How to Grow & Care for Bigleaf Hydrangeas (Hydrangea Macrophylla)

Let's Dance Blue Jangles bigleaf hydrangea

Let's Dance® Blue Jangles® mophead bigleaf hydrangea. Photo by: Proven Winners.

Bigleaf hydrangea is one of the most beloved landscape shrubs, revered for the romantic oversized flower heads. The blooms occur during summer and fall in a wide range of colors, from deep purple to white.

Also known as mophead, Japanese, French, snowball, or lacecap hydrangea, this deciduous shrub is native to Japan. The flowers have the unique trait of changing color, depending on the soil pH. Bigleaf hydrangea is durable and relatively carefree when given the proper growing conditions. Here’s how to grow and care for this popular shrub.

On this page:

BIGLEAF HYDRANGEA OVERVIEW
TYPES OF BIGLEAF HYDRANGEAS
PLANTING BIGLEAF HYDRANGEAS
BIGLEAF HYDRANGEA CARE
TYPES OF BIGLEAF HYDRANGEAS
LANDSCAPING WITH BIGLEAF HYDRANGEAS

BIGLEAF HYDRANGEA OVERVIEW

Botanical name:

Hydrangea macrophylla

Zones:

6-9, with some varieties hardy to Zones 4-5 with winter protection

Height/Spread:

Bushy, compact, or dwarf habit; 1 to 10 feet tall, 2 to 10 feet wide, depending on the variety

Exposure:

Full sun to partial shade

Bloom time:

Early summer to fall, depending on the variety

Growth habit:

Bigleaf hydrangea is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with a bushy or compact growing habit.

Flowers:

Large showy flower heads are comprised of clusters of smaller florets and have a rounded or flat appearance. Flower colors come in pink or blue, also occurring in white, purple, or red. Hydrangea macrophylla blooms can be solid, bicolored or multi-colored, with single or double florets. Flowers are long lasting in fresh or dried arrangements. Most varieties bloom on the previous year’s growth, though newer reblooming varieties flower on both old and new wood.

Foliage:

Green or variegated foliage is oval and pointed, with pronounced veining and serrated edges. Fall color is insignificant.

Are bigleaf hydrangeas poisonous?

Hydrangeas contain hydrangin, a cyanogenic glycoside that is toxic to pets and children if any part of the plant is ingested. If you suspect your pet or child has ingested any part of the plant, contact your doctor, veterinarian, or poison control center. Avoid bringing freshly cut or dried hydrangea flowers indoors if your pet is prone to chewing on plants.See more Common Poisonous Plants for Dogs and Cats.

Are bigleaf hydrangeas deer resistant?

Bigleaf hydrangea is susceptible to deer damage, with the delectable flower buds and blooms especially at risk. Provide protection, use repellant or substitute bigleaf hydrangea shrubs with other more deer-resistant plants.

TYPES OF BIGLEAF HYDRANGEAS

Let's Dance Diva® lacecap bigleaf hydrangea. Photo by: Proven Winners.

Mophead hydrangea, also known as hortensia, is characterized by large rounded flower heads comprised of clusters of smaller uniform florets.

Lacecap hydrangea produces flat topped blooms, with clusters of tiny fertile flowers surrounded by larger sterile sepals.

PLANTING BIGLEAF HYDRANGEAS

When to plant:

Plant bigleaf hydrangea during milder weather in spring or fall to avoid shock from extreme heat or cold.

Where to plant:

Plant in a site that receives full sun to part shade. Morning sun and some afternoon shade is ideal. Too much sun can cause leaf scald, especially in hotter climates, while too much shade can result in fewer flowers.

How to plant:

Loosen soil in the planting area and amend with compost or other rich organic matter. Dig a hole 2 to 3 times wider and the same depth as the root ball. Remove plant from the nursery container and loosen roots if potbound. Place the plant in the hole so the top of the root ball is slightly higher or level with the surrounding soil. Fill in the hole with soil, tamp down gently to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly. Provide regular water until plants are established.

Planting hydrangeas in pots:

Use a bagged potting mix rather than garden soil.
Mix in a slow-release fertilizer.
Leave 1 to 2 inches between the top of the soil and the rim of the pot for watering.
Make sure the pot has drainage holes and has room for the plant to grow.

Learn more about growing hydrangeas in pots.

