This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moist, well-drained, moderately fertile, humus-rich soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: June to September
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  Runaway Bride has only just been introduced, but it's already picking up the awards - and has been voted RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2018. It caught the judges' eye because of its profusion of blooms, which unlike other hydrangeas, form along the length of the stems - hence its common name of garland hydrangea. The flowerheads themselves are white lacecaps, so create a light, airy feel, and as they age, they often take on an attractive pink tint.
  
  
• Garden care: Hydrangeas do not like to dry out. In dry weather, soak the roots with a hose and the plant will usually recover. Remove faded flowerheads in spring after the danger of frosts, cutting back the flowered stems to a strong pair of buds. Take out misplaced or diseased shoots. Mulch young plants with a well-rotted manure or compost in spring. Once established, remove a quarter to a third of the shoots to the base of the plant.