Hydrangea is normally one plant that will catch your eye coming into flower in July and extending on until October. Mop heads, lace caps and the
large paniculata and arbourensis varieties can look dramatically spectacular.
Arbourensis Annabelle
I have yet to squeeze in, or
should I say provide a large amount of space for, a H. Arborescens ‘Annabelle’
but I will!.
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| Hydrandea 'Annabelle' |
This is the most classic of the
arborescens. White beautiful and natural
looking with heads that are large and bold. I may plant this by the fence which
will provide a bit of support should it get heavy heads. This can be grown like
a hedge and cut back every year to about 18”, the aim is to encourage strong
stems that will support the amazing heads. A ‘Pink versions of ‘Annabella’ is available, there is also varying pink shades in Sweet Annabella and Ruby Annabella and
these make a equally wonderful shrubs.
I also would like to get the oak leaved H. Quercifolia
established.
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| Hydrangea Quercifolia |
This has the most wonderful woody character and beautiful leaves
with large white but graceful and delicate flowers. There is nothing brash
about this plant, it is very natural and the leave turns a lovely rich Autumn
colour. It hates cold wet feet when trying to establish so I will overcome this
problem by adding some bark (not wood chip) to the soil or roughage. Once established it should thrive in my
little woodland glade.
As we approach the latter end of summer out burst the
paniculata hydrangeas. Lime light is a favourite and new varieties appear to
appear all the time.
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| Limelight |
Long enormous white heads of breath taking fresh flowers below and many beginning white and changing to pink and shades of burgundy over time. Little Lime is a slightly smaller version.
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| Hydrangea pan. Vanilla Fraise Large blowsy heads which are stunning make this popular choice. |
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Hydrangea pan. Magic Candle begins cream and then fades to pinks or blues depending on the soil acidity. Most paniculata varieties reach about 1.25cm to 1.75cm tall. 
Hydrangea pan. Early Sensation
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