It’s a great year for hydrangeas as some of us may have already noticed. Massachusetts’ mild winter created amicable soil conditions for the hydrangeas to bloom extra vibrantly this year. One of the state’s most concentrated hydrangea hot spots is the Hydrangea Garden on Cape Cod at the Heritage Museums & Gardens.
The elaborate hydrangea garden is just a one-hour drive from the city (if you manage to avoid Cape traffic or opt for the CapeFLYER). The hydrangeas are in full bloom right now and their season generally lasts from July through September.
About the Cape’s Hydrangea Garden
The garden represents a partnership between the Heritage Museums & Gardens and the Cape Cod Hydrangea Society. They first opened theCape Cod Hydrangea Garden in 2010. The garden boasts 155 hydrangea species and thousands of blooms in shades of white, pink, periwinkle, blue, purple, and more!
The primary species at the display garden is Hydrangea macrophylla, pictured below. Hydrangea macrophylla, predominately found in coastal Japan, also grow abundantly throughout Massachusetts. Cape Cod’s maritime climate creates favorable conditions for these hydrangeas to thrive.
Other species you’ll find blooming throughout the garden include Hydrangea quercifolia (oakleaf), Hydrangea paniculata (strawberry hydrangea), and Hydrangea serrata (mountain hydrangea). There are also many rare and “historic” cultivars of hydrangea on display at the garden.
All the plants are maintained by volunteers from The Cape Cod Hydrangea Society! Dancing around the hydrangeas you’ll find the charming Old East Mill windmill, a picturesque trellis, and benches to relax and enjoy the garden.
Hydrangea Festival Cape Cod
If you’re still not hydrained-out after exploring the 155 varieties, make sure to explore even more at the annual Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival! The festival commences July 5 and lasts through July 14.
The main event of the ten-day festival are daily tours of private hydrangea gardens. Each garden tour is $5 per person and a portion of proceeds benefit local nonprofits.
Additional hydrangea-themed events include hydrangea photography workshops, bouquet lessons, and lectures from leading international horticulturalists!
Find the Hydrangea Garden on Cape Cod at:
67 Grove Street, Sandwich, MA 02563