Hydrangeas are some of the most popular garden plants—and for good reason. They’re known for their stunning, oversized blooms, lush green foliage, and the fact that they’re relatively low-maintenance. But here’s the catch: hydrangeas are only low-maintenance if you plant the right type for your USDA planting zone.
If you plant a variety that doesn’t suit your local climate, your hydrangea might survive—but it likely won’t thrive. You could end up with a plant that struggles through the seasons, produces few flowers, or needs constant babysitting just to stay healthy.
On the other hand, if you choose a hydrangea that matches your zone, it can grow strong, bloom beautifully, and need very little from you.
This guide will help you understand which hydrangeas are best suited for your climate, based on USDA Hardiness Zones. You’ll also find a list of states by zone to make it easy to identify where your garden falls—and which hydrangea will work best for it.
This guide breaks down hydrangea planting zones, explains which types grow best in each zone, offers tips for planting and care, and includes a handy list of states by zone.
What Are USDA Hardiness Zones?
USDA Hardiness Zones are geographic areas defined by average annual minimum winter temperatures. They help gardeners determine which plants can survive their local climate. Zones are numbered 1 (coldest) through 13 (warmest), with each zone divided into “a” and “b” subzones.
Zones 1 and 2: Too Cold for Hydrangeas
If you live in Zones 1 or 2, where winter temperatures can drop below -50°F (-45°C), hydrangeas generally aren’t recommended. The extreme cold causes damage to hydrangea buds and roots, making survival unlikely.
Common states with Zone 1 and 2 areas:
Alaska (most areas)
Northern parts of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming
Parts of northern Maine
Alternatives: Consider other hardy shrubs like certain varieties of forsythia, spirea, or dogwood better suited to these frigid climates.
Zone 3 to 5: Cold-Hardy Hydrangeas (But Be Cautious with Bigleaf)
If you live in colder climates with harsh winters, these hydrangea types are your best bet:
- Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens): Zones 3-9
- Exceptionally hardy, tolerates cold and can handle partial shade. Popular varieties include ‘Annabelle’.
- Exceptionally hardy, tolerates cold and can handle partial shade. Popular varieties include ‘Annabelle’.
- Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata): Zones 3-8
- Very cold-hardy and sun-tolerant, perfect for northern gardeners. Blooms on new wood, so pruning is easy.
These types are very cold-hardy and bloom on new wood, meaning they flower reliably even after harsh winters.
Can I grow Bigleaf Hydrangeas in Zone 3 to 5?
- Zone 5: It’s possible, but you’ll need to choose a reblooming variety (like ‘Endless Summer’) and give it winter protection. Bigleaf hydrangeas bloom on old wood, and in cold winters, the buds may be killed—resulting in no flowers. Plant them in a sheltered spot, mulch heavily in late fall, and cover them in winter if needed.
- Zone 3 & 4: Not recommended. The plant might survive, but it likely won’t bloom as profusely. Most buds will die off over winter, and it may behave more like a foliage plant than a flowering one. You’d have better luck with panicle or smooth types in this zone.
Common states with Zone 3 to 5 areas:
Connecticut (northern parts)
Illinois (central and northern)
Indiana (northern)
Iowa
Kansas (northern and central)
Kentucky (northern)
Maine
Maryland (western and northern)
Massachusetts (northern)
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri (northern)
Nebraska (eastern and northern)
New Hampshire
New Jersey (northern)
New York (upstate and northern)
Ohio (northern)
Oregon (eastern)
Pennsylvania (central and northern)
Rhode Island (northern)
Vermont
Virginia (western)
West Virginia (northern and eastern)
Wisconsin
Zone 5 to 7: Most Hydrangea Types Thrive Here
This is the sweet spot for many hydrangeas, including the popular:
- Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
- Known for mophead and lacecap flowers, prefers morning sun and afternoon shade.
- Known for mophead and lacecap flowers, prefers morning sun and afternoon shade.
- Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
- Has unique foliage and is heat and cold tolerant.
- Smooth and Panicle Hydrangea
If you’re in Zone 5, remember that Bigleaf Hydrangeas need a little extra care to bloom well. Stick with reblooming cultivars (like Endless Summer), provide mulch in winter, and avoid pruning in late fall or early spring.
Common states with Zone 5 to 7 areas:
Most of Connecticut
Delaware
Illinois (central and southern)
Indiana (central and southern)
Iowa (southern)
Kansas (southern)
Kentucky
Maryland
Massachusetts (southern)
Michigan (southern)
Missouri (central and southern)
Nebraska (central and southern)
New Hampshire (southern)
New Jersey
New York (southern)
Ohio (central and southern)
Oregon (western and coastal)
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Tennessee
Vermont (southern)
Virginia
West Virginia
Wisconsin (southern)
Zone 7 to 9: Warmer Climates and Heat-Tolerant Hydrangeas
In warmer zones with mild winters, you can grow a variety of hydrangeas, but heat and water become more important factors.
- Panicle Hydrangea
- Oakleaf Hydrangea
- Bigleaf Hydrangea can do well too, but may need afternoon shade and more watering
Bigleaf types can thrive here, but protect them from intense afternoon sun and keep soil moist. In these zones, flowering isn’t the issue—heat stress is.
Common states with Zone 7 to 9 areas:
Alabama
Arizona (southern and lower elevations)
Arkansas
California (coastal and southern)
Florida (most areas except northernmost)
Georgia
Louisiana
Mississippi
Nevada (southern)
New Mexico (southern)
North Carolina
Oklahoma
Oregon (southern and coastal)
South Carolina
Texas (central and eastern)
Utah (southern)
Virginia (eastern and southern)
Washington (western lowlands)
Hydrangea Planting Zone Summary Table
| Zone Range | Recommended Hydrangea Types | Climate Notes |
| 1 – 2 | Not recommended | Too cold for survival |
| 3 – 5 | Smooth, Panicle (Bigleaf in zone 5 with care) | Hardy options bloom on new wood |
| 5 – 7 | Bigleaf, Oakleaf, Smooth, Panicle | Ideal growing conditions for most types |
| 7 – 9 | Bigleaf, Oakleaf, Panicle | Warmer zones need heat-tolerant types |
Hydrangeas are truly low-maintenance—but only when you match the right plant to your zone. Planting a hydrangea that’s not well-suited to your climate means more work, fewer blooms, and a higher chance of disappointment.
When you choose a variety that fits your zone, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous blooms, strong growth, and minimal effort.
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