HYDRANGEAS AT A GLANCE

1 MACROPHYLLA

Also known as hortensia and most commonly as mophead hydrangeas, they form great billowing clouds of flowers.

2 ARBORESCENS

These look delicate but are really very tough. A good choice if you’ve struggled with other species.

3 ASPERA

Rough-leaved but grow into substantial late-flowering shrubs. Best in partial shade; although hardy, benefit from some shelter. Villosa Group is more compact.

Dwarf hydrangeas with delicate, lacy flower heads. They seldom grow more than a metre high.

5 LACECAP

Flattened heads with a delicate mass of central flowers surrounded by larger florets.

6 QUERCIFOLIA

The main feature of these is the striking autumn colour of their bold serrated leaves.

7 PANICULATA

Cone-shaped panicles of flowers are produced in late summer and autumn (many start white, then turn red). They make a showy large shrub.