Bigleaf Hydrangea

(Hydrangea macrophylla)

August 1996

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf
Height: 3 to 5 feet
Spread: 3 to 6 feet
Shape: Bushy

Large, green, summer foliage has no fall color. Large clusters of blue or pink flowers cover plant in summer. Flower color depends on soil pH.

Plant Needs:

Zone: 6 to 9
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Moisture: Wet to moist
Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay
pH Range: 5.0 to 6.5

Functions:

Suggested uses for this plant include border and specimen plant.

Planting Notes:

Select container-grown plants for transplanting.
Requires acid soil.
Prefers sunny location for best flowering.
Adjust soil pH to produce desired flower color. Soil pH of 6.0 to 6.5 will yield pink flowers. Soil pH of 5.0 to 5.5 will yield blue flowers.
Soil pH of between 5.5 and 6.0 will yield mauve or magenta flowers that are not attractive.

Care:

Flower buds form on previous year's growth, so prune as soon as possible after flowers fade each year.
May need to adjust soil pH frequently to maintain desired flower color.

Problems:

None serious in this area.

Alternatives:

Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.
Related species:

HYDRANGEA ARBORESCENS `Grandiflora' (Hills of Snow) is quite different from Big Leaf Hydrangea. This shrub usually dies to the ground in winter. It produces large, white flower clusters and does not require any special soil pH. (3 to 5 foot height; 3 to 6 foot spread).
HYDRANGEA ARBORESCENS `Annabelle' is a very popular hydrangea and is widely available from nurseries. Flowers 10 to 14 days later than `Grandiflora'and grows to 4 feet.

Comments:

Big Leaf Hydrangea is a small shrub that produces large blue, or pink flower clusters.
It is the hydrangea available from florists.
May die to ground in winter, therefore preventing blooms the following year.
Salt tolerant and flourishes near the shore.

Additional Materials:

The PRUNING SERIES videotape can be ordered through your local Extension office.
The following Extension publications are available through your local Extension office or directly from: Virginia Tech Extension Distribution Center 112 Landsdowne St. Blacksburg, VA 24061
#426-500 "Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs"
#426-606 "Selecting Landscape Plants - Deciduous Shrubs"

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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