What types of hydrangeas are there?

Bigleaf Hydrangea - Hydrangea macrophylla  the current Magical® Hydrangeas are Bigleaf types. 
Bloom shape: Large, round clusters (mophead) or flat-topped with outer petals surrounding a central cluster (lacecap)
Colors: Can vary from pink to blue and white, depending on soil acidity
Leaves: Large, oval-shaped leaves
Note: Some older selections bloom on old wood, so pruning at the wrong time can affect flowering. New selections bloom on both old and new wood, so pruning out dead branches will not affect the second flowering. 

There are two flower shapes for Big Leaf hydrangeas: round and flat.
Magical hydrangeas are characterized by their round shape and evenly distributed flowers. We also refer to this hydrangea as a mop-head hydrangea. 

Smooth Hydrangea - Hydrangea arborescens - this is a North American native hydrangea, mostly found along the woodland edge, near streams. 
Bloom shape: Large, round, snowball-shaped clusters
Colors: Primarily white, but some newer cultivars offer pink or green hues
Leaves: Smooth, heart-shaped leaves
Note: Blooms on new wood, so pruning in late winter or early spring is okay.
See Plants Nouveau Smooth hydrangea selections here.

Panicle Hydrangea - Hydrangea paniculata - the full sun hydrangea that ALWAYS flowers, no matter where you live
Bloom shape: Cone-shaped clusters that start green, turn white, then pink or red as the season progresses
Colors: Green, white, pink, and red
Leaves: Oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges
Note: Blooms on new wood, so pruning in late winter or early spring is ideal

See Plants Nouveau Panicle hydrangea selections here. Please scroll down the page 1/2 way to see all of our panicle hydrangea selections.

Oakleaf Hydrangea - Hydrangea quercifolia - a North American native selection usually found on dry slopes along stream banks
Bloom shape: Large, lacecap-shaped clusters
Colors: White turning to pink or brown as the season progresses
Leaves: Oak-shaped leaves that turn vibrant red, purple, and orange in fall
Note: Blooms on old wood, so avoid heavy pruning. Prune to ahpe right after flowering. 

See Plants Nouveau Oakleaf hydrangea selections here.

Mountain Hydrangea - Hydrangea serrata - the Lacecap types. Some of the Magical hydrangeas have serrata blood in them, making them much hardier. 
Bloom shape: Lacecap-shaped clusters
Colors: Pink to deep red to purple
Leaves: ovate and serrated (toothed) leaves
Note: Blooms on old and new wood, cut back stems by 1/3 in August

Remember: These are general characteristics, and there are many cultivars within each type with variations in color, size, and bloom shape.