Native to the United States, Hydrangea arborescens is an upright, deciduous shrub that prefers moist, well-drained soils in part shade. ‘Ryan Gainey’ is compact, growing to 3 feet tall and displaying dark green foliage. Its rounded white flower heads resemble those of the ‘Annabelle’ hydrangea, but ‘Ryan Gainey’ has stronger stems that are less likely to flop. Flowers bloom in June and can last until October. Bloom occurs on new wood, so plants may be pruned back to the ground in late winter. Plant ‘Ryan Gainey’ in masses in the shrub border or use as a specimen in perennial beds.