Garden Hydrangea, Big Leaf Hydrangea, Hortensia

Heat Tolerance: Does fine in Phoenix, if the ground is kept acid, and if it is protected from afternoon sun

Sun Exposure: Part sun

Origin: Japan

Growth Habits: Deciduous shrub, the wild species can reach 10 feet (3 m), most hybrids reach 3 feet (90 cm); opposite, dark green, oval leaves, up to 8 inches long (20 cm)

Flowers: White, pink, red, purple, blue or light blue flowers

Watering Needs: The soil should be constantly moist and well drained.

Propagation: Cuttings

Most cultivated Hydrangeas are hybrid between Hydrangea macrophylla and Hydrangea aspera. The cultivar 'Variegata' has variegated leaves.

Blooming Habits:
Blue, mauve, red, or pink flowers. Some other colors are becoming available. The large flowers in the flowerhead are sterile, while the tiny intermixed flowers are fertile. The varieties with pink or blue flowers have the color of the flower depending on the acidity in the soil: blue for very acidic, pink for neutral soil.

Culture:
Needs acid soil, away from bright sunlight. Check for bugs and diseases regularly.