Row in shady ground for showy plants? (10)

I believe the answer is:

hydrangeas

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'plants?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both plants as well as being plural nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

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(Other definitions for hydrangeas that I've seen before include "Garden shrubs" , "Flowering plants; ashy garden (anag.)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.

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