What kind of soil do you have there: dry, moist, wet, normal, also, how cold does it get where you are? There are shrubs that like shade: I am thinking for instance of Clethra alnifolia (just Google it) comes with either pink or white flowers, blooms late summer, flowers are fragrant, likes moist soil.

I just Googled "shrubs for shade" and found that many hydrangeas like shade. Look it up and good luck.

Yes, I would think a hydrangea would do very well in only three hours of sun. I have several in almost full shade that do well.

However, 2 feet is a bit small for a hydrangea. Do you want something evergreen? Perhaps a mixed border with blooms at different times? Are you more interested in blooms or foliage?

:)
Dee

I like to mix it up with evergreens and other perennials for contrast and winter interest.

Annabelle Hydrangea (cut these down almost to the ground in Feb to keep them compact in growth habit)
Boxwood
Brunnera Jack Frost (nice "pop" in the shade)
Variegated Hosta
Astilbe LOVE shade - Red Fanal is nice
Heuchera (Coral Bells), Citronella
Tiarella
Spirea (mine are full shade and bloom just as well)
Pulmonaria Benediction
Bleeding Hearts - pink or white
Japanese Painted Fern
Lamium White Nancy or Silver Beacon
Rhododendron
Pieris Mountain Fire
Persicaria Firetail, Lance Corporal, Red Dragon
Pachysandra (Groundcover)

Good luck

How about a climbing hydrangea?