The name Hydrangea, means “water vessel,” given for its cup-shaped seed capsules. A genus of diverse forms, Hydrangeas are commonly found throughout Asia, from the Hima­layas to Taiwan and Japan, with the exception of 2 species, Hydrangea arborescens and Hydrangea quercifolia, which are native to North America. Easily cultivated, this shrub’s lush deciduous leaves are best suited to loose, moist soil in the shade of tall trees or on the north side of the house.