There are certain flowers and plants that have, for me at least, come to serve as quintessential representations of the seasons. In autumn, I can’t get enough of asters, ornamental kale and the reds, golds, and purples of hardy mums. Winter brings visual interest in the form of evergreens, holly berries, dried seed pods, and eventually hellebores. And spring wouldn’t be the same without the bright, cheerful tulips and daffodils nodding in our front lawns. But nothing evokes the lazy, late afternoons of summer quite like hydrangeas.

At once carefree and elegant, hydrangeas turn this Midwestern girl’s thoughts directly to sunshine, sea spray, and sandy boardwalks. Traditionally a staple of coastal New England gardens, hydrangeas can be grown with great success throughout much of the United States. There are varieties suitable for full sun and full shade and everything in between, and flowers in varying colors, sizes, and shapes.

Plants are a good choice for beds and borders, and of course a white picket fence is an attractive and time-honored backdrop. But consider yourself warned: there’s just something about those oversized blooms that makes me want to scoop them into the wicker basket of my beach cruiser by the armful and pedal off into the sunset.

Hydrangea macrophylla

Perhaps the most instantly recognizable of all the hydrangea species, and the most popular among home gardeners, is Hydrangea macrophylla. This flower is commonly known as bigleaf or mophead hydrangea, due to its large, showy, round flowers. Hydrangeas often grow in spectacular borders, along fences, or as foundation plantings adjacent to adorable Cape Cod beach houses. These typically pink or blue flowers have an old-fashioned charm. It makes them a classic choice for a formal landscape or a whimsical cottage garden.

H. macrophylla grows and blooms best when planted in fertile, well-drained soil, with a mix of morning sun and some afternoon shade. Though in northern climates like the upper Midwest, plants can tolerate more sun throughout the day. These shrubs grow 3-6 feet tall, with a spread of 6-10 feet. They’re an excellent choice both in mass plantings and as specimen plants.

Mophead hydrangeas require little to no pruning, aside from the occasional removal of dead blooms and stems. They should be planted in a location where they can reach their full potential without being transplanted. Fertilizing once in spring or early summer is all that is required to keep plants thriving.

Bigleaf hydrangeas set their buds in late summer or early fall for the following season. Historically, this has made them a risky bet for gardeners in northern climates where harsh winters and freezing temperatures in late spring threatened blooming. However, new varieties that bloom on both old and new stems have allowed for successful growth as far north as zones 4 and 5.

Hydrangea aborescens

I discovered Hydrangea aborescens the same way many a frustrated gardener has- I loved the mopheads of H. macrophylla, but just didn’t have enough sun in my yard to sustain them. Though try (and try, and try again), I did. Enter H. aborescens, commonly known as smooth hydrangea. By far my favorite of all the species for its easy care, beauty, and reliability.

Like H. macrophylla, these hydrangeas have huge, ball-shaped flower heads, at times reaching 12 inches in diameter! In fact, these flowers can grow so large they may need to be staked or propped up with a small wire fence to prevent them from drooping. The creamy white flowers are stunning against darker green foliage. When used in a hedge or mass planting, the effect can be striking.

Plants bloom on new growth each year, so they can be pruned back if desired. Cold winter temperatures won’t phase them. H. aborescens is one of the only hydrangeas native to the United States and they are hardy to zone 3! Reaching a height and width of 3-6 feet, this low maintenance plant performs best in part shade, and blooms from early summer right into fall. Smooth hydrangeas are profuse bloomers, and snowball shaped flowers are excellent for cutting.

Hydrangea paniculata

Another reliable cold weather bloomer is Hydrangea paniculata, hardy to zone 3, and named for its tapered flowers, which form cone-shaped panicles. Unlike most other hydrangeas, H. paniculata actually performs best in full sun. It can reach a height and width of 6-8 feet! With gently arching branches that give the shrub an overall vase shape, it is striking in the background of a perennial border, or as a focal point in the garden.

Blooms are large and pyramidal. They first appear white or pale green in midsummer, but turn a muted, rosy pink closer to fall. Blooming takes place on the current season’s growth. Panicle hydrangeas can be pruned in late winter or early spring. They are the only hydrangeas that can be shaped into tree form, which makes them an excellent and attractive choice for specimen plantings.

Hydrangea quercifolia

Commonly known as oakleaf hydrangeas, due to their leaves’ resemblance to those of an oak tree, Hydrangea quercifolia is, like H. aborescens, native to the United States. However, it is hardy only to zone 5. This means it is, unfortunately, not an ideal choice for much of the Midwest. Similar to H. paniculata, flowers form a spiky panicle and start off white, aging to a deep pink as the season progresses. In fall, the leaves claim center stage as they turn dramatic shades of red, yellow, and orange.

Oakleaf hydrangeas can be grown in much sunnier areas than the mophead varieties. Though, they will thrive in part shade as well. If pruning is necessary, it should be done immediately after plants finish blooming to avoid removing the buds of next year’s flowers.

Hydrangea petiolaris

Last, but certainly not least, the climbing hydrangea! Hydrangea petiolaris is a robust deciduous climbing plant. It has masses of white flowers that bloom against a backdrop of heart-shaped leaves in midsummer. This plant is native to Japan and Korea and vines are hardy to zone 4. However, it will tolerate the entire spectrum of growing conditions from full sun to full shade.

Though it’s a slow starter, once established H. petiolaris can reach heights of up to fifty feet at maturity. Lateral branches can extend three feet, making for a dramatic appearance. Additionally, they provide an attractive privacy screen or covering for a fence, wall, or trellis. Dried flower heads and bark offer visual interest in winter. If pruning is required, it should be done after blooming has ended and before buds for the next summer are set, since plants do bloom on old wood.

Choosing and planting your hydrangea

When choosing a hydrangea to plant at home, it’s best to consider which of the many different varieties will perform best in your particular growing conditions. Select a spot in your yard with cool, moist, but well-drained soil, and amend with organic matter if necessary.

Once planted, water deeply 2-3 times per week, or use a soaker hose to maintain the proper moisture balance. Hydrangeas are sensitive to over- as well as under-watering. They can exhibit symptoms like wilting leaves in each case. It’s important to establish consistent and healthy watering practices early on. Hydrangeas don’t like to get their feet wet. Avoid planting in sunken areas of the garden to prevent roots from drowning.

Whether you have an expansive backyard or just a trellis to climb, hydrangeas are an appealing addition to the garden. They provide desirable height and shape, are dazzling when flowering. The profuse bloomers will reward you with cuttings throughout the summer and into fall. Well, as long as you remember to keep an eye out for brunettes on bicycles.