Hydrangeas are some of the showiest plants out there, and 'Nikko Blue' is no exception. A 'big-leaf' (macrophylla) variety whose blooms are boldest in acidic soil, this hydrangea boasts stunning blue flower domes (each comprising countless individual starry blooms) and lush green, serrated foliage. Blooming right throughout summer, this shrub looks beautiful both as part of a larger flowering hedge and as a standalone feature shrub. Consider planting alongside an equally impressive white-flowered variety like 'Strong Annabelle' for a fabulous colour pairing. An excellent choice for cut flower gardens, 'Nikko Blue' is nice and easy to look after and, growing to just 1.5m or so in height, can even be planted in a large container on the patio! The macrophylla varieties are known for growing well in coastal areas, thanks to their tolerance of salt burn and sandy soils. Did you know? Many hydrangeas can act as a kind of pH test, with bloom colour depending on how acidic/alkaline the soil is.