Best Hydrangeas For The Sun

What are the best hydrangeas for the sun? There are many different types of hydrangeas. The best hydrangeas for the full sun are the panicle hydrangeas (hydrangea paniculata).

They are the hydrangeas that have blooms shaped like a cone, and smaller pointed leaves. They bloom in the summer months with large clusters of white flowers for several weeks. The blooms change to shades of pink or red before they dry to beige in the cool weather of late fall.

These hydrangeas love the sun, and their large blooms and the size of these plants, meaning they need a lot of water. Some are more drought-tolerant than others, but in a drought, they will need water.

This is a popular type of hydrangea. Because they are popular, breeders are always looking for new varieties. There are 6-foot tall varieties and now 2-foot varieties for the smaller gardens. Everyone loves hydrangeas.

The following list has outstanding pannicle varieties of hydrangeas that we use in our landscape plans. I pick them because of their outstanding color, ease of care, and stunning display.

Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea

zone 4 height 250 cm spread 150 cm

Enormous blooms start out creamy-vanilla-white, changing to a soft pink and finally to a ripe strawberry red. This unique color combination lasts for three to four weeks. New blooms keep the colors changing all season.

Pinky Winky Hydrangea

zone 3 height 200 cm spread 175 cm

An unusual name and unusual flower. The large white florets when mature will take on pink tones at the base of the panicles, keeping their white tips. These two-toned blooms add an appealing texture and accent to the summer garden.

Quick Fire Hydrangea

zone 3 height 200 cm spear 150 cm

All season bloomers with flowers opening white, turning pink, then changing to dark rosy-pink shades in the fall.

Fire and Ice Hydrangea

zone 3 height 200 cm spread 250 cm

The blooms start creamy-white in early summer turning pink by midsummer and finally becoming deep wine-red in the fall. Greenish-red foliage to enjoy all season.

Limelight Hydrangea

zone 3 height 200 cm spread 200 cm

Very distinctive and unique bright chartreuse flowers which hold their color into autumn before becoming a rich deep pink The dried blooms are perfect for indoor arrangements and wreaths.

Firelight Hydrangea

zone 3 height 175 cm spear 175 cm

White flowers turn pomegranate pink later in the summer. Thick sturdy stems form a round upright habit.

Bobo Hydrangea

zone 3 height 80 cm spread 100 cm summer bloom

One of my favorites for small spaces. The abundant large cones of white florets may turn a pinkish color in the fall. A compact mound of green foliage