For me, making your garden more wildlife-friendly begins with the plants you choose. Hydrangeas may not be your first choice when thinking about wildlife – but you’d be silly to reject them! It’s important to remember though, that when it comes to selecting hydrangeas which benefit wildlife, not all varieties are equal. While bees and other pollinators might overlook some types, specific varieties of Hydrangea paniculata stand out. Among these, the Hydrangea paniculata Living Infinity® is particularly exceptional, making it the best hydrangea for wildlife gardeners!

What makes Hydrangea Living Infinity® different?

Living Infinity® is a compact panicle hydrangea, growing to a manageable size of 100cm in height and spread. This makes it suitable for a variety of garden spaces, from small urban gardens to larger rural landscapes. 

One of the standout features of Living Infinity® is its long flowering period. It’s full of bracts, and blooms for more than 150 days, providing a continuous source of enjoyment throughout the season. The flowers undergo a stunning transformation, changing colour from pristine white to a deep, dark red as the season progresses.

Pollen is at its most abundant when the flowers are white – this is when you’ll find your plant buzzing with life!

Benefits to wildlife

The long blooming period of Living Infinity® means longer interest for flower-loving gardeners. The changing colours of the blossoms not only add visual interest but also signal different stages of nectar availability, with the white flowers attracting bees and other pollinators, helping to sustain pollinators!

Additionally, its withered flowers offer shelter and nourishment during the colder months. This makes it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to support wildlife year-round.

What else is great about Hydrangea Living Infinity®?

Hardiness

Created by hydrangea experts Living Creations® in the Netherlands, Living Infinity® hydrangeas are bred to withstand harsh conditions. They are winter hardy and capable of surviving severe winters, even in regions as extreme as Siberia. This resilience ensures that they can be grown successfully in a variety of climates around the world.

Easy maintenance

Living Infinity® hydrangeas are easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance to achieve maximum results. They thrive in sunny locations, with full or partial sun ensuring the most vibrant and compact growth.

To keep your Living Infinity® hydrangeas healthy and blooming profusely, annual pruning is essential. The best time to prune is in early spring, after the threat of severe cold has passed but before new growth begins. This timing ensures that the plant can provide food for insects during winter while preparing for vigorous new growth in the spring.

For larger and more luscious flowers, prune the hydrangea panicles back completely. This encourages the development of strong, sturdy branches and promotes the growth of new shoots, leading to a more robust and floriferous plant in the following season.

Want to find out more about panicle hydrangea pruning? Read my comprehensive guide here, or watch my video below:

There’s little competition – Hydrangea Living Infinity® stands out as the best hydrangea for wildlife! Its long flowering period, compact size and hardiness make it an ideal choice for gardeners who not only want a great looking hydrangea, but who are also looking to support bees and other pollinators. With minimal care, this hydrangea provides maximum benefits!