Common name: Bigleaf Hydrangea, Scientific name: Hydrangea macrophylla. 

The name hydrangea comes from the Greek words "hydor" (water) and "angeion" (vessel), which together mean "water vessel". This reflects the plant's need for a lot of water, as hydrangeas thrive in moist, well-watered environments. 

In various cultures, the name is associated with many meanings/symbols such as: Gratitude, Beauty, Changing emotions, and Romantic Love.

Growing up, my mom and I would garden a lot together. When she taught me how to water plants, the Hydrangea was the first plant that I learned how to take care of. Throughout the seasons, my mom and I were fascinated with how quickly it grew and how the colors of the petals changed rapidly. Not to mention the beautiful, but faint floral scent it carried when we would put the flowers in vases throughout our house. Our Hydrangea plant was always a conversation starter when guests came over to our house, and it remains one of my mom and I's favorite flowers today.