There are four basic types: oak leaf, macrophylla types (sometimes called mopheads), arborescens types and paniculata types. I’ve got some of each in my garden. If I had more room, I’d grow more. Here’s my take on them, divided into four parts for four separate days.

Part I—Hydrangea quercifolia—oakleaf hydrangea

Photo Courtesy of Bailey Nurseries

Oakleaf types grow in shade. They get their name from the fact that their leaves are curved and lobed like an oak leaf — only far bigger. The flowers are long white panicles, and from what I’ve seen, it’s worth it to buy a cultivar like ‘Snow Queen’ (pictured above). I have the species and its blooms aren’t quite as dramatic. But, hey, they all bloom in the shade (although not deep deep shade). The flowers are stunning additions to floral arrangements. With some of them, the leaves turn a nice bright red in fall but not, alas, with mine.

Tomorrow: the skinny on the fat round ones.

—Carolyn Ulrich