At a glance, Hydrangea All Summer Beauty and Hydrangea Endless Summer are identical. The name similarities add extra confusion. However, these are two unique cultivars with subtle differences. Here are the similarities and differences between Hydrangea All Summer Beauty and Endless Summer, so you know which is in your garden.
Comparing Hydrangea All Summer Beauty and Endless Summer
Hydrangea All Summer Beauty vs. Endless Summer: Key Differences
The Hydrangea All Summer Beauty and Endless Summer are nearly identical. The most notable difference is in the petals. All Summer Beauty petals are sharper with a more defined point. They’re often slightly larger and broader as well. Endless Summer petals are more rounded and delicate. While both varieties bloom in shades of blue, purple, and pink (depending on the soil pH), All Summer Beauty also blooms in white. The white petals of the All Summer Beauty won’t be impacted by soil pH. The richer shades of purple and blue in the Endless Summer are also more resistant to change. Both varieties are cold-hardy, though All Summer Beauty is slightly less so than Endless Summer.
Hydrangea All Summer Beauty vs. Endless Summer: Classification
Both the Hydrangea All Summer Beauty and Endless Summer are cultivars of the same species: Hydrangea macrophylla. These members of the Hydrangea genus share the classification with over 75 other species. The macrophylla species contains both mophead hydrangeas with rounded, ball-shaped clusters of blooms (like All Summer Beauty and Endless Summer), and lacecap varieties with smaller clusters surrounded by big petals. Both varieties are also considered bigleaf hydrangeas.
Hydrangea All Summer Beauty vs. Endless Summer: Origin
Hydrangeas were first discovered in Japan and parts of Asia. However, hydrangea fossils dating back 45-60 million years were later discovered in North America in the Pacific Northwest region. These cultivars are significantly newer. The Hydrangea All Summer Beauty cultivar origins aren’t clear, but gardening experts believe that they’re a newer variation of the Endless Summer, which is often called the original hydrangea. Hydrangea Endless Summer cultivars were identified in 1998 by Horticulturist Dr. Michael Dirr in Minnesota. He coined them with the moniker ‘Endless Summer’ to reflect the growth he saw on new and old (the previous season’s) wood. Prior to this discovery, many gardeners shared the frustration with hydrangeas only blooming once per summer. This cultivar promised continuous flowers.
Hydrangea All Summer Beauty vs. Endless Summer: Description
There’s a misconception that All Summer Beauty and Endless Summer hydrangeas are the same due to their shared origins. While plant care and appearance are nearly identical, there are subtle differences in petal shape and tone. All Summer Beauty hydrangeas often produce white blooms, which is unheard of in Endless Summer varieties. When the petals are colored, they tend to be a softer tone than the Endless Summer’s rich, vibrant shades. Both All Summer Beauty and Endless Summer have heart-shaped petals. However, All Summer Beauty petals come to a sharper point at the tip whereas Endless Summer petals are more rounded.
Hydrangea All Summer Beauty vs. Endless Summer: Uses
Both the All Summer Beauty and Endless Summer varieties are great additions to pollinator gardens. These plants attract butterflies and bees while contributing to the local ecosystem. This Hydrangea species is also listed as a plant with low flammability, making it a protective addition to gardens in areas with wildfires. These plants are both toxic to pets, and may not be suitable in a garden where animals roam.
Hydrangea All Summer Beauty vs. Endless Summer: Growth Tips
Both the Hydrangea All Summer Beauty and Endless Summer have the same growth requirements with one difference: All Summer Beauty is listed for USDA zones 5 through 9 while Endless Summer is listed for USDA zones 4 through 9. Plant your Hydrangeas in well-draining soil in an area with partial sun and partial shade. Do not prune in the fall, as you risk cutting off new growth. Cut back the blooms in the spring after new buds have formed, removing only dead wood. Both varieties are winter-resistant, but adding mulch can help maintain consistent moisture during the colder months. If you live in an area with winter temperatures reaching -20 °F (-30°C), stake around your hydrangeas and cover them with burlap for the winter.
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