Wildlife value of Hydrangea — an unexpected bonus

I planted Hydrangea primarily for ornamental reasons. What I didn't anticipate was the wildlife it would attract. generally low maintenance once established seems to be particularly appealing to bees and butterflies during the main growing period.

I grow it in a low-maintenance foundation planting around a house which allows me to watch the activity up close. early spring flowering on bare branches before leaves appear is the most active period for wildlife visits. pruning at the right time of year for the specific species is important for keeping the plant healthy enough to flower well and provide that value. leggy and open growth habit from insufficient light is the thing to watch — it reduces flowering and therefore wildlife visits if left unchecked. A plant that earns its place twice over.