Varieties of Hydrangea That Like Sun

Panicle Hydrangea

• Panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) is listed by the University of Illinois Extension site as among the hydrangea varieties that grow well in sun. Panicle hydrangea is hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 8 and grows to a mature height of 10 to 15 feet with an equal spread. Panicle hydrangea is also well adapted to growing in areas of partial shade and does best in a moist, well-drained soil. The shrub blooms with white pyramid-shaped clusters of flowers in summer. A native of Japan, panicle hydrangea develops an upright to irregular mature form.

Bigleaf Hydrangea

• The University of Illinois Extension lists bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) as a shrub for sunny sites. Bigleaf hydrangea is relatively small sized with a mature height of 3 to 6 feet and an equal spread. The shrub blooms with large pink, blue or white flower clusters during summer and has glossy, bright green foliage. Bigleaf hydrangea is a native of Japan and develops a rounded mature form. The low height of bigleaf hydrangea makes it ideal for use in borders. The shrub grows best in a moist, well-drained soil and is hardy in USDA Zones 6 to 9.

Smooth Hydrangea

• Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens) is a small sized hydrangea well adapted to growing in areas of sun and partial shade, as cited by the University of Illinois Extension site. Smooth hydrangea grows to a full height of 3 to 5 feet with an equal spread and is hardy in USDA Zones 4 to 9, growing best in a well-drained, moist soil. The shrub blooms with large, white flower clusters from early to mid-summer and is tolerant of alkaline soils. Smooth hydrangea is a native of Illinois and is popularly used in borders, foundations and as specimen plantings.