I seem to have developed a great love for hydrangeas, they always grow well in my seaside garden. I do wonder if this stems from my grandmother having a large collection in her seaside garden back in the 196s’and 1970s. They are easy to grow shrubs, and include a range of unusual exotic flowering plants, as well as the popular lace cap and mop heads and they offer a kaleidoscope of colour, from delicate white flowers through to warm mauves and striking blues.
These stunning plants can change colour depending on the acidity of your soil. Two looking good in my garden this week are Vanille Fraise and Annabelle. The former is an extra special hydrangea, selected for its stunning appearance with a garden performance to match! Its blooms emerge pure white then mature through the season to a delicious raspberry pink.
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Vanille Fraise’ is easy to grow and perfect for those problematic north-facing areas, due to its extreme hardiness, it will take temperatures down to -20C! Mine is located on a north facing wall in the garden and has flourished there for several years now. The latter, Annabelle has enormous, rounded heads of white florets which stand proud on the strong stems of this deciduous shrub, even in exposed positions. Unlike many Hydrangea arborescens varieties, this well branched plant rarely flops due to its well branched, compact growth habit and is a superb specimen for a shaded border or woodland garden.
Mine is situated in a little bit more su.