off in containers. Grows 3-4’ tall. Hardy to USDA zone 3.
📸 First Editions
Hydrangea x ‘Let’s Dance Sky View’
A macrophylla x serrata hybrid which looks more like a mophead due to its stunning sky-blue balled flowers when grown in acid soils. It blooms on both old and new wood and is incredibly cold hardy, making it suitable for large containers and colder exposures. Grows 2-3’ tall. Hardy to USDA zone 4.
📸 Proven Winners
Hydrangea arborescens ‘Incrediball Blush’
A brand new twist on ‘Incrediball’ with the same sturdy stems and massive blooms, but in a lovely silvery-pink hue. This variety is also easy care due to the fact that it blooms on new wood, and the flowers make great cuts for the vase. Grows 4-5’ tall. Hardy to USDA zone 3.
📸 Proven Winners
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Groundbreaker Ruby’
I think the whole Groundbreaker series which includes Blush, Greeny and Ruby, are going to be the must-have hydrangeas for 2027. I was able to get my hands on a few ‘Groundbreaker Blush’ from a test crop and they did everything there were reputed to, growing very low and wide with flowers that smothered the entire canopy, truly a groundcover hydrangea. Grows 12-18” tall. Hardy to USDA zone 5.
📸 'LC N027' PBRAF
Luckily all my choices can be soon found for sale online at the Amsterdam Garden Centre website, so you can have your favourite hydrangea waiting for you when they arrive next spring.
Copyright 2026 MK Lascelle
