HYDRANGEA TELLER

 RED is a reliable, medium-sized, rounded, deciduous shrub ideal for the smaller garden. The flowers achieve that intense red only on alkaline soil; on acid soil they are a deep reddish mauve. The big, toothed, oval leaves are deep green. Does well in pots if kept well watered. Flowers June to September. Leave the flower heads on the plant over winter to protect the flower-buds from frost and dead-head in February.

BLUE is a vigorous medium-sized, deciduous shrub with a rounded upright habit. Glossy green, toothed, oval leaves turn yellow in autumn. In June, July and August, the pale blue fertile florets at the centre of the lacecaps are surrounded by lilac-blue sterile florets (pink or mauve on less acid soils). Leave the spent flower-heads over winter to prevent frost damage, cutting back to two healthy buds when spring comes.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Well drained, humus-rich acid to neutral soil, preferably moist
Position: Partial shade
Season of interest: Spring, summer, autumn
Hardiness: Fully hardy