For partially shaded gardens, oakleaf hydrangeas are a must. Native to the American southeast, it combines boldness of form with multiple seasons of interest. The plants present enormous panicles of creamy-white, fully double flowers held at the ends of stems clad with the namesake oak-like foliage. The flowers and the foliage mature beautifully. The panicles turn deep red and, finally, golden brown; the leaves gradually adopt a deep wine-red hue in autumn. After the leaves drop, the exfoliating golden bark adds winter interest. This selection comes to us from plantsman Eddy Aldridge.

A remarkable hydrangea hybrid from Jelena De Belder of Belgium. Loose, nodding, cone-shaped panicles hold pure white florets that are as large as the palm of your hand. A distinctively different look in the garden when paired with the deep maroon Cotinus 'Grace'. Flower heads hold well after cutting and look especially nice when dried and saved for indoor display. Give at least some afternoon sun, ample water and a year or two to establish and you'll be rewarded with a desirable specimen.

A sterile mophead form of a native American species, 'Annabelle' burst on the scene a few years back with its enormous inflorescences that begin the season as greenish heads, spend the bulk of summer a creamy white, age to pink and overwinter a papery-brown, making them excellent dried both on the plant and in the home. Blooms on new growth so it's the perfect hydrangea to grow in coldest winter areas where thrives in semishaded situations when provided adequate summer moisture. This is used to perfection in the late Christopher LloydÆs long border at Great Dixter, where it answers the flattened heads of a light Achillea planted in the foreground.

In midsummer, large, lacy heads of hydrangea-like flowers form along this cultivarÆs self-adhering stems, offering a moonlit display. With lovely pewter mottling on each heart-shaped leaf, this rarity is perfect for illuminating shadowy, difficult sites. Easily covers walls on the north side of the home or trunks of large trees.

Pure white, obscenely large conical heads with large sterile florets with rounded sepals completely concealing the fragrant fertile florets; one of the largest, if not showiest of the Hydrangea paniculatas we have cultivated. Absolutely stunning in our woodland with sturdy stems rising to 10 ft. or more over time. Suited to full sun or partially shaded situations.

A sport from Hydrangea macrophylla var. normalis æTricolorÆ shared with us by Marco Stufano, with silvery emargined and blotched foliage and large, striking lacecaps of blue centers surrounded by white sepals. A very pretty Hydrangea form for which we thank Marco and the fine folks at Wave Hill. 4.5 ft.