What is the difference between Hydrangea Quercifolia, Paniculata, Arborescens, and Macrophylla?

Quercifolia: Also known as Oakleaf hydrangea is hardy to zone 5a. There is a heat island in Minneapolis that’s zone 5. You can also plant this in an area protected by wind. Mulch well at planting and add more mulch after ground freeze if you live in zone 4.

Paniculata: Very woody shrub, the flowers will bloom white in cone shape and then turn shades of pink to red depending on variety.

Arborescens: White or pink snowball shape bloom. It blooms on new wood. You can prune arborescens down to the ground in late winter or not at all if you want a larger shrub. They need a couple of years to establish before any pruning.

Macrophylla: Are native to Japan and China. Will have a rounder flower that will be pink or blue (depending on the acidity of the soil). These tend to die back in winter, protect stems over winter after the ground has frozen. You can insulate it with snow or shredded wood mulch. They bloom on old wood and new wood depending on variety.