They're big, they're bold, they're beautiful and their eye catching flowers will dance the summer away in your garden. Take a fresh look at the species and varieties of Hydrangea and you'll see lots of exciting possibilities for this plant.
Hydrangeas are one of those plants which will work in lots of different situations and locations around the garden. As specimen plants, in a shrub border planted singly en masse. Perfect for pots and spot on if you want to brighten up a distant corner of the garden. If you have an uninspiring north facing wall which you need a knock-out plant to bring the space alive - there are Hydrangea species and varieties to help with the answer.
Whether you are looking for a classic or more contemporary look the Hydrangea family has lots of options. Hydrangea macrophylla, or common hydrangea has become almost a signature plant of gardens in this country, and it's easy to see why. Hardy and requiring little maintenance, it delivers year after year, over a long flowering period from midsummer to late autumn. Hydrangea macrophylla is in fact divided into two categories. The most frequently encountered are the 'mopheads' or 'Hortensias'. These are the ones producing confident, dome-shaped blooms. 'Blue Bonnet' or 'Goliath' are examples.
'Lacecap' hydrangeas are a gorgeous alternative and their flowers truly dance. Clusters of lacy flowers 'float' across the plant shimmering in the summer breeze. The flowers are made up of two parts - an outer ring of showy florets and a central arrangement of small fertile flowers. Hydrangea 'Mariesii Perfecta' is a wonderful lacecap to look out for. Also known as 'Blue wave' it produces rich blue to mauve coloured flowers set against green leaves. For exquisite, creamy white flowers try Hydrangea paniculata 'Floribunda' this plant flowers from late summer through to early autumn. For earlier flowers try 'Praecox'. For that North facing wall look out for Hydrangea petiolaris also with creamy white flowers.
Hydrangeas tend to do best in a sunny or partially shaded location. They like moist but well, drained soil. For plants with pink flowers an alkaline soil is needed, plants with blue flowers need an acid soil. Use a soil tester which you can get from your garden centre to ensure that you get the best results from your plant. Of course you can always plant your hydrangea in a container and create exactly the right soil conditions for it to thrive.
Striking colours and dancing flowers are what it is all about in summer. For flexibility and choice - check out the range of hydrangeas next time you are visiting your local garden centre.
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