Oakleaf hydrangea (H. quercifolia)
Most common to Midlands gardens are Pee Wee (about 3 feet tall) and Snow Flake (about 8 feet tall). The triangular cone-shaped blooms are creamy white. The leaves are show stoppers in the fall, turning a rich crimson red to nearly purple.
Smooth hydrangea (H. arborescens)
Round clusters of greenish white to white flowers. Annabelle is an old-timer and may already be established in older neighborhoods. The plant's flowers can be confused with those of another, similar shrub, the Snowball viburnum.
Bigleaf hydrangea (H. macrophylla)
Grows to be 3 to 6 feet tall and demands consistent moisture. The plant will grow in clay or loam soil. Examples include Endless Summer's Twist-n-Shout, a reblooming lacecap hydrangea.
Tardiva (H. paniculata)
One of the prized forms because it tends to bloom late in the summer, extending the flowering season. The shrub grows to 7 feet.
Limelight (H. paniculata)
Offers a novel color break as the flowers open lime green and can remain green for some time, depending on the climate and the amount of shade they receive.
Quick Fire (H. paniculata)
Another popular plant, it flowers early and its creamy white heads turn pink, then red. It grows to 6 to 7 feet tall.
Copyright ©2012 Omaha World-Herald®. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, displayed or redistributed for any purpose without permission from the Omaha World-Herald.
