Best-in-Show Hydrangeas

These champs offer up the classic shrub's most impressive attributes.

- JILL STAAKE

A hydrangea in full bloom A can stop you in your tracks-and fall is the perfect time to plant these stunners. They thrive in almost any garden, according to Miranda Niemiec, a horticulture content specialist at hydrangea .com. She says "You only need to know two things to be successful with hydrangeas: what type you have and whether it blooms on old or new wood."

Bigleaf, mountain, oakleaf, and climbing hydrangeas all bloom on old wood. If you must prune them, do it sparingly. Panicle and smooth hydrangeas flower on new wood. Give them a light trim in late winter or early spring to encourage even more flowers.

Now that you know the secret to success, all you need to do is pick the right plant. These cultivars boast some of hydrangea's best attributes.

COLD-WEATHER WARRIOR