I'd rather have an oakleaf but you can find compact forms of either with some hunting around, lots of hydrangea cultivars have been introduced during latter years.

6' will be surpassed by a non-dwarf panicle hydrangea.

In your zone, I would think an Oakleaf might be marginal. There are gorgeous smaller H. paniculatas cultivars available.

I'm in SE MI (5b) and have a protected location...corner of front bed with walls on two sides. Feel free to suggest H. paniculata cultivars that you have experience with though.

Although, I came across an Oakleaf cultivar called "little honey" that I am now sorely tempted to buy if I can find a decent sized one locally.

Hi - No experience to report yet - just planted an Hp - a 2010 intro called *Tickled Pink* claimed to be a compact 5x5 though wider than your requirements ... perhaps more experienced Hp growers can input on pruning to size possibilities. This cultivar is a creation Of Dr. Dirr, grown & marketed by Bailey's of MN ... got it for the *compact* claim! (7 other Paniculatas are the larger ones).

I agree w/ laceyvail - Oakleaf may need some protection in our similar zone & woods are a bit brittle (my Pee Wee split in half due to piled snow). For a front garden bed Hp's blooms offer Winter interests! I have 3 Oakleaf Hs & have been lightly protecting these past 3 yrs, 'til fully grown (did not bloom last year) ... but they are in the backyd ... awesome Fall-foliage-colors!

Hope it helps & Good luck on your choice!

The employee at the nursery felt that paniculata's were vigorous growers and would be difficult to confine to a smaller space by pruning. Any hydrangea pruning experts out there?

Agree that paniculata does offer some winter interest though. Alternatively the oakleak little honey would provide spring and fall foliage colors.......but would probably take a few years to get to a decent size.

This thread is not helping :)

If you are bent on Hydrangea, go to Hydrangea forum - experienced/expert growers abound & are very helpful ... will guide you well!

I was a clueless *Nikko-Blue* owner for 16 years when I happen into the forum in '06 w/ tons of *whys* ... Just tread w/ care & be ware ... I now own, love & care for 11 Paniculatas, 8 Serratas (Divas), 8 Macrophyllas (Nikko includ), 3 Oakleaf Hs & 1 H petiolaris (climbing) since. I have less grass to mow & dig dirt more!!!

Have fun there!!! Â;)

I've had 'Little Honey' for three years now near my front sidewalk and I bury it in snow every year and it has come through without breakage. Tip of one branch (highest, stuck out of the snow) seems a bit slow to bud out this year, but it appears the buds are working their way up. I enjoy this plant a lot in my zone 5.

tj

Hi tj - I was looking for *Lil Honey* when I found Pee Wee instead ... wanted him for my shady front & am still considering, if Clethra-16 Candles does not shape up (literally). How much sun does yours get?

All 3 of my Oakleaf Hs have different Fall color variations - PW is the darkest, almost redish chocolate. I think the rest from bloomimg last season is paying off, all three are forming the familiar cauliflower clusters, including Pee Wee's (healed) damaged center cane!

BTW, ml - I severely pruned *Little Lamb* Hp, to the tall center canes ... an experiment on redesigning (nature vs nurture) ... too early to tell what shape creature he turns out to be. I'll post pix when he fills out & flashes (before & after) ... he is fast filling out on both ends, top & bottom!

"How much sun does yours get? "

About 4 hours in the morning. Used to be less but last year the city's street maple in front of my house died and was removed.

tj

Thanks for all the responses. Has helped me decide. I think I will give the oakleaf a try.