Hydrangeas add a touch of vibrancy to any green space when they flower in late summer just as other plants are starting to fade.

Many hydrangea varieties prefer morning sun and afternoon shade, but some types can handle even more shade, especially in warmer regions. However, sunlight still plays a role for shade-loving hydrangeas.

Filtered sunlight is ideal, though many hydrangea types can tolerate a few hours of direct morning sun as well.

French hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla), also known as bigleaf hydrangeas, come in two main varieties: mopheads, which have large, round blooms; and lacecaps, which feature flat clusters of tiny flowers.

The flower colour is influenced by the soil’s pH level and they thrive with morning sunlight, but too much sun can cause scorching, so it’s important to avoid.

Choose the Endless Summer BloomStruck if you want a repeat bloomer for a continuous display of flowers.

It showcases vibrant, long-lasting mopheads of medium size, adorned with small leaves and sturdy stems, resulting in a neatly-groomed shrub.

Smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens) are known for their large, green or white mophead flowers.

The Annabelle hydrangea, a variety of smooth hydrangea, produces blooms resembling snowballs that can grow up to 10 inches in diameter.

These hydrangeas are low-maintenance and can withstand cold weather. Provide them with regular watering in partial shade, or they can thrive in full sun as long as the soil remains consistently moist.

While climbing hydrangeas are typically sold under its species name, “Miranda” stands out for its fragrant flowers and moderate growth rate.

This variety features dark green and yellow to cream variegated leaves, along with white blooms that grace the plant throughout spring and summer.

Miranda thrives in full shade and prefers rich, well-draining soil, ideally enriched with well-rotted organic matter placed in a sheltered spot in the garden.