Audra Lowe: Even as cooler temperatures are approaching, maintaining our garden is still at the top of our do list. Some plants can add something special to the yard and Doug gives us a look at how hydrangeas are great for landscaping.

Doug Jimerson: Hydrangeas are prime America’s favorite flowering shrub. But there are some secrets to success and some new varieties you should know about how to grate hydrangea garden.

Hydrangeas do best in partly shaded location. Living in sunny nice dates where summer gets hot and humid, give them some protection in your tall trees. And they can tolerate more sun, but they won’t—plant them out in the middle of hot sun long. Give them some sort of protection from the heat of the day.

This is a new variety called Limelight. It develops huge panicles of white flowers and slowly turned pink as the summer goes on. It can grow to be six feet tall by six feet wide. It’s—four or five and is the favorite of butterflies and insects. The flowers are great bouquet fresh and dry.

This is the tough new variety called Pinky Winky. It can withstand temperatures down 25 below zero. It gets the same fresh flowers which come out as white and slowly shift to pink. Pinky Winky grows by five feet tall.

Some hydrangeas like Limelight can also be growing in tree form to add extra drama in hydrangea garden, they make a great statement, near a door entry way. But most people think of hydrangeas, they probably think at a common mop head types with large ball shape flower heads in pink or blue.

This fray is called Forever and Ever. Flower color does vary from pink to blue depending on soil pH.

Mop Head Hydrangeas prefer rich moist soil away from hot sun. Mulching helps them thrive. Trim right after the flower’s fade. During any time of the year, they reduce the flowering for the following year.

Another of our hydrangeas are Lace Caps. They get their name from a broad flower heads with petals that open from the very edge.

Hydrangeas make great landscape plants that keep yours in top form. Remember our secrets to success. I’m Doug Jimerson for Better.

Audra Lowe: And if you like more tips on making the most of your garden, check out Better Homes and Gardens magazine which is on stores now.

Male: There’s still more of Better to come.

Next time on Better, what every woman should know about the current football season plus how to decorate a pumpkin with family picture.