How about an Oakleaf Hydrangea?

http://hcs.osu.edu/pocketgardener/source/description/hy_folia.html

Thank you Angela. I have concidered the Oakleaf H., however it can't take the heat and the full sun of the particular area I want to put it in. I am particularly interested in the Paniculata Grandaflora or the Tardiva. Unless someone knows of one that would be more appealing in the South/Western side of the house, I would really appreciatel it. I am very ignorant when it comes to Most plants, and especially so with Hydrangeas.

Carolet I have what was labeled a Tardiva standard in my afternoon shade garden. It's an absolutely lovely plant. I thought I was going to go nuts waiting for her to bloom at the end of the summer but she surprised me & bloomed at the beginning of August so I suspect she may be "Unique." It's a good 5 ft, and I got her at Home Depot last summer for $20!! I noticed the same tree form tardivas at Lowes the other day but didn't notice the price. I'm not sure how she'll do in full sun. You'll probably have to douse her in water often.

'Panticulata Grandiflora' comes in a shrub version! In fact, the ones you see as trees really are just shrubs that are trained to grow as trees! I have a PeeGee (for short) that I absolutely love. Before I bought it, I compared it with Tardiva. To compare, PeeGee blooms are pretty full whereas Tardiva is more airy. Since the Tardiva blooms are less dense, the plant is able to hold its blooms more upright. The dense blooms on the PeeGee tend to bend or flop, especially after a rain. It's really just a matter of aesthetics. I like fuller blooms and don't mind the flop. Some can't stand it! Both will do equally well in full sun, it's really just a matter of which look you like better!

I really thank all of you for your direction. Yes it is full sun Mehearty. So That won't do in my sunny place. Tmac96 I do so love the fullness of the Grandiflora. I have since heard that Limelight is very comparable to Grandiflora. Now that I have ruled out Tardiva (I like a fuller Bloom) and this plant divides the back yard from the secret garden so it is seen on both sides. Maybe the PG flopping won't be condusive to dividing those two spaces. Any thoughts on Limelight?

Aaah, limelight....you won't be dissappointed by that one. They hold their heads up a little better than PeeGee and don't get quite as large. The heads are beautiful and compliment any number of other colors in their vicinity including other dark green foliage that may be near by. It gets my vote.....yg

Well I did it, I bought a Limelight. I feel very good about my choice. Thank you yg - your Aaah put me over the edge. I think it will do wonderfully in that spot. Carolet

I agree -- I have Limelight also and love it! Great choice!

Well, I have many varieties of hydrangea paniculata (grandiflora, floribunda, pink diamond, angel's blush, limelight, unique, tardiva, little lamb, white moth, etc...). All will do well in full sun. As for which one is a favorite, I would probably say Angel's Blush - but that one is hard to find. I really like the variety of the different varieties as they all start to bloom at different times which extends the bloom season. I think it really comes down to what style do you like? Do you like more lax flowers of grandiflora, or more upright flowers like Tardiva. When do you want it to bloom?

Silvergold Wow. I am new to the great world of garden appreciation. I admire those who have worked many different types of plants into their landscape. Are you a lover of Hydrangeas? I have been bombarded by neighbors who are concerned about the plantings I have around my yard. The homes in this area are approx. 7 years young. And the dwellers here have the simple basics in their yards. I have even given tours to neighbors explaining the future beauty of my world. But with trees that are not quite to the top of my house, and shrubs just nearing my thigh it is very hard for them to envision the future beauty. Thanks for the good advise. I've never seen angles blush! - Carolet

Your neighbors will be insanely jealous!!!......yg

Hi carolet. Yes - I'm a lover of hydrangeas and being in the North, lean toward the paniculata and arborescens. Funny you should mention 7 years - we built our house and moved into it 7 years ago. We had nothing but grass at the time and have done all of our own landscaping, except two white pine we had the builders put in for us. I try to fit in hydrangeas where ever I can. I have really come to enjoy the world of gardening and landscaping my yard. I think the neighbors think we are crazy at times - our newest project a couple weeks ago had us out in 40 degree rainy, windy weather for 4 days putting in a flagstone path. Good luck with your plans -your yard will be beautiful.