Native to Asia, Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris (Climbing Hydrangea) is a vigorous, large, deciduous climber that clings by aerial rootlets along the stems. Masses of fragrant white flowers held in flattened clusters, up to 8 in. across (20 cm), appear in late spring to early summer. Resembling lacecap flowers, each cluster consists of tiny, creamy-white to greenish-yellow fertile flowers in the center surrounded by a ring of showy white sterile flowers. Unfurling in spring, the foliage of heart-shaped, shiny, rich dark green leaves, up to 4 in. long (10 cm), keeps its fresh look throughout the summer and turns golden-yellow in the fall. Exposed in winter, the trunk is equally attractive with its reddish-brown exfoliating bark on mature stems, adding a much-needed splash of color to the winter landscape. An extremely versatile vine with year-round interest that looks terrific climbing up a wall as it clothes it with its pretty foliage and delicate lacecap flowers. A very popular and elegant landscape plant. USDA 4-9

Native to the Eastern United States, Hydrangea arborescens (Smooth Hydrangea) is a widely branched deciduous shrub, acclaimed for its creamy-white flower clusters that brighten shady areas and bring life to the garden. Blooming profusely from early summer to fall, the distinctly domed to nearly rounded blossoms open lime-green and change to brilliant creamy-white before switching to a tan shade in the fall. The foliage of broad egg-shaped, sharply toothed, dark green leaves turns butter-yellow shades in fall, extending the season of interest of this magnificent flowering shrub.

Native to Japan, Hydrangea macrophylla (Big Leaf Hydrangea) is one of the most popular hydrangeas in our gardens. This deciduous shrub features a rounded habit, large bold leaves, and attractive clusters of long-blooming summer flowers. The species is divided into two groups: the Mophead Hydrangeas with large rounded flower heads, mostly packed with showy sterile florets, and the Lacecap Hydrangeas with flattened flower clusters composed of showy sterile florets radiating around a central cluster of tiny fertile florets. Mophead flowers will bloom on and on through summer, between 3-6 months, until fall approaches, and they change color. Lacecap flowers will fade much faster, remaining superb for about one month. Perfect from foundation plantings to container plantings. Massed in a sheltered location or as an accent plant. Effective as a hedge, they make excellent cut flowers too! Perfect for seaside gardens as their tough, glossy leaves allow them to withstand wind or salt. USDA 6-9

Native to China and Japan, Hydrangea paniculata (Panicle Hydrangea) is a deservedly popular deciduous shrub. Tough, cold-hardy, easy-care, long-lived, it is laden with large, conical, snowy flowers from midsummer to fall. As an added bonus, they change color as fall approaches, gradually turning pink, and ultimately brown. Persisting well into winter, the panicles provide additional winter interest. As the flower show fades, the oval, dark green leaves turn to lovely shades of red for a breathtaking fall display. Panicle Hydrangeas are reliable bloomers as they form their flowers buds in spring on the tips of the new growth. Therefore cold winters will not spoil their blossoms. They require a few hours of direct sunlight to flower best and are not fussy about the soil type. Perfect for the shrub or mixed border, wonderful planted as a flowering hedge, excellent backdrop for your favorite perennials. USDA 3-8

Native to the United States, Hydrangea quercifolia (Oak Leaf Hydrangea) is a very handsome and versatile deciduous shrub that provides a spectacular show all year round. Named after the shape of its beautiful leaves, it produces a profusion of magnificent grapes of creamy-white flowers, up to 12 in. (30 cm), in late spring and early summer. Lasting about 3-4 weeks, the elongated flower clusters gradually turn pink as fall approaches. In fall, the foliage of deeply lobed, oak-like leaves steals the show by turning bronze, crimson, or burgundy, making this flowering shrub one of the most attractive shrubs for the fall garden. As the leaves fall, they expose the rich brown exfoliating bark. Best in partial shade in hot summer areas but they tolerate full sun in cooler, moist climates. It is a great candidate for mass plantings, hedges, and mixed shrub borders, as a backdrop or accent plant. USDA 5-9

Native to Japan and Korea, Hydrangea serrata (Mountain Hydrangea) is a deciduous shrub of rounded habit with delicate lacecap flowers with flattened clusters from early to late summer. Reminiscent of the Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), it is however more refined in habit and its flowers and leaves are smaller. Borne in great quantity, the elegant blossoms of some cultivars have the wonderful habit of changing color 3 to 4 times per season, a captivating process that will prevent your summer garden from becoming boring. Mountain Hydrangeas are vulnerable to cold but less susceptible to spring frosts than their mopheaded cousins. They prefer part shade but tolerate full sun if grown with consistently moist soils. Perfect from foundation plantings to container plantings. USDA 6-9