9 Facts Every Hydrangea-Lover Needs to Know

These thirsty shrubs like moist, well-drained soil and dislike direct sunlight, so find a partially shady spot to plant them.

You can control the color of a hydrangea's flowers yourself by adjusting the soil's acidity and alkalinity.

Hydrangea's flowers peak for about two to three weeks during the season, and it's normal for their color to change as they age.

Hydrangeas are thought to have originated in the mountainous Japanese islands, and they continue to have their greatest species diversity in Japan, China, Korea, Indonesia, and the Himalayas.

Hydrangeas are known to wilt without warning after being snipped from the bush. You can try to prevent wilting by placing them in water immediately after snipping, and then recut the stems and soak them in a cup of boiling water for 30 seconds before placing them in a vase.

Hydrangeas' deep meaning, paired with their beauty and fragrance, make them a popular choice for wedding bouquets and decor arrangements.

No need to toss your blossoms after they dry out — these preserved arrangements stay looking lovely for months and months.

There are three main types of these shrubs, distinguished largely by the flowers. The most commonly recognized type is mophead. Panicle hydrangeas have cone-shaped flower clusters, and lacecaps have flattened clusters of tiny buds encircled by a handful of petaled flowers.

Hydrangea Day is celebrated on Jan. 5, ironically when the flowers are out of season. Even if you can't snip flowers from your own garden to celebrate, you can make a bouquet by purchasing imported stems at the florist.