Redefine the Privacy Hedge with Hydrangeas

Limelight hydrangea hedge - photo source: www.soonerplantfarm.com

Need some privacy in your backyard, but aren't excited about utilizing the traditional privet, boxwood or arborvitae? Why not try planting a hydrangea hedge.  

There are two wonderful varieties of panicle hydrangeas (cone-shaped blooms) that reach 6'-8' x 6'-8' wide, making them ideal for a privacy hedge.  Limelight hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight') has green blooms on old wood that fade to pink and is adaptable to various soil types.  The Quick Fire hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'Quick Fire') has white blooms on new wood that transition to a deep pink, and is the first panicle hydrangea to bloom each summer.

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Quick Fire hydrangea - photo source: cnbhomes.com

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Looking for some privacy for a patio or pool area?  Why not try either a Tickled Pink hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'HYPMAD II') or a White Diamonds hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata 'HYPMAD I').   At 4'-5' x 5'-6' wide, both are the perfect height for this type of landscape application. The curved petals on the blooms of Tickled Pink start out white and change to pink for a lace-like appearance, while White Diamonds start out white and fade to a pale pink.

Tickled Pink hydrangea -photo source: www.wilsonnurseries.com

White Diamonds hydrangea - photo source: www.firsteditionsplants.com

Utilizing hydrangeas for privacy not only provides you with the necessary screening, but you also can enjoy cut flowers from mid-summer to fall.  Leaving the blooms intact until spring also adds some "winter interest" to your landscape.