Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf Hydrangea)

Native to Japan, Hydrangea macrophylla (Big Leaf Hydrangea) is one of the most popular hydrangeas in our gardens. This deciduous shrub features a rounded habit, large bold leaves, and attractive clusters of long-blooming summer flowers.

What is Hydrangea macrophylla?

Hydrangea macrophylla, commonly known as bigleaf hydrangea, is a native species to Japan. It is a deciduous shrub prized for its large, showy flower heads that come in a variety of colors, including pink, blue, and purple, depending on the soil pH.

Habit and Size: Bigleaf hydrangeas grow into a rounded, mounding form, creating a bushy appearance. They have a relatively fast growth rate and typically reach a size of 2 to 6 feet (60-180 cm) in height and width, depending on the cultivar and growing conditions.

Flowers & Blooming Season: The flowers are its most striking feature, appearing in large rounded or flattened clusters. The species is divided into the Mophead Hydrangeas and the Lacecap Hydrangeas.

• Mophead Hydrangeas or Hortensias produce large rounded flower heads, mostly packed with showy sterile florets. Since the flowers cannot be pollinated, they will bloom on and on through summer, between 3-6 months, until fall approaches, and they change color. The color changes can be spectacular, with rich blues turning wine-red or whites changing to pale green and even blood-red.
• Lacecap Hydrangeas produce flattened flower clusters composed of showy sterile florets radiating around a central cluster of tiny fertile florets. Since the fertile florets will be pollinated, the lacecap flowers will fade much faster than the mopheads, remaining superb for about one month.

Flower Color: There is a great range of colors to choose from: deep blues, vibrant pinks, pristine whites, lavender, and vivid shades of red and purple. Most Hydrangea macrophylla cultivars have the added attraction of changing color depending on the soil pH. Strongly acidic soils allow these species to produce blue flowers; slightly acidic soils will produce pink flowers. To change the color of your Hydrangea, add aluminum sulfate to the soil to make the flowers bluer or add lime to the soil to make them pinker. The ability to change hydrangea flower colors has made this plant a favorite among gardeners.

Foliage: The leaves are deep green, ovate, and serrated, growing up to 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long. They usually drop in the fall, but they can remain on the plant in mild climates.

Hardiness: Hydrangea macrophylla is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9.

Uses: Due to their showy blooms, they’re often used as specimen plants or in groupings in perennial and shrub borders. They also work well in containers and make excellent cut flowers.

Pollinators: Hydrangea macrophylla is not a top choice for pollinators.

Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Hydrangeas are not particularly resistant to deer and rabbits; these animals may nibble on the leaves and buds, especially in areas where food is scarce.

Toxicity: All parts of the plant are considered poisonous if ingested, and the leaves can be toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.

Why should I Grow Hydrangea macrophylla?

Hydrangea macrophylla, or bigleaf hydrangea, is a favorite among many gardeners for several reasons:

Showy Blooms: Hydrangea macrophylla is best known for its large, vibrant flower clusters that bloom from early summer to fall, providing long-lasting color in the garden. They can dramatically enhance the aesthetic appeal of your garden.

Color Changing Flowers: Uniquely, the color of the flowers can change from pink to blue depending on the soil pH. This unique characteristic adds an element of surprise and interest.

Versatile: These hydrangeas are versatile in terms of their use in the landscape. They make great specimen plants, look fantastic when planted in groups, and work well in mixed shrub borders. They’re also suitable for container gardening and as cut flowers.

Shade Tolerant: Hydrangea macrophylla can tolerate and even thrive in partial shade, unlike many flowering shrubs, making it a good choice for those tricky shady spots in your garden.

Hardy: While they prefer moist, well-drained soil, once established, they can be quite hardy and can tolerate a range of soil conditions.

Low Maintenance: Apart from ensuring they have enough water and the occasional pruning, hydrangeas are relatively low maintenance.

In short, if you want a hardy, low-maintenance plant that provides vibrant, long-lasting blooms and has the unique feature of color-changing flowers, Hydrangea macrophylla would be a fantastic addition to your garden.