I don't grow the Macs for the reason you encountered. They can be an iffy proposition in Zone 6. You didn't mention it, but winters can often be too cold for them. The plant will go on growing, but the blooms which were set on old wood from last autumn often will not survive the cold--so no blooms in the spring and summer.

I'm very enthusiastic about paniculatas and arborensens hydrangreas. The paniculatas can take lots of sun and a hydrangea like Annabelle can tolerate some sun, though it definitely needs protection from the direct sun in the afternoon.

My Annabelles bloom for the first half of summer, while my paniculatas bloom for the second half of summer. Works out good!

The paniculatas I grow are Pinky Winky and Vanilla Strawberry.

As far as the drooping hydrangeas you already have, buy some of those green-wire "fences" they have a Home Depot and such places. I don't know what to call them other than "fences"--just insert them into the ground around the hydrangeas--that will hold them up, and the green wire can hardly be seen by visitors. Those green-wire "fences" come in several different heights, so pick one that comes about 3/4s the way up your hydrangeas.

Hope that helps.

Kate

Thanks Kate. I am going to look for the fencing. My Vanilla Strawberry might also like a fence.

There is going to be 2 new smooth hydrangea. Invincibelle Ruby and Incredbail Blush. I think Garden Crossing might have them this fall. I would like them in place of my mop head hydrangea.

Now to get someone to dig up the big mopheads that don't bloom. :-)