Make your garden blush with pink hydrangeas! Discover delightful pink hydrangea cultivars to add to containers, borders and more.
Hey garden lovers! I’m excited to share everything I know about growing those gorgeous pink and white hydrangea bushes that everyone’s obsessing over lately. These stunning shrubs have become super popular in gardens everywhere and I totally get why – they’re absolutely beautiful and surprisingly easy to grow!
Why Pink and White Hydrangeas Are Garden Favorites
Let me tell you why these beauties are stealing the show in gardens across the country:
- They create an amazing romantic vibe with their soft color combo
- The flowers last forever (well, almost!)
- You can use them pretty much anywhere – borders, containers, hedges
- They’re perfect for both formal and casual garden styles
- The blooms make fantastic cut flowers for indoor arrangements
Best Pink and White Hydrangea Varieties
Here are some of my absolute favorite varieties that’ll give you that perfect pink and white combo
Bigleaf Hydrangeas
- ‘Blushing Bride’ – Gets up to 6 feet tall with gorgeous two-toned blooms
- ‘Starfield’ – Super heavy bloomer from spring through late summer
- ‘Let’s Dance Big Band’ – Amazing reblooming variety
- Cityline Paris – Perfect for smaller gardens and containers
Panicle Hydrangeas
- ‘Pinky Winky’ – Shows off white blooms that gradually turn pink
- ‘Strawberry Sundae’ – Grows up to 10 feet but can be pruned smaller
- ‘Fire Light Tidbit’ – Compact variety with color-changing blooms
- ‘Little Lime Punch’ – Dwarf variety perfect for containers
Smooth Hydrangeas
- Incrediball Blush – Produces huge white-pink flower heads
- Invincibelle Spirit II – Blooms repeatedly throughout the season
- ‘Penny Mac’ – Opens white and transitions to lovely pink shades
How to Grow Healthy Pink and White Hydrangeas
Growing these pretties isn’t rocket science, but here’s what they need to thrive:
Sunlight and Location
- Morning sun with afternoon shade is perfect
- Avoid planting under trees (too much root competition!)
- Protection from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates
Soil Requirements
- Well-draining soil rich in organic matter
- Maintain soil moisture but avoid waterlogging
- pH levels affect bloom color:
- For pink blooms: pH 6.5-7.0
- For white blooms: pH above 7.0
Watering Tips
- Water deeply 1-2 times per week
- Increase watering during hot spells
- Use mulch to retain moisture
- Avoid overhead watering
Pruning and Maintenance
Let me share my pruning secrets that’ll keep your hydrangeas looking amazing:
- Remove spent blooms right after flowering
- Cut back only 1/3 of the oldest stems annually
- Shape plants in early spring before new growth
- Clean up dead or damaged branches anytime
Creative Ways to Use Pink and White Hydrangeas
Here’s how I love using these gorgeous bushes in garden design:
Container Gardens
- Mix one pink and one white variety
- Add complementary annuals like:
- White alyssum
- Pink petunias
- White lobelia
Landscape Design
- Create stunning hedges by alternating colors
- Frame entryways with matching pairs
- Use as focal points in mixed borders
- Plant along fences or walls
Common Problems and Solutions
Even these hardy plants can have issues sometimes. Here’s what to watch for:
Color Changes
- Unexpected color shifts usually mean pH issues
- Add aluminum sulfate for pinker blooms
- Use lime to maintain white flowers
Growth Issues
- Yellowing leaves = too much water
- Wilting = not enough water
- No blooms = improper pruning timing
Tips for Cut Flowers
Want gorgeous indoor arrangements? Here’s what works for me:
- Cut stems early morning
- Remove leaves below water line
- Change water every 2-3 days
- Cut stems at an angle
- Use flower preservative
Winter Care
Don’t forget about winter protection in colder areas
- Apply extra mulch around base
- Wrap plants in burlap if needed
- Avoid pruning late in growing season
- Protect from harsh winds
Got questions about growing your own pink and white hydrangeas? Drop them in the comments below – I’d love to help!
Note: This article was last updated July 2025 based on our latest gardening experiences and reader feedback.
Doreen Wynja/Monrovia
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘horthamp’ Zones 4 to 9
This plant boasts incredible, eye-catching blooms that start red and transition to a lovely shade of pink. Foliage goes from deep green to a festive maroon in fall. Flowers are ball-shaped and an excellent choice for a cut flower garden.
Why We Love It: The grower notes that there’s no need to worry about missing a day of watering. The plant resists heat and sun scorch, even on hot days.
Chinese Snowball Bush vs hydrangea: What’s the difference?
Hydrangea paniculata ‘DVP Pinky‘ Zones 3 to 8
With bicolored pink and white blooms, this panicle hydrangea will brighten up your summer garden. The huge flowers start out white, then turn pink, and then extend with white tips for a spectacular two-tone effect.
Why We Love It: A Pinky Winky hydrangea is extremely cold hardy and isn’t fazed by freezing winter weather.
Discover the best hydrangea bush for every yard and growing condition.
Gatsby Pink Oakleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea quercifolia ‘JoAnn’ Zones 5 to 9
Throw a glamorous party in your garden with the Gatsby pink oakleaf hydrangea. Growing best in part to full sun, its flowers start out white and then shift quickly to a delightful pink. The grower notes that the plant might need protection from cold winter temperatures.
Why We Love It: The grower suggests placing this plant in woodland gardens, so it’d make a great addition to any cottage garden you might be planning.
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Which Panicle Hydrangea is Right For You? | Part One: Full-sized Hydrangeas
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