This deciduous shrub has upright branched woody stems that form a rounded habit. It has large dark green leaves and the red to blue coloured flowers are arranged in a domed or flattish cluster and appear from late spring to summer.

Hardiness zones 6 to 10

Hydrangea macrophylla is naturally found from Korea to eastern Japan and China growing in lowlands near the coast. 

It prefers a well drained organic rich sandy to light clay soil in a semi-shaded to sunny wind protected position and is frost tolerant but drought tender. 

Hydrangeas are grown for their flowers and compact rounded habit. They are planted along semi-shaded borders in small or cottage gardens or mass planting in large gardens.  They are also grown in containers establishing in 2 to 3 years and are a long lived. The flowers are also used in floral arrangements and the plant is commonly grown along the side of buildings. The mobcap (ball variety) types are the normally cultivated plants.

Note:
It dislikes heavy clay, waterlogging and hot afternoon sun.

Hydrangea (hi-DRANG-gee-a) macrophylla (măk-rō-FIL-la)

'Hydrangea': from Greek hydro + aggeion - water vessel; 'macrophylla': large leaves.

Hydrangeaceae (hy-drain-jee-AY-see-ee)
Hydrangea and Mock Orange Family