9 Trees That Look Like Hydrangea (With Pictures)

Hydrangeas are cherished for their large, showy flower heads that come in beautiful shades of pink, blue, purple, white and green Their lush blooms give hydrangeas a distinctive appearance that makes them a favorite flowering shrub for many gardeners

While hydrangeas have a unique look, there are several other trees and shrubs that produce flowers similar to the hydrangea’s full, round blooms. Below are 9 trees and shrubs that can easily be mistaken for hydrangeas based on their flowers

1. Clematis

Clematis is a genus of gorgeous climbing vines that produce lavish blue, purple, pink or white flowers. Some clematis species have large, round flower heads that closely resemble hydrangea blooms. The similarities are especially noticeable with varieties that have bushy, mophead-like flowers.

Some clematis that look strikingly similar to hydrangeas include Clematis ‘Multi-Blue’, Clematis ‘Bee’s Jubilee’ and Clematis x durandii. Their colorful, lush blooms give them an unmistakably hydrangea-esque appearance.

2. Crapemyrtle

Crapemyrtles are popular flowering trees prized for their long panicles of ruffled blooms. Their flowers come in shades like pink, red, purple and white. Some crapemyrtle varieties have flowers clustered into round, hydrangea-like flower heads at the ends of branches.

For instance, crapemyrtle varieties such as ‘Natchez’, ‘Tuscarora’ and ‘Lipan’ have large, round flower heads that closely resemble mophead hydrangea blooms.

3. Elderberry

Both American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis) and European elderberry (Sambucus nigra) produce substantial clusters of tiny white flowers resembling hydrangea blooms. Their flat-topped flower clusters can reach up to 10 inches across.

Elderberry shrubs bloom in early to mid summer, giving them huge, hydrangea-like flower heads that are fantastic for gardens. Popular varieties such as ‘Johns’ and ‘York’ have particularly hydrangea-esque blooms.

4. Lilac

Many lilac shrubs produce dense, rounded clusters of flowers that look just like mophead hydrangea blooms. Their colors range from purple to pink to white.

Some species like the common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) and Korean lilac (Syringa patula) are especially prone to having flowers that resemble hydrangeas. The variety ‘Miss Canada’ is particularly renowned for its enormous, hydrangea-like flower clusters.

5. Rhododendron

Rhododendrons are treasured for their showy spring blooms. Their flower heads contain masses of ruffled petals that form a dense, round shape similar to some hydrangea varieties. Rhododendron flower colors include white, pink, red and purple.

Rhododendron varieties that closely resemble hydrangeas include ‘Millenium’, ‘Roseum Elegans’ and ‘English Roseum’. The full blooms of these rhododendrons make them look very much like hydrangeas.

6. Rose

Certain rose varieties produce rounded flower heads that look just like hydrangea blooms. Their flowers are arranged in dense clusters at the ends of branches, mimicking mophead hydrangeas.

Some roses that strongly resemble hydrangeas include ‘Knock Out’, ‘Marie-Luise Marjan’ and ‘Burgundy Iceberg’. These full, lush rose blooms can easily be incorrectly identified as hydrangeas from a distance.

7. Smokebush

Smokebush is a large shrub grown for its airy flower plumes that look like puffs of smoke. However, when its flowers first emerge, they form rounded clusters reminiscent of hydrangea blooms.

The flowers start out green before gradually turning into smoky, cloud-like plumes. But that initial hydrangea-like stage makes smokebush easy to mix up with hydrangeas.

8. Spirea

Many spirea shrubs produce dense panicles of small flowers that form rounded, hydrangea-like clusters. Their bloom colors include white, pink, red and purple.

Some spirea varieties with particularly hydrangea-esque flowers are ‘Magic Carpet’, ‘Neon Flash’ and ‘Little Princess’. These spireas make great alternatives to hydrangeas in the garden.

9. Weigela

Weigela is a spring-blooming shrub that bears clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers along its branches. The abundance of colorful blooms gives weigela shrubs a full, fluffy appearance reminiscent of hydrangeas.

Weigela varieties that especially resemble hydrangeas include ‘Pink Poppet’, ‘Minuet’ and ‘Spilled Wine’. Their lush, abundant blooms still conjure up a hydrangea-like vibe.

Summary

While hydrangeas have an unmistakable allure, there are many other flowering shrubs and trees that can be mistaken for hydrangeas from a distance. Clematis, elderberry, rhododendron and lilac are just a few plants with blooms bearing a striking similarity to the round flower heads of hydrangeas.

So next time you see a shrub with big, showy blooms, take a closer look before assuming it’s a hydrangea. You may find another exquisite plant that shares the hydrangea’s lush beauty. With their hydrangea-esque blooms, these 9 trees and shrubs can make enticing alternatives or companions to adored hydrangeas in the garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do hydrangea trees bloom?

Most hydrangea trees bloom in summer, typically June through August. Some bloom even earlier in spring or later in fall. Panicle hydrangeas bloom on new wood so they flower in summer. Bigleaf and oakleaf hydrangeas bloom on old wood so flower in early summer.

How do you take care of a hydrangea tree?

• Site in morning sun and afternoon shade or filtered sun. Most need some shade.
• Water deeply 1-2 times a week, more in hot weather.
• Prune selectively right after flowering. Remove dead stems and shape.
• Fertilize in early spring with slow-release fertilizer.
• Mulch to retain moisture. Avoid touching stems.
• Protect from winter winds and frost.

What trees look similar to hydrangeas?

Some trees that have flowers resembling hydrangea blooms are crapemyrtle, rose, rhododendron, lilac, elderberry, smokebush, spirea, clematis, and weigela. They can have large rounded flower clusters in colors like white, pink, purple, red, and blue.

Are there miniature hydrangea trees?

Yes, there are dwarf and miniature hydrangea tree varieties. Some examples of smaller hydrangea trees are:

• Little Lime® Hydrangea – 3-5 feet tall
• Little Quick Fire® Hydrangea – 3-5 feet
• Bobo® Hydrangea – 3-4 feet
• Fire Light® TidbitTM Hydrangea – 2-3 feet
• Pinky Winky® Hydrangea – 4-6 feet

How big do hydrangea trees get?

Most standard hydrangea trees reach 6-8 feet tall and wide at maturity. However, some varieties can grow larger, even up to 10 or 15 feet tall and wide. Dwarf hydrangea tree varieties may reach just 2-4 feet tall. Check the mature size for the specific hydrangea tree variety you are interested in.