The word Hortensia generally refers to the species Hydrangea macrophylla. Hortensia prefers semi- shade and damp acid soil. It flowers from July to September and has multiple uses, always for significant effect: as a specimen, in a group of the same colour, in beds of different colours, in hedges, in association with other acid loving plants, or in containers. Blue blooms are only possible with the pink varieties and require s 2 factors: a soil pH below 5.5, and the presence of aluminium.