What are Hydrangeas?
Hydrangeas are large flowering bushes native to the Northern Hemisphere. There are around 23 species in the Hydrangea genus, with around five in common domestic cultivation. The most common species used in gardens is Hydrangea macrophylla, also called French or Bigleaf Hydrangea. When most people think of hydrangeas, they visualize cultivars of this abundant species. While most hydrangeas are flowering shrubs or bushes, some are actually climbing species. In all cases, hydrangeas have large, simple leaves and big clusters of flowers which may be white, pink, purple, red, or blue, depending on cultivar and soil conditions. Hydrangeas are easy to prune and shape, and in rich soil, they thrive, developing vigorous growth habits and quickly dominating their corner of the garden. The flower colors of H. macrophylla is variable because the plants respond to the mineral and pH balance of the soil. Acidic soils produce blue flowers, while basic soils develop white flowers. Soil with a neutral
