Modern breeding creates new and better varieties of this classic flowering shrub
Dayton, Oregon – Looking to add beautiful, long-lasting blooms to the garden this season? Now is the perfect time to plant hydrangeas. This much-loved flower brings a sense of nostalgia and romance to the garden with blooms that remind us of relaxing summer afternoons and days at the beach.
“The trend of longing for nostalgia and romance in the garden is on the rise and expanding,” says Katie Tamony, plant enthusiast and trend spotter for Monrovia. “Our recent consumer survey found that 36% of those polled say gardening reminds them of simpler times and makes them feel nostalgic. That number is up 4% since last year.”
Hydrangeas fit the trend in so many ways and offer flexibility in the garden. Newer varieties are stunning in the landscape and create eye-catching container gardens too.
“We are seeing this trend advance, pairing beauty, productivity, and function,” said Tamony. “Hydrangeas are being paired with blueberries to create a beautiful and edible hedge. Taller varieties are used to define outdoor rooms. And unique selections are being added to cutting gardens, so colorful blooms can be brought indoors.”
Modern breeding and superior growing techniques mean Monrovia hydrangeas are ready to bloom and flourish in your garden, reblooming and standing up to tough weather better than ever. Here are a few of our favorites for 2025.
Seaside Serenade® Pebble Beach Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘SC-04-20’ PPAF
The newest member of the Seaside Serenade® hydrangea collection was chosen for its unique flowers and blooming power. The large mophead blooms of Seaside Serenade Pebble Beach (pictured above) are a dark purple in acidic soil and a deep pink in more alkaline soils. Each blossom is backed by a hint of bright green, adding interest and capturing attention in the garden. Recommended for Zones 6-9.
Strawberry Shake™ Hydrangea
Hydrangea paniculata ‘SMHPCW’
Double the enjoyment your garden with Strawberry Shake™ Hydrangea. The blooms of this compact, panicle hydrangea change colors throughout the season, starting out a creamy white, then transitioning to a beautiful blush pink. Strawberry Shake features sturdy stems that hold the big blooms high in the garden or in containers. Be sure to pick a few stems for fresh bouquets. They also make excellent dried flowers. Zones 4-8. Size: 4- to 5-feet tall, 4-feet wide.
Blue Enchantress® Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Monmar’ PP #25,209
This striking hydrangea has the classic mophead look with sky blue blooms in acidic soils and clear pink flowers in more alkaline soils. Blue Enchantress has the added interest of striking ruby-black stems that stand out in the landscape. This reblooming variety has a beautifully elegant posture in the garden, standing 3- to 5-feet tall and wide with a lovely, rounded habit. Blue Enchantress creates a beautiful border or accent plant and pairs well with just about any annual or perennial. Zones 4-9. Size: 3- to 5-feet tall and wide.
Seaside Serenade® Crystal Cove Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘CAMFRE29’ PPA
Frilly and floriferous may be the best words to describe Seaside Serenade® Crystal Cove Hydrangea. The plant is covered with intricately cut, lacecap blooms that feature deep, purple-blue, or bold pink edges depending on your soil pH. Crystal Cove is a reblooming variety, providing loads of blooms atop strong stems throughout the summer. It’s a must-have for containers and perennial gardens. Partial Sun. 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. Zones 4-9.
Seaside Serenade® Kitty Hawk Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Hokomapfloy’ PPAF
Seaside Serenade® Kitty Hawk features beautiful, star-shaped flowers that emerge a lime green and transition to a stunning soft pink in alkaline soils or purple hues in acidic soils. Thick leaves and strong stems help this rebloomer to stand upright even in the afternoon heat. Seaside Serenade®Kitty Hawk is especially beautiful in mass plantings and in containers. 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. Zones 4-9.
Seaside Serenade® Glacier Bay Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘CAMCHO45’ PPAF
The unique features of Seaside Serenade® Glacier Bay Hydrangea put it in a category all its own. On-trend and uncommon, this Monrovia exclusive is quickly becoming the new hydrangea everyone wants. Glacier Bay’s brilliant white, upturned lacecap blooms open to form delicate star shapes on contrasting, dramatic black stems. Plentiful blooms sit atop a backdrop of leathery, dark green foliage. With these eye-catching features, this traditional shrub is right at home in a modern garden design. Beautiful in a container or planted in groups in the garden. Partial Sun. 3 feet tall and wide. Zones 4-9.
About Monrovia
Inspired by the beauty of plants, gardens, and landscapes everywhere, Harry E. Rosedale, Sr. founded Monrovia in 1926 to be a premier grower of shrubs and trees. Monrovia collaborates with plant breeders around the world to introduce improved plant varieties to North America. Monrovia plants flourish once planted to beautify gardens and landscapes. Please visit Monrovia.com to learn more.
