Hydrangea paniculata Little Fresco

Another introduction from the Dutch breeder Guido Rouwette, Little Fresco was selected for its tidy proportions and small, dark green leaves that set off the flowers well. The cones open a cool blend of cream-white and lime green before a pink flush works in from the edges as they age.

Grown in a pot, it needs steady watering through summer, since the roots dry out faster in a container than in open ground. A spring prune back to a low framework of buds keeps the shape dense and the flowering heavy. Feed in the growing season for the best cones.