If you have a garden that doesn’t get much sunlight, you might think it’s hard to find beautiful plants to grow.
But don’t worry. Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.) are a great choice for shady spots. In fact, there are 75 different species of hydrangeas, and many of them thrive in low-light conditions.1
Whether you want climbing vines, lovely flowers, or shrubs, these six shade-loving hydrangeas will bring color and beauty to your garden.
1. Oakleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia)
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5-9
Best for: Partial shade to full shade
Oakleaf hydrangeas love dappled sunlight, meaning they grow best when they get some shade during the day. They have large, oak-shaped leaves that turn red or orange in the fall, making them beautiful year-round.
These hydrangeas need soil that stays moist but drains well, so they should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulching around the base helps keep the soil cool and moist. They don’t need a lot of fertilizer, but you can give them a slow-release formula in the spring.
Common Oakleaf Variety: Tara Hydrangea
This is a compact version of the Oakleaf hydrangea. It grows to about 6 feet tall and has creamy white blooms that fade to pink in the fall.
Its leaves also provide stunning color in the autumn, making it a great choice for shaded areas where you want some extra seasonal interest.
2. Panicle Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata)
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
Best for: Partial shade (but can tolerate more sun than other types)
Panicle hydrangeas, or PeeGees, are the most sun-tolerant type, but they also do well in partial shade. They have long, cone-shaped flower clusters and bloom later in the summer.
You’ll want to plant them in well-drained soil and water regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Pruning in early spring helps encourage new growth and keeps the plant looking neat.
Common Variety: Limelight
- ‘Limelight’: This is one of the most popular panicle hydrangeas. ‘Limelight’ has unique greenish-white flowers that fade to pink and red as fall approaches. It can grow quite large, reaching up to 8 feet tall. It’s also very easy to care for, making it a good choice for beginner gardeners.
3. French Hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla)
USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-10
Best for: Partial shade to full shade
French hydrangeas, also called “bigleaf” hydrangeas, are the classic hydrangeas with large, round flower heads. These plants need moist, well-drained soil and prefer some morning sun with shade in the afternoon.
Watering is important, especially in hot weather, to prevent the leaves from wilting. You can change the color of the blooms by adjusting the soil pH—acidic soil produces blue flowers, while alkaline soil produces pink ones.
Common Variety: Big Daddy
- ‘Big Daddy’: This variety is known for its massive blooms, with flower heads up to 12 inches across. The flowers can be blue or pink, depending on the soil pH, and they last a long time. ‘Big Daddy’ is perfect for making a statement in a shady part of your yard.
4. Climbing Hydrangeas (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris)
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
Best for: Partial to full shade
Climbing hydrangeas are unique because, unlike most hydrangeas, they grow as vines rather than bushes. They can climb walls, fences, or trees, making them perfect for shady spots that need vertical interest.
These hydrangeas have small white flowers that bloom in flat clusters, and their dark green leaves are heart-shaped. They grow slowly at first but can eventually reach 30-50 feet tall.
You’ll need to give them something to cling to, like a trellis or a wall. They prefer rich, well-drained soil and regular watering to keep the soil moist. They don’t need much pruning, but you can trim them after they flower to keep their shape neat.
Common Variety: Miranda
- ‘Miranda’: This variety is a beautiful climbing hydrangea with green leaves edged in creamy yellow. The variegated leaves add extra interest to shaded areas, even when the plant isn’t flowering. ‘Miranda’ can reach up to 30 feet tall and looks stunning when climbing up a fence or a shaded wall. Its white flowers bloom in early summer and add a soft touch to the landscape.
5. Smooth Hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens)
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
Best for: Partial shade (but can tolerate full sun in cooler areas)
Smooth hydrangeas are known for their rounded, snowball-like blooms. They bloom on new wood, meaning you can prune them in late winter or early spring to encourage more flowers.
These hydrangeas are more tolerant of heat and drought than other types, but they still prefer regular watering and moist, well-drained soil. In colder climates, they can even handle full sun, but in warmer zones, you’ll want to give them some afternoon shade.
Common Variety: Seaside Serenade Bar Harbor
- Seaside Serenade Bar Harbor: This compact variety is perfect for smaller spaces, reaching only 3-4 feet tall and wide. It has sturdy stems that hold up large white blooms, which turn light green as they age. The flowers can tolerate a bit more sun than other types, but they still do best in partial shade. This hydrangea works well in borders or as a foundation plant.
6. Mountain Hydrangeas (Hydrangea serrata)
USDA Hardiness Zones: 6-9
Best for: Partial shade
Mountain hydrangeas are similar to French hydrangeas but are smaller and more cold-hardy. They have delicate lacecap blooms, meaning the flowers form in a flat cluster with small fertile flowers in the center and larger, showy blooms around the edges.
These hydrangeas do best with morning sun and afternoon shade. They like moist, well-drained soil and benefit from regular watering during dry spells. You can prune them after they flower to keep them tidy.
Common Variety: Blue Billow
- ‘Blue Billow’: This mountain hydrangea is known for its beautiful blue lacecap flowers. It grows about 2-3 feet tall and wide, making it ideal for smaller, shaded gardens. The blooms can turn pink in more alkaline soil, but you can keep them blue by making the soil more acidic. ‘Blue Billow’ blooms in early summer and adds a delicate, airy touch to any garden.
Now that you know about these six shade-loving hydrangeas, you can pick the best ones for your low-sun garden. Each type offers beautiful blooms and thrives with just a little light.
With the right care, they’ll bring color and life to even the shadiest parts of your yard.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.