Other hydrangeas

This genus is huge, offering climbers, autumn colour and a staggering array of colours and form.

H. quercifolia ‘Snowflake’

Well-shaped bush with double flowers that open white, age to rosy pink and dry well for winter display. Good autumn colour with leaves turning wine-red to maroon, reds and orange. A strong constitution.

H. arborescens ‘Annabelle’

The large white flowerheads turn green in late summer. Suitable for cooler areas as it will produce flowers on new stems if frost damaged. Put in semi-shade and sheltered location to protect blooms from wind.

H. anomala subsp. petiolaris

Produces a cascade of white lacecap flowers in summer, clings to walls and tree trunks, ideal for shade. This slow grower will often not flower until it reaches the top of the structure it is growing on.

H. scandens subsp. chinensis f. formosana (Taiwan)

Taiwanese form with narrow, shiny, dark green foliage and white lacecaps. It is tolerant of sun or light shade and grows to about 1m.

H. serrata ‘Blue Deckle’

An early-flowering shrub that produces dainty blue lacecaps on a small compact bush. Frilly powder blue sterile florets surround pale blue true flowers. Best in light shade and ideal for pots and tubs.

H. angustipetala ‘Gold Dust’

An unusual yellow flowering plant from Taiwan, with lacecap flowerheads of golden true flowers in the centre surrounded by creamy white bracts. This evergreen species reaches about 1.5m in height.