Hydrangeas are known for their stunning, full floral displays. You can find a seemingly endless number of varieties at the nursery or when browsing seed catalogs online. But despite their shared family, each species (and the subsequent cultivars) are highly unique.
This article explores two Hydrangea macrophylla cultivars, the Penny Mac Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Penny Mac’) and the Endless Summer Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Bailmer’). You will learn how these two cultivars are similar and how they differ.
Penny Mac Hydrangea vs. Endless Summer: Comparison
We explored a few key categories to understand the differences between Penny Mac and Endless Summer hydrangeas. The chart below looks at the specific characteristics of each hydrangea.
Both the Penny Mac Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Penny Mac’) and the Endless Summer (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Bailmer’) belong to the Hydrangea family. This family features over 70 deciduous shrub species, many of which boast beautiful flowers.Â
While the Penny Mac and Endless Summer Hydrangeas have some traits in common, they also have significant differences. A few differences are in size, flowers, and growing requirements. Keep reading for an in-depth exploration of each of these categories.
| Penny Mac Hydrangea | Endless Summer | |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Classification | Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Penny Mac’ | Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Bailmer’ |
| Common Name(s) | bigleaf hydrangea | bigleaf hydrangea |
| Origins | Eastern Japan | Eastern Japan |
| Size | It can grow up to 6 feet high, with an equivalent spread. | It can grow up to 4 feet high. And it typically has a spread of equal size. |
| Leaves | The leaves grow from 4 to 8 inches long. They are dark green, serrated, and range from elliptic to ovate. | The leaves grow from 4 to 8 inches long. They are dark green, serrated, and range from elliptic to ovate. |
| Flowers | Blue or pink flowers that bloom from June through September. They grow in large, round clusters. | Pink flowers that have a delicate white edge bloom from July through September. They are globe-shaped. |
| Growing Requirements | They grow best in Zones 5-9. Plant them in rich soil, well-draining soil. And they need an area that receives ample shade. | Winter hardy in Zones 4-9. They need partial sun, rich, well-draining soil, and only require a moderate amount of water. |
| Fun Facts | This cultivar got its name from Penny McHenry, who lived in Atlanta and introduced the Penny Mac into commerce. | This shrub can live for up to 20 years! |
Penny Mac Hydrangea vs. Endless Summer: Size
Though both Penny Mac and Endless Summer are cultivars of Hydrangea macrophylla, they vary significantly in size.
Penny Mac Hydrangeas can reach up to 6 feet tall, with a 4-foot spread once they reach maturity. You can allow them to grow to their full potential. Or you can ensure they stay relatively compact by pruning away old growth and gently pruning back the flowers after they blossom.
However, Endless Summer will only grow to roughly 4 feet tall, with a roughly equivalent spread. They grow low to the ground, so you do not need to plant something in front of them to hide the structure. Since flower buds develop on old and new growth of this compact plant, they will stay full and lush for years.
Penny Mac Hydrangea vs. Endless Summer: Flowers
The flowers of Penny Mac Hydrangeas grow in large clusters of either pink or blue. You can actually adjust your plant’s color profile simply through soil amendments. The flowers will only bloom on new wood, so you can prune away old wood and keep your hydrangea looking tidy.
Endless Summer flowers bloom in a globe shape and are typically pink with a delicate white edge. They bloom a little later than the Penny Mac flowers, starting in July rather than June. Additionally, the buds develop on both old and new growth, which is unique among Hydrangea macrophylla.
Penny Mac hydrangea flowers have a brilliant blue hue.
©LifeCollectionPhotography/Shutterstock.com
Penny Mac Hydrangea vs. Endless Summer: Growing Requirements
Both cultivars need rich, moist, well-draining soil to survive. And both will be best served by a minimum of 3 inches of mulch around their base year-round.
Penny Mac Hydrangeas do well in partial shade. Their flower colors change depending on the pH of the soil they are planted in. If you want to change the color of the flowers, start treating your soil early. Make the soil more acidic or alkaline to shift between blue and pink blossoms.
Endless Summer Hydrangeas are the only cultivar that can survive the cold temperatures of Zone 4. You can expect them to flower reliably yearly, regardless of the winter conditions. And they do not need to be wrapped in burlap over winter like the other Hydrangea macrophylla cultivars. Additionally, Endless Summer can bloom on old and new growth.
Endless Summer hydrangea flowers can grow on both old and new wood.
©Lux pictura/Shutterstock.com
The photo featured at the top of this post is © qiufan bu/Shutterstock.com
Sources
- Missouri Botanical Garden, Available here: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=258848#:~:text=Hydrangea%20macrophylla%20'Penny%20Mac'%20%2D%20Plant%20Finder
- American Meadows, Available here: https://www.americanmeadows.com/perennials/hydrangea/hydrangea-penny-mac
- Missouri Botanical Garden, Available here: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=256435&isprofile=0&#:~:text=Hydrangea%20macrophylla%20'Bailmer'%20ENDLESS%20SUMMER,-Common%20Name%3A%20bigleaf
- Moana Nursery, Available here: https://plants.moananursery.com/12170011/Plant/1814/Endless_Summer_Hydrangea/
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What are the longest-blooming hydrangeas?
Penny Mac hydrangeas bloom the longest, starting in mid-summer (typically around June) and showing off their beautiful floral display until fall.
Are there different types of endless summer hydrangeas?
Yes, there are six different varieties. So you can find the perfect match for your home or garden. Check out seed companies online if you don’t see something that catches your eye at the nursery.
Can endless summer hydrangeas survive in full shade?
Endless summer hydrangeas can only survive in full shade for a short period of time. They need partial sun to survive and thrive. If they are in full shade too long, their stems will weaken. And you will see fewer flowers developing.
How do I know if my hydrangea is an endless summer?
There are two key ways to tell if your hydrangea is an endless summer cultivar. First is where the flowers bloom. Endless summer flower buds develop on both old and new growth. Second is how cold hardy your hydrangea is. The endless summer cultivar is the only hydrangea capable of surviving winters in Zone 4.
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