Big, Bold Hydrangeas

The two fundamental types of hydrangea are the mophead (figure A), the most familiar big-leaf variety, and lacecaps (figure B), which derive their name from the sterile flowers surrounding fertile flowers in the center of each flower cluster.

Potted or planted, hydrangeas require excellent soil drainage to thrive. Miller recommends making the planting hole bigger than the plant in addition to using a loose, pliable soil with lots of organic matter. Plant no deeper than one inch above the original pot height. Hydrangeas like cozy spots that get morning sun and afternoon shade.

Once hydrangeas are established in the yard, they require little maintenance except for removing spent flowers. The main thing to remember about hydrangeas is pruning. Hydrangeas flower on year-old wood. That's true of most hydrangeas, although wild and Peegee hydrangeas flower on the current season's growth. They're deciduous, so in the late fall when all the leaves have fallen, cut back every other shoot to maintain a smaller shrub.

"If you don't want a small plant and you want a big plant in the landscape to fill up space and make a lot of color, it's not necessary to prune it," says Miller. "Just let it grow."

Plant breeders are hard at work developing more bi-colored and clearer white varieties for gardeners who hunger for hip hydrangeas. Another popular type, the oakleaf hydrangea, is also easy to grow.