Hydrangea macrophylla
Bigleaf hydrangea
Common names: French hydrangea, Mophead hydrangea
At a glance
- Light
- Partial shade
- Pot size
- from 30 l
- Lifespan
- Perennial
- Flowering
- Jun–Sep
- Hardiness
- Hardy with protection
Photo: belvedere04 · CC BY 4.0 · Source
Description
The bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) is a summer-green shrub from Japan that delights gardens with lush globular blooms in white, pink, red, and blue. The flower color depends on soil pH: acidic soil turns them blue, while calcareous soil produces pink to red hues. It can be grown as a solitary plant, in groups, or as a container on a terrace or balcony. Late-flowering varieties such as 'Endless Summer' are particularly long-lasting and more robust in the DACH climate, as they set buds on this year's wood.
Care instructions
Plant the bigleaf hydrangea in a semi-shaded, wind-protected spot with humus-rich, consistently moist, slightly acidic soil. Water regularly and generously with low‑lime water, preferably rainwater, as dryness quickly causes flowers to wilt. Prune old flower heads only in spring, as they protect the delicate buds on last year’s wood from frost. In autumn, pile leaf litter or a mulch layer around the base to shield stems and buds through winter.
Garden year
FloweringJun–Sep
Soil & site
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