I'm So Jealous

I've tried many attempts to grow hydrangeas in my yard, but I've always netted dismal results. Back in April, I received 2 small hydrangea plants from a contest win from Santa Rosa Gardens.  I planted the 2 hydrangeas, a Nikko Blue variety and an Annabelle white one, in hopes that they will take off. For some reason, this is one of those plants that I have such a hard time keeping alive.  I know they like moist soil, so I'll try to keep them moist.  Also as an experiment, I planted one in partial shade and the other in full sun just to see which plant does better with the different amounts of sun / shade.  In the past, I have planted hydrangeas in full sun, and they didn't survive.  But so far, to my surprise the Annabelle hydrangea which is in full sun is doing really well.  It has more than doubled in size.

The Nikko Belle hydrangea, I planted in a shady area of the front yard.  It too is doing pretty well and has 2 blooms on it.  I'm really hoping that these plants take off.  I love mophead hydrangeas, they are definitely one of my favorites.

These are the hydrangeas growing at my parent's house in their side yard.  All of these were planted as 6 inch pots years ago.  They sit in partial shade.  Look at them now!  They are huge and super healthy.  I absolutely love the color.  I am so jealous!  I hope my hydrangea will grow like this.

Check out this Nikko Blue. I love the color.  Do you grow hydrangeas?  What's your secret to growing lush healthy hydrangeas?