Hydrangea trees are gorgeous flowering shrubs that add beauty, charm, and vibrancy to any garden. With their large, showy blooms, hydrangeas are extremely popular plants. One of the most stunning varieties is the pink and white hydrangea tree. Featuring big, two-toned blossoms that start out white before transitioning to pink and then burgundy, these hydrangeas provide long-lasting color in landscapes. Read on to learn all about pink and white hydrangea trees and how to grow them successfully in your yard!
An Overview of Pink and White Hydrangea Trees
Pink and white hydrangea trees, scientifically known as Hydrangea paniculata ‘Pinky Winky,’ offer phenomenal bicolor blooms. The huge white panicles open in mid to late summer, then as summer shifts to fall, the florets at the base of the panicles turn a lovely shade of pink These hydrangea trees continue producing new white florets at the tips of the panicles. This results in spectacular two-toned, foot-long flower clusters that steal the show in any garden!
These pink and white beauties can grow quite large, reaching 6 to 10 feet tall and wide at maturity. However, regular pruning can easily keep them smaller if needed. The deciduous shrubs fare very well in USDA growing zones 3-9. Once established, they have good drought tolerance. While some hydrangea flowers change color based on soil pH, the blooms of pink and white hydrangea trees are not pH dependent. These are reblooming hydrangeas, flowering on new growth.
Why Grow Pink and White Hydrangea Trees?
What’s not to love about pink and white hydrangea trees? Here are some of the many benefits that make them an excellent addition to landscapes and gardens
-
Long-lasting summer and fall interest: The flowers bloom for months, from mid or late summer through the fall.
-
Low maintenance: These trees are quite easy to grow and care for.
-
Versatility: They make fantastic specimen plants, privacy trees, or hedges. The blooms also dry well for floral arrangements.
-
Suitability for containers: Their medium size makes them ideal for large planters on patios.
-
Hardiness: They can withstand cold winters and still rebloom faithfully each year.
-
Resilience: Pink and white hydrangea trees bounce back well even after extreme winters.
-
Visual impact: The huge two-toned blossoms definitely make a statement!
How to Grow Pink and White Hydrangea Trees
Pink and white hydrangea trees may self-propagate by sending up shoots from their roots. For faster establishment, it’s best to purchase young potted plants from reputable online nurseries or local garden centers. Follow these tips for successfully growing hydrangea trees with glorious pink and white blooms:
Site Selection
-
Choose a location with full sun to part shade. They prosper with at least 4 hours of direct sun daily.
-
Well-drained, fertile soil amended with compost is ideal. The soil pH doesn’t affect their flower color.
-
Allow enough room for the trees to reach their mature size without being crowded.
Planting and Initial Care
-
Spring is the optimal time to plant hydrangea trees in most regions.
-
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Carefully place the tree in the hole and backfill with the soil.
-
Water thoroughly after planting and apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base. Replenish the mulch annually.
-
Stake the tree for its first year until the root system is well established.
Ongoing Care
-
Water pink and white hydrangea trees at least 1 inch weekly in the absence of rain, adjusting for very hot and dry weather.
-
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
-
Prune immediately after flowering finishes by selectively removing spent blooms and any dead or damaged branches.
-
To boost winter hardiness, allow plants to naturally dry out some after autumn rains cease.
-
Protect the roots with mulch for insulation as extremely cold winters approach.
Potential Problems With Pink and White Hydrangea Trees
When provided with proper care, pink and white hydrangea trees are unlikely to face serious pest or disease troubles. Potential issues to watch for include:
-
Powdery mildew: This fungal disease manifests as a white powdery coating on leaves. Pruning for good airflow and avoiding overhead watering helps prevent it.
-
Leaf spot: Fungal leaf spots usually develop in very wet conditions. Pick off and destroy affected foliage.
-
Aphids: These tiny sap-sucking insects can cluster on new growth but are easy to control with insecticidal soap.
-
Mites: Watch for stippling or bronzing of leaves, which can indicate spider mites. Hose the trees down to dislodge mites.
-
Winter injury: Extreme cold may damage exposed branches. Plant in a sheltered spot and wrap trunks with insulating material.
Designing With Pink and White Hydrangea Trees
The eye-catching blossoms of pink and white hydrangea trees lend themselves beautifully to many garden design themes. Here are some ideas:
-
Use a pair to frame the front entryway or anchor each corner of the house.
-
Line the trees up along a fence or property border to form a spectacular hedge.
-
Allow one to stand alone as a striking specimen in a prominent spot.
-
Plant several in a mixed border of complementary perennials like astilbes, coneflowers, and grasses.
-
Feature one or more prominently in a cottage garden scheme.
-
Include the long-lasting cut blooms in colorful floral arrangements indoors.
-
Grow pink and white hydrangea trees as patio or deck plants for up close enjoyment.
Finding the Best Pink and White Hydrangea Trees for Sale
When buying pink and white hydrangea trees, look for potted plants from reputable suppliers. Avoid purchasing bare root trees by mail order unless they will arrive very early in spring. Select trees with:
-
Abundant healthy foliage with no leaf spotting or powdery coating
-
Sturdy stems with no damage
-
Well-established root systems with roots circling outward, not girdling the root ball
-
No signs of pests like eggs, webbing, or honeydew residue
-
Soil evenly moist but not waterlogged
-
Current season’s growth, not old woody branches
Shop early while availability is best, as these beautiful and popular hydrangea trees sell out quickly. Add pink and white blossoms galore to your yard by planting one of these outstanding flowering trees!
Hydrangea macrophylla Pink Elf® plant details
Hydrangea macrophylla Pink Elf® is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous shrub with green foliage. In summer blue, pink and purple flowers emerge. Grows well with sun – mostly shade and even moisture – regular water. Does well in acidic, alkaline, average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if youre seeking something seaside / salt tolerant.
Garden photo gallery of Hydrangea macrophylla Pink Elf®
By: Karl Gercens III
Used with permission, all rights reserved
Used with permission, all rights reserved
Used with permission, all rights reserved
Why Limelight Standard Hydrangea Trees are a Bad Idea
FAQ
How tall does pinky winky hydrangea tree get?
‘Dvppinky’, commonly sold under the trade name of PINKY-WINKY, is a compact cultivar that typically grows to 6-8′ tall and to 6′ wide.
Where is the best place to plant a hydrangea tree?
These trees thrive in spots with morning sun and afternoon shade. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and blooms, while too much shade may reduce flowering. Look for a place with well-drained soil, as hydrangeas don’t like sitting in waterlogged ground.
What are the pink and white hydrangeas?
Gatsby Pink® oakleaf hydrangea boasts big, showy blooms that quickly transform from pure white to a glorious pink, providing months of color. Handsome dark green foliage turns burgungy-red in autumn. This North American native is perfect for woodland gardens and informal plantings.
How tall does a pink diamond hydrangea tree get?
Pink Diamond Hydrangea (tree form) will grow to be about 8 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 6 feet. It tends to be a little leggy, with a typical clearance of 3 feet from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines.