Hydrangeas are among the most beloved ornamental shrubs, famous for their lush foliage and striking summer blooms that can range in color from soft white to vibrant blue or pink. For gardeners concerned with supporting local wildlife, the question of whether these popular plants attract pollinators is common. The answer is not a simple yes or no, but rather depends entirely on the flower’s architecture. Many species of hydrangeas can be excellent sources of food, while others offer very little, and understanding this distinction is key to making informed planting choices.
The Critical Difference: Showy vs. Inconspicuous Flowers
The significant variation in pollinator appeal stems from the two distinct flower types, or florets, that hydrangeas produce on their bloom clusters. The first type is large, showy, and often mistaken for the entire flower, serving primarily as a visual advertisement. These showy florets are generally modified sepals and are structurally incapable of producing nectar or viable pollen, making them functionally useless to a foraging bee or butterfly.
The second type of floret is small, inconspicuous, and sits nestled inside the bloom structure, containing the reproductive parts, along with valuable nectar and pollen resources. These tiny flowers are the true food source for visiting insects. The entire pollinator value of a hydrangea plant is determined by the ratio of these two floret types and how easily the resource-rich flowers are accessed. Shrubs bred to maximize the large, showy flowers often hide or eliminate the smaller, food-producing flowers, rendering the plant nutritionally poor for insects.
Hydrangea Varieties and Their Pollinator Value
Lacecap hydrangeas, which include many forms of Hydrangea macrophylla and Hydrangea serrata, are highly beneficial for pollinators. They feature a flat-topped bloom with a ring of large, showy flowers surrounding a central cluster of small, inconspicuous flowers. This structure provides an open landing pad with easy access to the nectar. A study found that lacecap varieties received significantly more pollinator visits than their dome-shaped counterparts.
Panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) also offer high pollinator value. Their cone-shaped flower clusters, or panicles, are typically full of accessible resource-rich flowers. Cultivars like ‘Quick Fire’ or ‘Pinky Winky’ ensure a reliable food source throughout their long bloom season.
Native species, such as the Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia), are excellent for local wildlife, attracting bees, moths, and butterflies. The Oakleaf’s conical panicles are naturally loaded with nectar and pollen.
Conversely, the popular Mophead hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla), with their large, dense, ball-shaped blooms, are generally the least beneficial. These cultivars have been selectively bred to contain an overwhelming number of large, showy flowers, which physically obscure or completely replace the small, resource-rich flowers. Many modern varieties, such as the classic ‘Annabelle’ smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens), offer almost nothing to foraging insects.
Maximizing Pollinator Activity in Your Garden
To ensure your hydrangeas are a helpful resource, prioritize varieties that feature open, accessible flower structures, like the Lacecap and Panicle forms. Planting native species, such as the Smooth Hydrangea and Oakleaf Hydrangea, is recommended because they evolved alongside local insect populations. Grouping these beneficial plants together makes them more visible and attractive to passing pollinators.
Avoid using systemic pesticides and insecticides, especially during the flowering season. These chemicals are absorbed by the plant and translocated into the nectar and pollen, which can harm or kill foraging bees and butterflies. Providing a shallow water source, like a bird bath with landing stones, also supports pollinators that need to hydrate.
To ensure a continuous food supply, surround your hydrangeas with a variety of other flowering plants that bloom at different times. This practice, known as companion planting, helps maintain a steady stream of insects. Plants like coneflower or lavender can complement the hydrangea’s bloom time and increase overall garden activity.