Appearance: A deciduous shrub with a rounded habit, reaching 4–6 feet tall and wide. It features large, serrated, medium-green leaves that provide a lush backdrop for the blooms.
Flowers: Produces 4- to 5-inch globular "mophead" flower clusters. It is known for blooming earlier than many other bigleaf varieties, typically from early summer through late summer.
Color-Shift: The flower color is highly dependent on soil pH. It produces the truest blue in acidic soil (pH 5.0–5.5) but will shift to pink or lavender in alkaline conditions. 
Light: Prefers partial shade, specifically morning sun and protection from harsh afternoon heat. It can tolerate more sun if the soil is kept consistently moist.
Watering: Requires regular deep watering, especially during the first few years or in hot weather. Hydrangeas are "thirsty" plants; if they wilt, they likely need immediate water.
Soil: Thrives in rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter.
Maintenance:
Maintaining Color: To keep blooms blue, apply aluminum sulfate or garden sulfur in spring. Avoid high-phosphorus fertilizers, as they can interfere with blue coloration.
Pruning: Since it blooms on old wood (stems from the previous year), only prune it immediately after summer flowering. Pruning in fall or spring will remove the following year’s flower buds.
Winter: In colder zones (USDA 5–6), provide winter protection with burlap wraps or heavy mulch to prevent the flower buds from freezing.