Smooth (H. arborescens): ‘Annabelle’ is the most popular variety. Smooth hydrangeas flower best in full sun, but southern gardeners should site the plants in part shade. Bigleaf (H. macrophylla): Bigleaf hydrangeas are the classic florist types of hydrangea that everyone loves, but not everyone can grow. Bigleafs grow best with partial shade in moist, well-drained soils. Most are hardy to Zone 5 or to Zone 4 with winter protection. Panicle (H. paniculata): Tough and easy to grow, panicle hydrangeas produce cone-shaped flowers. They prefer full sun and survive in all but the coldest climates (Zone 3). Panicles bloom later than other varieties, usually midsummer. Heights can range from three to 10 feet, depending on the variety. Oakleaf (H. quercifolia): These plants have oak-shaped leaves, which turn eye-catching shades of burgundy, rust, or orange in the fall. The white flower heads usually transform to pink or tan as the weather cools. Cultivars of this native species, generally hardy to Zone 5, do well in dry soils and in sun to partial shade. Name: Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Provide extra water in extreme heat. Size: 5 feet tall and wide Name: Hydrangea arborescens ‘Incrediball’ Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Provide extra water in extreme heat. Prune in late winter to early spring to encourage new growth and blooms. Size: 4 to 5 feet tall and wide Name: Hydrangea arborescens ‘Haas’ Halo’ Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade; prefers morning sun, afternoon shade. Size: 3 to 5 feet tall and wide Name: Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snow Queen’ Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade (tolerates more sun the farther north it grows). Prefers well-draining soil with average moisture. Size: 7 to 10 feet tall and wide Zones: 5-9; may need winter protection in northern gardens Name: Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Gatsby Gal’ Growing Conditions: Moist, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Size: 5 to 6 feet tall and wide Zones: 5-9; may need winter protection in northern gardens Name: Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Gatsby Moon’ Growing Conditions: Moist, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Size: 6 to 10 feet tall and wide Zones: 5-9; may need winter protection in northern gardens Name: Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Gatsby Star’ Growing Conditions: Moist, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Size: 5 to 6 feet tall and wide Zones: 5-9; may need winter protection in northern gardens Name: Hydrangea paniculata ‘Little Lamb’ Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Tolerates drought. Size: 4 to 6 feet tall and wide Name: Hydrangea paniculata ‘Polar Ball’ Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Tolerates drought. Size: 6 to 8 feet tall and wide Name: Hydrangea paniculata ‘First Editions White Diamonds’ Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade. Tolerates drought. Size: 4 to 5 feet tall, 5 to 6 feet wide Name: Hydrangea paniculata ‘Bobo’ Growing Conditions: Part shade, especially afternoon shade, in evenly moist, well-drained soil. Size: 3 feet tall, 3 to 4 feet wide Name: Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Wedding Gown’ Growing Conditions: Part shade, especially afternoon shade, in evenly moist, well-drained soil. Size: 2 to 3 feet tall, 3 to 5 feet wide Name: Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Blushing Bride’ Growing Conditions: Part shade, especially afternoon shade, in evenly moist, well-drained soil. Size: 3 to 6 feet tall and wide
