• Hydrangeas bloom in a wide range of colors.hydrangea image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
  
  Hydrangeas are easy to grow shrubs that bloom in a wide range of large, pompom like or conical flowers. The plants are popularly used as specimen plants and in borders. Hydrangeas grow best in moist, well-drained soil and areas of full to partial sun. Out of the 23 different species of hydrangeas, only five are commonly cultivated in the United States.
  
  

Oakleaf Hydrangea

• Oakleaf hydrangea (H. quercifolia) is native to the United States and blooms with 4 to 12 inch long panicles or conical structures of white flowers during early summer. The plants are grown in moist woodlands and grow to a mature height of 6 to 8 feet. Oakleaf hydrangea is an upright, deciduous shrub and grows best in full sun to partial shade. The plant has a medium water requirement and is generally low maintenance. Oakleaf hydrangea has no serious disease or pest issues but is somewhat susceptible to leaf blight.
  
  

Peegee Hydrangea

• Peegee hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) is a deciduous hydrangea variety that grows 10 to 20 feet in height with a 6 to 8 foot spread. The plant has a rapid growth rate and blooms with 6 to 8 inch creamy white flower panicles during the summer. The plant grows best in moist, well-drained soil but also adapts to clay soil. Peegee hydrangea has a spreading, irregular form and has high resistance to drought. The plant is, however, somewhat brittle and larger plants are likely to be damaged by high winds. Peegee hydrangea can be grown as a small sized tree.
  
  

Annabelle Hydrangea

• Annabelle hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’) is a rapid growing, deciduous hydrangea variety that grows to a mature height of 3 to 4 feet with an equal width. The plant grows best in areas of sun or partial shade and in well-drained, moist soil. Annabelle hydrangea has arching branches and upright form. The plant is not drought tolerant and blooms with 8 to 12 inch, pompom like white flowers during the summer. Annabelle hydrangea has dark green leaves and retains best form when pruned in early spring.