boday, I had heard similarly re P. Polymorpha. So I planted one a couple of seasons ago in a less than sunny location. It has done just okay. But in fact if it did very really well it might actually be too large for the spot! They can grow huge. ----------------------------- I have a polymorpha that started out as - "I wonder if it'll grow here"? to "I wonder if it'll work as a focal point for the whole yard". - (Big yard). So, I can chop some rooted branch and experiment. Trying to establish sight lines, distance and close ups is a big challenge. Astrantia Roma looks great close up, thirty feet away is just a pinkish blob. Five plants disappear.

Doesn't it depend on the type of hydrangea (paniculata vs macrophylla vs aborescens, etc.)? Have to say I'm fairly new to hydrangeas with only a couple of years of experience but I have 2 different panicle hydrangeas which seem to need a lot of sun to bloom well. I just purchased a macrophylla, which needs protection in my climate but is meant to do well in shade. I'll have to see what happens next year. I am guessing that lady in red is a macrophylla so that makes me a bit nervous for my chances of blooms as the spot I chose is very shady!

That is correct, they'll be leggy and not as floriferous if they will not get at least 2-3 hours of uninterrupted sun or 4 hours of dappled sun. However there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Underplant them with low growing (3-4') evergreen azaleas or hydrangea arborescens ('Annabelle', for example) and you'll have very attractive and long time blooming combo.

The most important thing to remember is hosta are shade tolerant, not shade dependent. In general, the more white a hosta has the more sun it needs to maintain vigor. Be aware though that some white centered hostas will burn in the sun. A lot of the yellow/gold hosta do well with sun, and in fact have brighter colors in the sun. Blue leaved plants do better in deeper shade since the blue color is from a waxy coating on the leaves. Too much sun will melt the waxy coating and you will end up with a green hosta. No matter where you place the hosta, remember to water, water, water until it is established. If you have a particular variety in mind please post an individual request for information on the Hosta Forum.