Landscaping With Hydrangeas

At just 30 to 36 inches tall, dwarf hydrangeas like 'Bobo' are a great choice for fairy gardens. Grow them in a secluded nook, so visitors will feel as if they've discovered an enchanted spot. Add low-growing plants and ground covers, or let moss make a natural carpet in a wooded garden.

For privacy, plant a hedge of hydrangeas like these blue mopheads. But remember: These deciduous shrubs lose their leaves in fall, so you may want to grow them with boxwoods or other evergreens. Hydrangea macrophylla grows about 4 to 6 feet tall, paniculatas reach 10 to 15 feet and quercifolias max out at 8 to 9 feet.

Perk up perennial beds and borders in your landscape with hydrangeas that keep the blooms coming. 'Quick Fire' flowers up to a month before other hydrangeas; the white blooms gradually turn pink and become dark rose-pink by fall.

To create a path, plant hydrangeas close together and let them led visitors to a garden gate, porch, deck or other area. These 'Tardiva' and 'Annabelle' hydrangeas can be pruned to keep them from blocking the view from the home's windows.