Hydrangea 'Bonfire'

Stoke a summer inferno with a hot pink number like Hydrangea 'Bonfire'. Even when the summer weather lets you down, you can rely on this brazen beauty to keep the colour toasty in the garden. Masses of conical, ever-changing blooms bring a warm glow to the season, opening from pale green buds, the petals are white with the palest hint of lime that intensify through shades of soft pink to coral as the flowers mature. Finally, each flowerhead of Hydrangea paniculata 'Bonfire' reaches a smouldering climax of dusky red-pink with an alluring luminosity, creating a head-turning summer focal point. The sturdy stems hold their colour-shifting blooms above a cloak of fresh green foliage from July to September. Leave the faded flowerheads in place for an autumnal shabby-chic feel, followed by frosty architecture throughout the winter months.

This tough, deciduous shrub is supremely hardy, tolerating temperatures down to -30C once established. Supplied as a bare root, you can enjoy watching the low-maintenance Hydrangea 'Bonfire' develop over time, each year you will notice it is a little bigger until it reaches its full mature size. With a neat, rounded habit, it makes a showy and long-living feature for moist, well drained borders. Like other paniculata varieties, Hydrangea paniculata 'Bonfire' will enjoy a little sun but avoid the direct scorch of midday rays. Pruning is simple – just trim back the faded flower stems to a strong pair of buds each spring, after the worst frost have passed.