The also large, summertime cone-shaped flowers, a mix of sterile and fertile flowers in white. The vine hydrangea is widely grown as well just now. The flowers of the Japanese relative, Schizophragma hydrangeoides, reportedly a bit harder to grow, have outer sepals that shine forth like little clean diapers. We can grow hydrangeas in sun or partial shade, it's a toss-up. But they seem to hold their whites and colors better and longer in partial shade.
All hydrangeas enjoy an annual rich feed of manure.
All they call for is a deep, long drink and they'll spruce right back up again - until next time, just like us. Ed Safford is the Senior Times Garden Guru.