Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)-Hort Answers - University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois Extension

Hort Answers

Shrub

Bigleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla

Bigleaf Hydrangea leaves
Bigleaf Hydrangea leaves
 
Features
Large clusters of flowers (white, pink or blue), in summer; flower form depends on cultivar, some have "lacecap" flowers (small fertile flowers surrounded by showy fertile flowers), others have a globose form (all larger, sterile flowers); summer foliage is a lustrous, bright green. 
 
Culture
Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-drained soil is preferred. 
 
Cultivars

Numerous cultivars available including

  • 'All Summer Beauty' - Flowers heavily and often reblooms.
  • 'Bailmer' (Endless Summer®)- Blooms on new wood, so even if plant dies to the ground in winter, it will flower the following summer.
  • 'Nikko Blue' - Large globose flowers (blue only in acid soils).
 
 
Mature Height
3-6 Feet
 
Size
Small
 
 
Mature Width
3-6 Feet
 
Mature Form
Rounded 
 
Native To:
Japan 
 
USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 9 
 
Soil Conditions
Moist, Well-Drained
 
 
Tolerance
Salt
 
 
Exposure/Light Requirements
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade
 
 
Uses
Border
Massing
Specimen
 
 
Foliage Color
Green
 
 
Fall Foliage Color
Green
 
 
Pests and Problems
 
Additional Notes

Blue flower color will only be produced in acid soils, usually in the 5.0-5.5 range.

This shrubs grows in zone 5, but does not usually flower there. This species flowers on last year's wood and in zone 5 the plant dies down to the ground so there is no old wood. New cultivars are being selected for flowering on new growth (see cultivars).

 

 
Related Resources
Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
U of IL - Plant Clinic