Hydrangeas

Whether you plan to plant them in borders or containers, hydrangeas provide reliable colour in almost any garden

- Graham Rice

THE popularity of hydrangeas is on the rise. With two Royal Horticultural Society Plant of The Year awards to new hydrangea varieties in recent years, so many newer and better kinds are being developed around the world that it can seem tough to decide which are the best for your garden. But remember one thing: there are no bad ones.

Hydrangeas are hardy, easy to grow, deciduous flowering shrubs that are easily maintained at a manageable size in the garden or in a container. The flat, rounded, dome-shaped or cone-shaped flowerheads are packed with small florets. In some hydrangeas the florets come in two kinds – showy four-petalled, sterile florets to attract pollinators, and smaller fertile florets that develop seeds.

Award winners

Not only have hydrangeas scooped two Royal Horticultural Society Plant of The Year awards, but more than 70 varieties have been honoured by the receipt of the RHS Award of Garden Merit. The AGM is only given to a variety after long and careful assessment for the highest quality garden performance.

Newcomers

At the same time as so many hydrangea varieties are being recognised with awards, plant breeders around the world are developing new varieties in new colours and colour combinations. Some also have improved shape, more attractive foliage, a longer flowering season or other advantages. Pick the varieties that appeal the most and you will not be disappointed.

6 old favourites

‘Bluebird’ AGM