For the gardener who wants a colourful, versatile, easy-to-grow and long-flowering shrub, the hydrangea is the answer. Hydrangeas are also fragrant, will grow in almost any garden and any situation and there are hundreds of varieties to choose from. Colours range from brilliant blue through soft pinks to striking deep reds and pure whites, and there is often the bonus of a vibrant leaf colour. Hydrangeas are ideal for planting in tubs and containers in outdoor living areas, and are just as suited to larger gardens. There are even hydrangeas to climb over walls and other structures. Contents of this book are: History; Wild hydrangeas; Cultivation; Rare hydrangeas & Relatives; Climatic needs; Soils & Feeding; Growing in Containers; Pruning; Pests & Diseases; Uses in garden design; Propagation; Cut flowers; Descriptions of the most popular varieties; and Climbing hydrangeas. This book is created for Firefly Books by the renowned New Zealand packager and publisher David Bateman and it features over 130 colour photographs by Pat Greenfield.