NEED summer and autumn colour in a semi-shady space? A good choice is a hydrangea. If your heart sinks at the thought of a large bush covered in big pink flowers, think again as there is a lot more to the family than that.

I admit to a fondness for pink hydrangeas which, if kept within bounds in the flower bed, look lovely amid large perennials. Mine nestles among Sedum spectabile and michaelmas daisies, both of which come into flower in late summer just as the hydrangea takes on its rich autumn tones.

If bright flowers aren't to your taste and something more subtle is required, perhaps one of the white-flowered hydrangeas such as Hydrangea paniculata would suit.

The long flowers weigh down the arching branches from July to September, flushing shades of pink as they mature in autumn; and an unpruned shrub will grow to around three metres.

Varieties include 'Grandiflora' with cream buds opening into white flowers that turn pale pink and 'Unique' with the largest of flowers heads that mature to deep pink. 'Kyushu' grows to half the height and flowers earlier than other varieties, while 'Pink Diamond' turns pink quickly after the flowers open.

Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' also has large white blooms that weigh down the branches but they are rounded rather than conical. Originating in America this is a very hardy shrub that will grow to around 1.5m with flowers that start off green, open to creamy white and age back to green.

'Annabelle' is the most popular of this species but there are a few other varieties including 'Grandflora' with light green leaves and large rounded flower heads, 'Sterilis' with grey green leaves and domed flower heads and 'Hills of Snow'. Some of these may have to be sought from specialist suppliers.

For interesting foliage as well flowers, the oak-leaved Hydrangea quercifolia will fit the bill. The large lobed leaves are as big as or bigger than a human hand and peeling pale brown papery bark on mature branches gives winter structure and interest. It grows to around 1.5m in height with a similar spread.

'Snowflake' is double flowered but it needs a sunny spot to ripen the stems for good flowers the following year. Sun also improves the colour of the flowers as they age and will encourage more intense leaf tones of reds and purples in autumn. 'Snow Queen' is more vigorous with bronzed autumn leaves and pink tinged white flowers. Both grow to 1.5m with a similar spread.

Hydrangea quercifolia needs no pruning except for the removal of damaged stems, although it can be kept smaller if it is to be grown as a foliage shrub only. Hydrangea paniculatra and Hydrangea arborescens flower on growth made that season and can be cut hard back to within two buds of the previous season's growth in spring for stronger stems and larger flowers.

Next week a look at bright coloured hydrangeas.

Updated: 11:27 Saturday, July 27, 2002