Endless Summer ('Bailmer') from Bailey Nurseries is the first Hydrangea macrophylla that flowers on both old and new wood, so it flowers repeatedly throughout the growing season. It produces big, showy mophead flowers (clear pink in alkaline and blue in acidic soils). Panicles reach 8 inches across in the garden and 4-6 inches across in containers.

It's unusually cold hardy (Zones 4-9) and withstands AHS Zones 6-9. Plants reach 3-5 feet tall and wide, which makes it a great choice for specimen, shrub or perennial borders.

'Frau Reiko'

Hines Nurseries calls H. macrophylla 'Frau Reiko' a true breakthrough plant. This patented variety produces lacecap pink or blue flowers with picotee margins.

It grows in full sun or full shade, depending on climate, and prefers moist, well-drained soils. It's compact and free-flowering. Foliage is glossy green. The plant is hardy to minus 5@F and grows 5 feet tall and wide.

. © 2003 Branch-Smith Publishing