Are Hydrangeas Salt-Tolerant?

 By Annelise Ford, eHow Contributor

updated: March 16, 2011

Chosing the right hydrangea for salty conditions is important to keep plants in excellent health.

Hydrangeas are widely used shrub in many landscape applications. They possess the ability to combine structure, color and interest within one plant, filling their growing space with bountiful beauty. Some varieties are often listed with more salt-tolerant plants, while other varieties may not be as tolerant of saline conditions.

1. Hydrangea Macrophylla

   • Some hydrangea varities have a thicker leaf cuticle which allows them to be more salt tolerant.

     Hydrangea macrophylla has been shown to tolerate salty conditions quite well. This variety of hydrangea is used in many home landscapes as well as commercial applications. This variety generally has a mop-head flower and blooms most of the summer season. The flower heads can be dried as well.

   Hydrangea Serrata

   • Some hydrangea varities are not very tolerating of salty conditions and may sustain damage.

     Hydrangea serrata, commonly called the woodland hydrangea is another good choice for salty conditions. This variety of hydrangea tolerates salt just as well as Hydrangea macrophylla. Hydrangea serrata originated in the mountains of Japan and Korea and is said to be generally more hardy than Hydrangea macrophylla.

   Hydrangea Arborescens

   • Hydrangea arborescens, commonly called smooth hydrangea responds poorly to salty conditions. This rapid-growing variety of hydrangea is a common choice for landscape shrubs. However, if regularly exposed to salty conditions this plant will likely suffer damage and will most likely struggle to survive.

   Hydrangea Paniculata

   • Hydrangea paniculata, commonly called the pee gee hydrangea is the only variety of hydrangea that can be pruned into a tree form. Unfortunately, this variety will not thrive under salty conditions, in fact it is the least salt tolerate of the different varieties. If exposed to salty conditions the foliage will become necrotic and the plant most likely will not survive.