PLANT OF THE WEEK

HYDRANGEA

Hydrangeas are the unsung heroes of late gardens – they flower throughout the end of summer just when many borders are past their peak. Even when they are over in September, they still aren’t really finished since the dried flowers remain on the plants and fade attractively over many more weeks. They often still look great rimed with frost in winter.

The long-lasting hydrangea flowers make them popular for cutting. Pick while they are still fresh and stand in a jar filled with a mixture of glycerine and water until they dry out naturally. They’ll often take on lovely metallic tints and keep for many months.

Hydrangeas come in a range of colours – reds, pinks, mauves, purple and blue. The shade can vary depending on the soil.