Annabelle!

Thanks. So it's an arborescens Hydrangea? Do all arborescens grow new branches from the old branches, and are very easy bloomers?

No wonder it always come back and blooms profusely no matter what. What is the second type called?

The other native is oakleaf hydrangea, H, quercifolia. Not as hardy (zone 5) and blooms on previous season's growth so can be damaged by excessive cold.

But in my personal opinion, the best of the hydrangea species, if not necessarily the showiest.

Paniculata hydrangeas are also hardy to zone 3. They too, are perfect for Northern gardeners.

Since they form their buds this growing season you never have to worry about the cold zapping your buds. Paniculatas always come back and bloom profusely no matter what.

Also, with paniculatas its actually advantageous to live in the North. The intense summer heat in the South often causes the blooms to scorch and prematurely Brown.

In the North the overall cooler temperatures help to mitigate scorching and bring out great color especially as Fall approaches.