Hydrangeas bloom in the summer and fall and should be planted in areas that receive morning sun and afternnon shade. Among their colors are white, pink, blue and purple. The blue and purple are obtained from iron in the soil.

Hydrangeas were taken to England by a botanist in the 18th century and their popularity quickly spread and remains strong today. The french have developed some of today's most popular hybrids.

Hydrangeas were known to native americans who used the root as a diuretic and clanser of toxins.