Like cumulus clouds on a sunny day, our mauve hydrangea is a quintessential part of the British summer. Yet these flowers - the focal point of so many gardens - were unknown in this country until the late 18th century. Brought from the foothills of the Himalayas, they caused an instant sensation. One glance at the photo here illustrates why. Coloured the creamiest, softest mauve, they're gloriously showy, irrepressibly cheerful and so adaptable they'll look wonderful wherever you choose to display them.