I can totally understand wanting Hydrangeas, getting them, and then trying to figure out what to do. They are so awesome! But realistically, the shade would be installed first. I don't see that there's a problem though. Morning sun/afternoon shade is a perfect recipe for Hydrangeas. You could definitely add some pretty little trees, if you think more shade is needed, or just more dappling of the sun during the morning.

I would not continue the row, but I'm just an anti-row person. For those who like them, augmenting the row you've started would make sense. That aspect is all about personal preference, but if you're ambivalent, soliciting the majority opinion is a great idea.

In a few years, each Hydrangea (if they're blue macrophyllas, like I'm assuming for some reason,) should be about 6-8 ft. in diameter, about eye-high. When/if adding more stuff, keep future elbow room in mind.

Oh, and I can't think of anything that could compete with Hydrangea blooms. Most trees would probably bloom a lot earlier than Hydrangeas.

If you're able to add an afternoon pic so folks can see how the shadows fall, suggestions of possible additions should start rolling in.

You might like dogwoods, Halesia (silverbell,) crabapples, Japanese maple, forest pansy redbud, or just some bigger shrubs like confederate rose or fragrant olive (Osmanthus fragrans.) (I'm in Z8b, not sure all of those are hardy if you're way up there near TN.) If you plan to keep grass around your entities, maybe a Rose of Sharon. But if you plan to do flower beds or mulch circles, those sprouts could get irritating.

Hi Tiffany, and thanks for your response. I guess the presence of the fence already creates a "row" to my mind, and since there is afternoon shade [but not mid day shade] , I put the hydrangeas in the best spot I had. They were planted 4 feet from the fence, and 8 feet apart, so I think allowing for the growth is ok. Also, my eyes are closer to the ground than most folks! :-)

When I said 'something that wouldn't compete with the hydrangea blooms', I guess I was thinking crape myrtles or rose of sharons, since they take the sun so well and bloom in the summer. Since I have woods on two sides, I like the idea of dogwoods, and I always admire other folks' Japanese maples...but while I like the foliage of bloodgood or fireglow, to me, that red would compete with the hydrangeas.

Discussing this helps so much! Dogwoods were my original inclination. Anyone else have thoughts? TIA, Linda

Always happy to share an opinion :+) It is definitely hard to break row-free when straight fences are involved.

The Forest Pansy is a much inferior cultivar to the Merlot (think of it as an improved FP). The leaves are thick and glossy and hold their color well, also not burning like the FP leaves will. Have you looked at the Rising Sun redbud? They are spectacular color, but apricot new growth to shades of green, unlike the FP and Merlot. A vigorous tree.