Bigleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla
A deciduous shrub featuring large, glossy, dark green leaves with serrated margins and a dense, rounded growth habit.
- Light
- Partial shade, requiring 3 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, ideally protected from harsh afternoon sun.
- Water
- Requires deep, regular watering to maintain consistently moist soil. Does not tolerate prolonged drought; wilts quickly if under-watered.
- Growth
- Perennial deciduous shrub, growing in a dense, rounded form with a moderate growth rate, reaching mature heights and spreads of 3 to 6 feet.
Care instructions
Provide morning sun and afternoon shade. Keep soil consistently moist with regular watering and apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
Growing details
Sunlight
Partial shade, requiring 3 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, ideally protected from harsh afternoon sun.
Watering
Requires deep, regular watering to maintain consistently moist soil. Does not tolerate prolonged drought; wilts quickly if under-watered.
Soil
Rich, moisture-retentive, well-draining loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
Hardiness zone
USDA zones 6 through 9
Growth habit
Perennial deciduous shrub, growing in a dense, rounded form with a moderate growth rate, reaching mature heights and spreads of 3 to 6 feet.
Bloom season
Blooms from late spring through late summer, producing large globe-shaped or lacecap flower clusters in shades of blue, pink, purple, or white depending on soil pH.
Propagation
Propagated primarily through softwood stem cuttings taken in late spring or summer.
Common pests & issues
Susceptible to fungal leaf spots, powdery mildew, and root rot in poorly draining soils, as well as pests like aphids and spider mites.
Similar species
Smooth Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens), which has smaller, duller green leaves and native North American distribution.