Hydrangeas prefer a partial shade to full sun with a soil rich in compost and nutrients. They prefer not to dry out and the limp leaves will tell you when they need a drink. The word 'hydrangea' comes from the Greek meaning "water tub". The common big-leaved hydrangea has been widely cultivated since arriving in England from its native Japan in the early 1700's. The hydrangeas native to the southern parts of North America tend to be the Annabelle and mop head varieties. Most shrubs range in height from 3' to 6', however, in some climates, they can reach higher, becoming small trees.

There are three flower arrangements in hydrangeas. Mop head flowers are large round flower heads resembling pom-poms or, as the name implies, the head of a mop. In contrast, lace cap flowers bear round, flat flower heads with a center core of subdued, fertile flowers surrounded by outer rings of showy, sterile flowers. The paniculata group has flowers that are more in a cone shape.

Hydrangeas begin blooming in late June or early July and mature and stay on the plant throughout the winter until they are cut back. After the first hard freeze, most varieties dry on the branch to a pale green or brown. Many hydrangeas are white but in some species, can be blue, red or pink. In these species, their colour often is a result of the pH of the soil. In acidic soils with a low pH (5.5), the flowers show bluer tones compared to a sweet soil with a higher pH (6.0) will show more pinkish tones.