I only have one. It is hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'. I have just had it two years, but it bloomed the first year and was loaded last year even though it is just about 2x3. Got it from one of those cheap midwestern nurseries that most people turn their noses up at! I use them for certain things because they are so inexpensive compared to other places. I have had good luck with J.W. Jung Seed Co.
As to the hydrangea, I love it, but was surprised at how much water it requires. It will wilt if not watered almost daily so I have been reluctant to buy more since I am not really careful about watering. Mine is on the east side of a building. By the way, it blooms on current wood.

For your Zone 6, you might try some of the new cultivars that rebloom, so that you can have blooms even if the previous year's buds are nipped. They are all Hydrangea macrophylla(big leaf); 'Endless Summer', 'Dooley' or 'Penny Mac'. Mopheads, Blue in acid soil, pink in alkaline, My 'Endless Summer' bloomed until the first freeze of winter and it's planted in an exposed area near a street, 70' from any structure. All Hydrangeas require nearly constant attention for the first 2 years after transplanting to insure adequate moisture until the roots become well established and after that, on an "as required" watering routine. The macrophylla's will show stress first, even though some of the other species, Oak-leaf, Aspera, etc. may have a larger leaf.
Rb

I have afew on the south side but shaded by a big oak and mulched with shredded oak leaves.They do seem to want water when it gets Hot.I got a variegated one last spring that I hope will make it thru the winter.One of the others I have came from a florist too but it made it thru last winter.Good luck.I sure have enjoyed mine.Posy Pet

The flowers on my hydrangea that I brought over from my parents' house are just starting to turn pink. It's going to be the first to bloom. Forever pink has buds and my florist hydrangea too. I bought Forever Pink because it was supposed to start blooming "early". I really think it would've been happier living one zone further south but oh well. My hydrangea 'Annabelle' must have nearly 100 flower clusters on it but they're still green. Mine is on the north side of my house but there aren't any trees shading it from the morning or evening sun. It's about three years old and I'm crossing my fingers that it doesn't outgrow the spot it's in next to our garage. It's one of my favorites. Gldno or anyone else that has one - Is the foliage supposed to be sort of light green or is mine lacking something?

I have about 12 varieties. We didn't have much cold weather this passed winter but it hasn't stopped any of mine from blooming.

PP

I have 'Annabelle' that is going on it's 3rd year here. I have it on the south side of my house but it seems to be growing slowly. It dies back to the ground and puts up new shoots each year----normal?

I had an Oak Leaf but it died this winter----I think from a mole running under it and I found out too late to help it. I liked the bloom on it but don't think I will replace it.

Susy/Missouri

I got one from a cutting in a trade 2 years ago. It hasn't ever bloomed yet but is growing nicely now. It's still in a pot. Should I put it in the ground? I had another one before and some years it bloomed and some it didn't. I really like them so I hope this will take off. I'm not sure what kind it is, I've forgotten. Any advice on what to do to get it to bloom?

Nancy

I am certainly no expert, but my Annabelle is definitely on the light green side. I don't fertilize or anything - just water it when it gets droopy. It is loaded with blooms, but none open yet. I got it from Jungs and it bloomed the first year. I haven't put any more in because of the watering thing.....I'm not really good at that. It is planted near an apple tree on the east side of a shed, so only gets sun in the morning to early afternoon. I see it has spread considerably this year, sending up shoots out from the original roots out about 18 inches or so.

I saw a lady on TV who started the first Hydrangea society. She says the leaves don't wilt from lack of water, but as a way to reduce the surface during hot weather. She said they usually open back up in the evening or when it cools down. I was enthralled with all she had to say. Marilyn

I finally got an oak leafed hydrangea established. It is beautiful and I thought I traced a nice fragrance coming from its direction. I tried to grow the oak leaf type several times, but they died. I am blaming walnut trees. It could have been our dry summers. I try to water new shrubs for their first few years, but it is easy to miss things when there isn't any rain and you have planted too much. It was worth the wait. I also have two lace caps that have never bloomed. I had them in pots trying to find the perfect place, but finally gave up and stuck them in the ground. Maybe they will do better now. I like the look of lace caps better than mop heads. I worked in a green house once and those florist hydrangeas drove me crazy. I wish I had known they were just making their surface area less to conserve. You don't know how bad it feels to walk in and see a green house full of wilted plants when you are the one who is supposed to keep them watered.

my neighbor has two blue hydreana that I had the gall to trim for her.. but they did bloom spectacularly this year.
she plants things then does not care for the poor plants.. I am trying now to save the rose bed. but I do have one question.. How do you propigate hydranias? cutting? roots? I like to take a bit to my garden.. no funds to buy new plants.
thank you in advance
Peterle

I started an oak leaf last year from a cutting. I used a new shoot that was green about as big around as my little finger and about 6 to 8 inches long.

Hello, all
I have read some of the postings here and have been impressed with everyone's expertise and willingness to help. I hope someone can give me some advice. I have always loved hydrangeas, but we are moving to Palm Coast, Florida, 30 minutes south of the St. Augustine area, and have been told the area is not appropriate for hydrangeas because of the humidity and heat? We used to have beautiful hydrangeas in the Philippines so I cannot comprehend that.
Anyone have an opinion or advice? I have the PeeGee hydrangea here in PA and would love to have one or a macrophylla, or any other variety, in Florida.
Thank you.