Hydrangeas vs Lilacs

Hydrangeas and Lilacs, two of my favorite flowers. They are so similar yet so different. Both equally beautiful but require different care in some ways. 

 

A few similarities between the two plants:

-       Both plants are perennial

This just means that lilacs and hydrangeas die off at the end of the season and bloom again in the early spring. 

-       Classified as flowering shrubs

Hydrangeas and Lilacs both have very distinct looking flowers. Their greenery do resemble shrubs although it's hard to ignore that pop of color from the vibrant flowers. 

-       Drought tolerant

Hydrangeas and lilacs are both able to withstand drought weather.

-       Acidic soil requirement

Both plants require acidic soil to keep them healthy, lilacs can handle acidic to neutral.

Even though these two plants seem to be similar, they also have a number of differences that set them apart:

-       Leaf shape

Hydrangeas have different leaves than lilacs in the sense that hydrangea leaves are lobed, glossy, and somewhat leathery. Lilac leaves are heart shaped.

-       Leaf color

Hydrangeas have light green leaves while lilac leaves have dark green leaves. Although in the fall, hydrangea leaves turn to a yellow/green color and lilac leaves turn yellow then brown.  

-       Origin

Hydrangeas initially came from China, Japan, Korea, and Indonesia. Meanwhile, lilacs came from Europe and North America.

-       Environment

The best natural environment for hydrangeas to grow in would be a forest area with hillsides or in the woods. Lilacs grow better on roadsides or in rocky areas.

It could be difficult to decide which flower to choose from to add into your garden, although you can’t go wrong with either choice. Each with their unique scents and physical appearances, hydrangeas or lilacs will definitely add value to any area they live in.

Fun facts:

https://www.woottensplants.com/blog/what-are-the-benefits-of-regularly-repotting-plants/

https://lilaclovefest.com/fun-facts/#:~:text=Fun%20Facts%201%20They%20can%20be%20pruned%20to,through%209%20depending%20on%20type.%20...%20More%20items