Hydrangea vs Red Maple

Side-by-side plant comparison — which is right for your garden?

Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla

Hydrangeaceae · flowers

Deer ResistantMedium Maintenance

Red Maple

Acer rubrum

Aceraceae · trees

Deer ResistantLow Maintenance

Hardiness Zone Range

Hydrangea (Zones 5-9)

Red Maple (Zones 3-9)

Overlap: Both grow in zones 5–9

Detailed Comparison

Feature	Hydrangea	Red Maple
Scientific Name	Hydrangea macrophylla	Acer rubrum
Family	Hydrangeaceae	Aceraceae
Category	flowers	trees
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Adaptable
Height	6'	70'
Spread	6'	40'
Bloom Season	Summer	Spring
Bloom Color	Blue, Pink, White	Red
Growth Rate	Medium	Fast
Native Region	Japan	Eastern North America
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Special Traits

Hydrangea

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Red Maple

No — EdibleYes — Deer ResistantNo — Drought Tolerant

Care Tips

Hydrangea

✓Prune after flowering on old wood varieties.
✓Add aluminum sulfate for blue flowers, lime for pink.
✓Protect from afternoon sun in hot climates.

Red Maple

✓Tolerates a wide range of soils.
✓Surface roots can be problematic in lawns.
✓Prune in summer to avoid bleeding sap.
✓Fast growing — 13-24 inches per year.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Hydrangea if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium to high water in zones 5–9.

Choose Red Maple if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 3–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

View HydrangeaProfile →View Red MapleProfile →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Hydrangea and Red Maple grow in the same hardiness zone?

Hydrangea grows in USDA zones 5-9, while Red Maple grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 9.

Do Hydrangea and Red Maple have the same sun and water needs?

Hydrangea needs part shade and medium to high water, while Red Maple needs full sun to part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Hydrangea or Red Maple?

Red Maple grows taller at 70' compared to Hydrangea at 6'. Red Maple spreads 40' while Hydrangea spreads 6'.

Are Hydrangea and Red Maple deer resistant?

Yes, both Hydrangea and Red Maple are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Hydrangea or Red Maple?

Hydrangea has medium maintenance while Red Maple has low maintenance. Red Maple may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.

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Detailed Comparison

Feature	Hydrangea	Red Maple
Scientific Name	Hydrangea macrophylla	Acer rubrum
Family	Hydrangeaceae	Aceraceae
Category	flowers	trees
Sun	⛅ Part Shade	☀️ Full Sun to Part Shade
Water	💧💧 Medium to High	💧💧 Medium
Soil	Rich, Moist	Adaptable
Height	6'	70'
Spread	6'	40'
Bloom Season	Summer	Spring
Bloom Color	Blue, Pink, White	Red
Growth Rate	Medium	Fast
Native Region	Japan	Eastern North America
Maintenance	Medium	Low

Care Tips

Hydrangea

✓Prune after flowering on old wood varieties.
✓Add aluminum sulfate for blue flowers, lime for pink.
✓Protect from afternoon sun in hot climates.

Red Maple

✓Tolerates a wide range of soils.
✓Surface roots can be problematic in lawns.
✓Prune in summer to avoid bleeding sap.
✓Fast growing — 13-24 inches per year.

Which Plant Is Right for Your Garden?

Choose Hydrangea if you don't mind medium maintenance, and want deer resistance. It thrives in part shade with medium to high water in zones 5–9.

Choose Red Maple if you want a low-maintenance plant, and want deer resistance. It thrives in full sun to part shade with medium water in zones 3–9.

Plant them together? Both overlap in zones 5–9. However, they have different sun needs, so plan your garden layout carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Hydrangea and Red Maple grow in the same hardiness zone?

Hydrangea grows in USDA zones 5-9, while Red Maple grows in zones 3-9. Both plants can grow together in zones 5 through 9.

Do Hydrangea and Red Maple have the same sun and water needs?

Hydrangea needs part shade and medium to high water, while Red Maple needs full sun to part shade and medium water. Their differing requirements mean you may need separate garden areas for each.

Which grows taller, Hydrangea or Red Maple?

Red Maple grows taller at 70' compared to Hydrangea at 6'. Red Maple spreads 40' while Hydrangea spreads 6'.

Are Hydrangea and Red Maple deer resistant?

Yes, both Hydrangea and Red Maple are considered deer resistant, making them excellent choices for gardens in areas with deer pressure.

Which is easier to maintain, Hydrangea or Red Maple?

Hydrangea has medium maintenance while Red Maple has low maintenance. Red Maple may be easier for beginning gardeners to manage.