Long-living, low maintenance and providing a powerful presence with high-impact flowerheads—these are just a few reasons why hydrangeas are so incredibly popular. It's easy to transform a space into floral dreamland with massive mopheads or pretty paniculata blooms, and these hardy shrubs don't ask for much in return. Provide your hydrangeas with a rich, moist soil to grow in and, once they're settled, there's very little else you need to do in order to enjoy a spectacular summer display which returns every year. Hydrangeas continue to bring colour to the garden in autumn, the flowerheads on many varieties develop beautifully burnished hues before they fade. They make excellent cut flowers too, both fresh and dried!

Supplied as dormant bare root plants in spring, hydrangeas should be planted directly into a border or large container and watered regularly through the first year. These easy-to-grow shrubs thrive in a partially shaded spot in soil which won't fully dry out. They will take 2-3 years to reach their full established size, but seeing your plants grow is all part of the joy of gardening!