It’s not a question of their beauty, but a question of how to help them thrive.

Are hydrangeas easy to grow in full sun, or do they prefer more shade?

Read on to find out.

Blue hydrangea plant with clusters of light purple and pink flowers poking out of leaves

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

How Much Sun Do Hydrangeas Need?

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Where to Plant Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas should be placed where they can receive some late afternoon shade.

Nikko blue hydrangea shrub

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

They alsoneed a lot of water,especially during hot summer dry spells.

These verities yearn for the sun and perform stunningly in the mid to late summer.

Smooth Hydrageas

Another variety of hydrangeas that love the sun is called smooth hydrangeas.

Bobo hydrangea shrub with white flower panicles on end fo branches with oval leaves

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

This particular species includes beautiful blooms likethe popular “Annabelle.”

The study also noted that smooth hydrangeas will perform well in full sun if given adequate moisture.

So, don’t forget to water your blooms whenyou see them drooping.

Oakleaf hydrangea

The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

Hydrangea macrophylla Cultivars

Lastly, big-leaf hydrangeas mostly prefer more shade.

This includes stunning flowers like “Blue Billow” which unfortunately burns in the sun.

Another variety is called “Endless Summer” which survives even after cold freezes.

“Nikko Blue” is another variety that produces large blue blooms and may even re-flower in the fall.

The University of Tennessee Extension2012.