Hotter summers may force RHS to move hydrangeas to north of England

The RHS is considering moving its hydrangea collection from Wisley, Surrey, to its northern gardens in Greater Manchester and North Yorkshire. Photograph: Clare Gainey/Alamy

With their lush foliage and blooms that turn pink, purple or blue depending on the soil, hydrangeas are a firm favourite in Britain.

The shrubs bloom throughout summer and have historically thrived in the mild, damp British climate. But hotter summers and heatwaves such as the one hitting parts of England this week are putting the flower at risk in the south of the country, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has said.