I just planted a few recently and they seem to be doing quite well for not being established in their spot yet. The tag says partial shade - hardiness zone 5-9 heat zone 6-9. Mature plant size: 3-6' width & height, keep soil evenly moist

I have a bunch of ES and they are hardy to zone 4 and mine are doing just fine in 4b. But BB's say zone 5 hardiness. If I look at the USDA map I'm in zone 4b although some garden web sites have me at zone 5, my winter temps put me in 4b. I wonder if anyone in zone 4 has tried them?, Thanks, JK

Jack,
My understanding from the ES (and others)website is that they think BB is hardy to zone 4 but it has only been tested to zone 5 therefor it must be labeled as such. I know you are looking for experience but this one is still quite new to the market and given the small number of zone 4 hydrangea growers there are out there in cyberville, I think you might just have to be the guinea pig!!....yg

Yes yellowgirl, I think I may be the guinea pig on BB's for zone 4. I'll probably pick one up and give it a try and see how it does over the winter without protection. Hope it doesn't die. Saw a couple very nice ones in 3 gallon pots for $19.99 the other day. Cheers, JK

I guess I don't get the Blushing Bride. The ones I saw at the store here were almost white (maybe bleached by the sun?) So, based on my Endless Summer experience (lack of blooms) and almost white color - I figured I might as well stick with Anabelle.

Is the color better for you than what I saw at the store?

I am totally with silvergold on this - I have not been impressed by the color of the Blushing Brides that I saw at the garden centers... it's like a dirty or off white to me. If I wanted something white, I would stick with my Annabelle too!

I purchased 2 BB's last year and placed them in a totally shaded location. They produced white flowers, with only a hint of pink. This year, when the blooms emerged, same story. Decided to move one into a bed that receives morning sun until noon. I was amazed at the rapid transformation. Within a couple of days after the move, they began showing a pinkish tint and after 2 weeks, the flowers are almost totally pink. I am planning to move the 2nd one to see if it replicates the color change. More later.
Rb

My mom bought me a blushing bride hydrangea this spring as I am getting married soon (awwww...) I am in Zone 4 with a mostly dead plant. I had it in part shade and it wilted and shrunk so I moved it to a sunnier location where it's currently sizzling like dry bacon. Is there any hope of revival?

Thanks for all the feedback on BB and I'll pass on them. They don't seem as good as ES. For me, in zone 4 I think Annabelle is the way to go if I want some white. For this year I think I'll just stick with my ES and Nikkos and see how they do over the season. Cheerio, JK

amercedesbenz- put it in a shady location and water it WELL. They like morning sun, mostly shade....and lots of water...it'll come back