Five- to 10-inch rounded clusters of tiny flowers cover the plant in mid-summer. Blue, pink, or white shading is dependent on soil pH. Acid soil produces pink flowers; alkaline soil produces blue flowers.
Zone: 6-7
Light and Soil: Full sun or partial shade. Rich, moist, well-drained soil.
Height: 5-8'
Comments
Very showy in flower. Use in foundation plantings or shrub borders. Dies back in cold winter areas. Often used as houseplant. Prune after flowering.
Hills-of-Snow
(H. arborescens 'grandiflora')
Six-inch clusters of tiny white flowers in rounded heads cover plant in midsummer. Large bright green leaves.
Zone: 4
Light and Soil: Full sun or partial shade. Rich, moist, well-drained soil.
Height: 4'
Comments
Dense and globular in shape. Very showy in flower. Often dies back in cold winter areas. Use in foundation plantings or in low informal hedges. Prune in early spring before new growth.
Peegee
(H. paniculata 'grandiflora')
Twelve-inch pyramidal clusters of flowers cover the plant in midsummer. Blossoms are white, gradually turning to pink or purple and cling well into winter.
Zone: 4
Light and Soil: Full sun or partial shade. Rich, moist, well-drained soil.
Height: 30'
Comments
Can be trained to tree form. Use as a specimen plant in large yards. Cut flower clusters for dried bouquets. Pruning will increase size by encouraging more vigorous growth.
Oak-leaved
(H. quercifolia)
Six-inch conical clusters of tiny white flowers in midsummer. Leaves are shaped somewhat like oak leaves and turn red in the fall.
Zone: 5
Light and Soil: Full sun or partial shade. Rich, moist, well-drained soil.
Height: 6'
Comments
Showy all seasons. Very spreading; best planted alone as specimen plants. Prune after flowering.