This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moist, well-drained, moderately fertile, humus-rich soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: July to September
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  This hydrangea has tougher branches than many of the other arborescens types, which means that as they mature they will stand up better in more exposed positions and will rarely flop over when laden with flowers. The glorious bundles of white flowers will also get larger as the plant grows older, but even when they are still quite young, they will put on a dazzling and long-lasting display from mid summer.
  
  
• Garden care: In hot weather, thoroughly soak the plant's roots when watering to prevent it drying out. Remove faded flowerheads in spring after the danger of frosts, cutting back the flowered stems to a strong pair of buds, and take out misplaced or diseased shoots. Once established, remove a quarter to a third of the shoots to the base of the plant (also in spring after the danger of frosts has passed). Cutting it back in this way will keep it compact and will also result in a branching, bushier shrub. Mulch young plants with a well-rotted manure or compost in spring.