SQUIRE’S Garden Centres invites borough gardeners to a summer showcase of one of their most popular and best-selling plants, the hydrangea.
The group’s inaugural Festival of Hydrangeas features a selection of the plants grown at Squire’s Hampshire nursery.
Hydrangeas are a garden favourite, with bold blooms, rich textures and impressive colour variations, and flowering from late spring through to autumn.
The plants like a partially shaded spot, sheltered from strong winds, and regular watering, hence their name, from the Greek ‘hydro’ (water) and ‘angos’ (vessel).
Blooms come in a variety of shapes, including mopheads (pom-poms), lacecaps (flat) and panicles (pointed).
And their colour can be altered by soil pH.
Acidic soil produces blue or purple flowers; neutral brings out mauve tones, and alkaline turns blooms pink or red.
That’s why coffee grounds (acidic) added to the soil can help keep blue hydrangeas blue.
Sarah Squire, chairman of Squire’s Garden Centres, said: “Hydrangeas hold a special place in our hearts – and most definitely in our customers’ gardens.
“They’re a joy to grow, and a real show stopper.
“I’m particularly excited about our home grown range this year, which is more beautiful than ever.”
Among new varieties being unveiled at the festival this summer are: Fairytrail Cascade, with elegant trailing blooms; Firelight, a dramatic red-pink showstopper; Limelight Prime, with lime-green flowers fading to cream; Little Lime Punch, ideal for containers; Quick Fire Fab, early blooming and full of colour; and Quick Fire Tiny Bit, suitable for small gardens and patios.
Vincent Catt, plantsman and Hampshire hydrangea grower said: “Hydrangeas have a timeless beauty that just keeps giving.
“They’re rewarding to grow, generous with their flowers, easy to care for, and full of character.
“Whether you’re after bold summer colour, or something more subtle and textured, there’s a hydrangea for every garden.
“I love watching them come into their own each season.”
Squire’s Festival of Hydrangeas takes place at all its garden centres, including Wokingham and Hare Hatch branches, from now until Monday, June 30.
For information, visit: squiresgardencentres.co.uk
