Hydrangeas come in all shapes and sizes. The most well known is probably the macrophylla with it’s striking blue, pink and even white mophead flowers. Did you know, Hydrangeas have the nickname the “Change Rose” because of their ability, in some species, to change flower colour depending on the pH Level of the soil they grow in.
Originally from Asia and the Americas there are now over 70 species of Hydrangea in the world. There is even an Island in the Azores named “blue island” due to the vast quantity of blue Hydrangeas growing there. Plant Hydrangeas in your garden to attract bees, butterflies, moths and other useful pollinators to your garden.
These are our top picks:
Hydrangea macrophylla
Also known as bigleaf hydrangea, French hydrangea, lacecap hydrangea, mophead hydrangea, penny mac and hortensia. Hydrangea macrophylla should be pruned in late winter or early spring. Leave the dried flower heads on the plant over winter to protect the new developing buds from frost, then deadhead them in spring, cutting back to the first pair of healthy buds below the flowerhead. If buds do get damaged by frost, cut the stems back to a strong pair of healthy buds. Cut back one or two of the older flowered stems to their base to promote new growth.
Hydrangea paniculata
Grow in moist but well-drained moderately fertile, humus-rich soil in full sun or partial shade. Hydrangea paniculata ‘Wim’s Red’ produces honey scented flowers. The flower heads once cut & dried make great flower arrangements, especially ‘Little Lime’, ‘Silver Dollar’ and Limelight’.
Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’ or “Wild Hydrangea”
These not only look beautiful in the garden but also work really well in table centrepieces and are very popular in wedding bouquets.
Hydrangea anomala petiolaris (climbing Hydrangea)
Climbing Hydrangeas are deciduous with dark green leaves that turn yellow in autumn. they have domed clusters of white flowers though summer and unlike other varieties of Hydrangea , can reach heights of 15m!
Hydrangea anomala petiolaris 
‘Wim’s Red’ 
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Silver Dollar’
How to grow a hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are hardy and can be grown outdoors wherever the winter temperature stays roughly above -15ºC (5ºF). They enjoy moist, well-drained soil and do best with shelter from the hot afternoon sun. This makes them ideal choices for shady gardens, and their dramatic round flowerheads look stunning in mid and late summer. Water hydrangeas regularly, especially in dry periods, and mulch with compost or other organic material in spring or autumn.
Blue Hydrangea macrophylla 
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Curly Wurly’