Introduction
If you’re a fan of hydrangeas but want to switch things up in your garden, there are plenty of plants that bear a striking resemblance to this beloved flower. From trees to shrubs and even ground covers, there are many options to choose from. In this article, we’ll take a look at some plants that look like hydrangea and explore their unique characteristics.
1. Rose of Sharon
Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is a deciduous shrub that produces large, showy flowers in late summer. The blooms come in shades of pink, blue, purple, and white, just like hydrangeas. The leaves are similar as well, with a glossy, green appearance. This plant can grow up to 12 feet tall and 10 feet wide, so it’s ideal for large landscapes.
2. Bluebeard
Also known as caryopteris, Bluebeard (Caryopteris x clandonensis) is a shrub that produces clusters of blue or purple flowers in late summer and early fall. The foliage is a deep green, much like that of hydrangeas. This plant grows up to 3 feet tall and wide, making it a great choice for smaller gardens or containers.
3. Smooth Hydrangea
If you’re looking for a plant that looks almost identical to a hydrangea, consider Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens). This deciduous shrub produces large, round flower clusters in shades of white or pink. The leaves are broad and green, just like those of a hydrangea. Smooth Hydrangea grows up to 6 feet tall and wide.
4. Snowball Viburnum
Snowball Viburnum (Viburnum opulus ‘Roseum’) is a deciduous shrub that produces large, round flower clusters in shades of white or pink. The blooms look very similar to those of a hydrangea but are a bit smaller. The leaves are a deep green and have a serrated edge. This plant grows up to 12 feet tall and wide.
5. Mountain Laurel
Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) is an evergreen shrub that produces clusters of small, bell-shaped flowers in shades of pink, white, and red. The foliage is glossy and green, and the leaves have a similar shape to those of hydrangeas. Mountain Laurel grows up to 10 feet tall and wide and is ideal for woodland gardens.
6. Japanese Snowball
Japanese Snowball (Viburnum plicatum) is a deciduous shrub that produces large, round flower clusters in shades of white or pink. The blooms look very similar to those of a hydrangea but are a bit smaller. The leaves are a deep green and have a serrated edge. Japanese Snowball grows up to 10 feet tall and wide and is ideal for larger landscapes.
7. Oakleaf Hydrangea
Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is a deciduous shrub that produces cone-shaped flower clusters in shades of white, pink, or red. The foliage is unique, with large, lobed leaves that resemble those of an oak tree. This plant grows up to 10 feet tall and wide and is ideal for woodland gardens.
8. Chinese Snowball
Chinese Snowball (Viburnum macrocephalum) is a deciduous shrub that produces large, round flower clusters in shades of white or pink. The blooms look very similar to those of a hydrangea but are a bit smaller. The leaves are a deep green and have a serrated edge. Chinese Snowball grows up to 15 feet tall and wide and is ideal for larger landscapes.
9. Lilac
Lilacs (Syringa vulgaris) are deciduous shrubs that produce clusters of fragrant flowers in shades of pink, purple, white, and blue. The leaves are a light green and have a heart-shaped appearance. While lilacs don’t look exactly like hydrangeas, they share a similar color palette and are a great option if you’re looking for a fragrant, showy shrub.
10. Virginia Sweetspire
Virginia Sweetspire (Itea virginica) is a deciduous shrub that produces clusters of fragrant white flowers in late spring and early summer. The foliage is a glossy green and has a serrated edge. Virginia Sweetspire grows up to 6 feet tall and wide and is ideal for smaller gardens or containers.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a fan of hydrangeas or simply looking for a new addition to your garden, there are plenty of plants that look like hydrangea to choose from. From large trees to small ground covers, each of the plants on this list offers unique characteristics that are sure to make your garden stand out. So why not try something new this year and add one of these hydrangea lookalikes to your landscape?