If I like hydrangeas, what else will I like?

[grumpypug]

As per title. I've got a lovely pink hydrangea and a white 'mont blanc' hydrangea in my garden. Just dug over a new patch of soil and I'd like something similar. Partial sun, shade in the afternoon. Something that will be easy to look after and attract bees and butterflies. Any suggestions?

Is it the large flowers that you like about hydrangeas?
Maybe try chryanths? They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and do well in part-sun to full-sun. Or phlox? Similar to chrystanths they are in a range of colours.
If it's the bushy size, then maybe perlagoniums or dahlia.

Forgot about buddlea too :) butterflies LOVE

I'm not keen on chrysanthemums. Not sure why! I like how easy they are to look after and the big statement flowers. I have a mini buddleia so maybe a larger one. I do like dahlias though, too. Thanks!

Buddleia.

Always full of bees and butterflies.

Cross Post while I reminded myself how to spell buddleia!

My Skimmia Japonica is thriving in the conditions you describe. Plus it smells nice and attracts bumblebees. Completely covered in flowers at the moment too. However see how much room you have as they can get quite big!

Mainly white, but you could look at Cornus kousa and Viburnum opulus/plicata - they have the same flower structure as Hydrangea, of tiny flowers surrounded by big long lasting bracts. V. plicata in particular is very reminiscent of hydrangea.

Hollyhocks - dead easy to grow from seed and need very little maintenance besides cutting back.