1How to grow hydrangeas
Getty Images Hydrangeas in full bloom are lush, eye-catching shrubs that need surprisingly little care. Best of all, they thrive in a variety of conditions. "A common misconception is that hydrangeas are shade only plants," says Stacey Hirvela, horticulturalist with Spring Meadow Nursery. "While they do prefer afternoon shade in hot climates, they need a few hours of sun to flower and look their best." To help them flourish, keep hydrangeas well-watered as they get established. They do fine without fertilizing, but you can feed with general-purpose flowering shrub granules in the spring, if you like. To avoid removing flower buds, wait to trim off anything that appears dead until after the plant leafs out so you can see what's what.
2Best for full sun (more than six hours)
Courtesy of Proven Winners Six different hydrangea species are widely cultivated in the U.S., but the most sun-tolerant type is the panicle hydrangea, also known as peegee hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata is what you'll see on the plant tag). Because all hydrangeas have shallow root systems, they'll do better if you mulch well to prevent them from drying out, says Hirvela. Remember that in the South, most hydrangeas like shade during the hottest part of the day. Try these...
3Full sun | Quick Fire
Courtesy of Proven Winners An old standby that typically blooms earlier than many other types.
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4Full sun | Limelight
Courtesy of Proven Winners Large bright green flowers that age to many shades of pink, red, and burgundy.
5Best for shade
Courtesy of Bailey Nurseries Oakleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia), which get their name from their leaf shape, can tolerate mostly shade conditions. This type is a North American native, and they're the only kind of hydrangea that also boast rich fall colors. Try these...
6Best for shade | Jetstream
Courtesy of Bailey Nurseries Flowers bloom white and turn pink with leaves that become orange-red in autumn.
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7Best for shade | Light-O-Day
Courtesy of Bailey Nurseries Unusual variegated leaves with stunning lacey blooms in pink or blue.
8Best for blue color
Courtesy of Bailey Nurseries Contrary to popular belief, you can't change a hydrangea's flowers blue if it's not a specific kind. Only some bigleaf (Hydrangea macrophylla) and mountain (Hydrangea serrata) types can change colors according to soil chemistry and the presence of aluminum, says Hirvela. Burying rusty nails, banana peels, coffee grounds, and whatever other old gardener's tales you've heard won't change bloom color if it's not the that type of hydrangea in the first place. Try these...
9Best for blue color | Let's Dance Rhythmic Blue
Courtesy of Proven Winners Petite rebloomer with vibrant blue flowers depending on soil chemistry.
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10Best for blue color | Endless Summer BloomStruck
Courtesy of Bailey Nurseries Striking red stems hold up blue or violet flowers depending on soil chemistry.
11Best for cold climates
Courtesy of Bailey Nurseries Some panicle hydrangeas and smooth, or Annabelle, hydrangeas (Hydrangea aborescens), which are another native type, are the most cold-tolerant. Many are hardy even to zone 3. Try these...
12Best for cold climates | Invincibelle Spirit II
Courtesy of Proven Winners Pink flowers on strong stems with some reblooming until frost.
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13Best for cold climates | Strawberry Sundae
Courtesy of Bailey Nurseries Creamy white flowers that change to pink then red as temperatures cool.
14Best for small spaces
Courtesy of Proven Winners Many new hydrangeas fit neatly into smaller yards or containers for a pop of color anywhere. These little beauties typically max out at three to five feet wide and tall, though some are even more compact. Read the plant tags to find the one that best fits your size requirements. Try these...
15Best for small spaces | Cherry Explosion
Courtesy of Star Roses and Plants Deep pink lacecap blooms on a neat, rounded shrub.
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16Best for small spaces | Tiny Tuff Stuff
Courtesy of Proven Winners A rebloomer with delicate, lacey lavender-pink or blue flowers depending on soil chemistry.
17Best for hedges and large spaces
Courtesy of Proven Winners Need to create privacy or screen an unsightly view? Oakleaf and panicle hydrangeas make a show-stopping hedge that requires little upkeep. Many hydrangeas grow fairly quickly the first few years until they reach the mature size noted on the plant tag. Try these...
18Best for hedges and large spaces | Gatsby Pink
Courtesy of Proven Winners Showy blooms that go from white to pink with red foliage in autumn.
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19Best for hedges and large spaces | Fire Light
Courtesy of Proven Winners Cold-hardy type with large creamy white flowers that age to bright red.
20Best for dried flowers
Courtesy of Star Roses and Plants Nearly any hydrangea can be preserved for dried arrangements or wreaths. Collect flowers when they are not newly opened but have started to take on a slightly papery feel on the plant. There are many techniques for drying, but keep it simple: Snip off leaves and dry the stems indoors upright in a vase with or without water. Try these...
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