BIGLEAF HYDRANGEA CARE

Temperature:

Hydrangea macrophylla is susceptible to winter damage in colder regions. One of the most common reasons why bigleaf hydrangea won’t bloom is bud damage from late spring frosts. If you live in a colder area, plant bigleaf hydrangea shrubs adjacent to a building or wall in a sunny spot that is protected from winter winds. Choose reblooming types that flower on both old and new wood. See more on winter care for hydrangeas.

Soil:

Hydrangea macrophylla prefers moist well-drained soil. If desired, amend the native soil with compost or other rich organic matter. Mulch with several inches of bark or compost around the base to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Reapply mulch each spring. For containers, use a high quality all-purpose potting mix and add mulch on top.

Soil pH:

Flower color of Hydrangea macrophylla will vary depending on the soil pH. Acidic soil results in bluer flowers, while neutral or alkaline soil will cause blooms to be pinker. Add aluminum sulfate to the soil to make it more acidic, or garden lime to make it more alkaline. White flowers are not affected by soil pH. Find out more about how to change hydrangea flower color.

Amendments and fertilizer:

Use a slow release balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer or a fertilizer especially formulated for hydrangeas. Apply in early spring when plants are just breaking dormancy, again in May to boost bloom production, and finally in June or July to promote healthy growth through the rest of the growing season. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall. Container plants can be fertilized in early spring and again in May. Learn more about how to fertilize hydrangeas.

Water:

Hydrangea macrophylla prefers moist conditions and regular water, about 1 to 2 inches per week. Water more frequently during prolonged heat or dry spells. Plants grown in containers will dry out more quickly, so will need to be watered more often than those in the ground.

How to prune bigleaf hydrangeas:

Hydrangea macrophylla shrubs flower best with minimal pruning. Heavy pruning can result in the loss of flowers. When plants are finished flowering, remove spent blooms and lightly shape as needed. Cut branches back to just above a healthy set of leaves. Prune out dead or diseased growth in early spring when plants are breaking dormancy.

Pests and diseases:

When grown in the right conditions, bigleaf hydrangea is resistant to most pests and diseases. Pests can include aphids, mites, scale, slugs or snails. Diseases include botrytis blight, leaf spot, powdery mildew, root rot, and rust.

BIGLEAF HYDRANGEA VARIETIES

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Photo by: Proven Winners.

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Zones: 5-9
Habit: Mounded
Height/Spread: 3 to 4 feet tall and wide
Bloom time: Summer
Color: Pink, purple, or blue depending on soil chemistry; green foliage

Let’s Dance Lovable reblooming hydrangea ensures a summer with hundreds of flowers blooming on both old and new wood. Known for its reliability and striking beauty, this hydrangea offers continuous blooms, disease resistance, and adds interest with its foliage and fall display.

Let’s Dance® Blue Jangles® Reblooming Hydrangea

Photo by: Proven Winners.

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Zones: 5-9
Habit: Dwarf habit
Height/Spread: 1 to 2 feet tall, 2 to 3 feet wide
Bloom time: Summer
Color: Blue, pink, or purple flowers; green foliage

Large full flower heads are produced on plants that bloom on both old and new wood. Flowers are vivid blue in acidic soil or bright pink in alkaline conditions. The dwarf habit is suitable for containers, edging, or mass plantings.

Let’s Dance® Rhythmic Blue® Reblooming Hydrangea

Photo by: Proven Winners.

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Zones: 5-9
Habit: Compact bushy habit
Height/Spread: 3 to 4 feet tall & wide
Bloom time: Summer
Color: Blue or pink flowers; green foliage

Flower color ranges from true blue to bright pink, depending on the soil pH. The uniform florets have a distinctly rectangular appearance. Flowers are produced on old and new wood. Use this medium-sized variety as hedging, in mass plantings or foundation plantings.

Let’s Dance Diva!® Reblooming Lacecap Hydrangea

Photo by: Proven Winners.

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Zones: 5-9
Habit: Dwarf habit
Height/Spread: 2 to 3 feet tall & wide
Bloom time: Summer
Color: Pale pink or blue flowers; green foliage

Oversized sepals occur on oversized flower heads for a stunning display. The blooms, which occur on old and new wood, are pastel pink or baby blue, depending on soil pH. Plant this dwarf hydrangea in containers, as edging, or in mass plantings.

Let’s Dance Big Band® Reblooming Hydrangea

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Zones: 5-9
Habit: Dwarf habit
Height/Spread: 30 inches tall and wide
Bloom time: Summer
Color: Pink or blue flowers; green foliage

Cold-hardy plants produce deep pink or blue-purple flowers, depending on soil pH. The large blooms are produced on old and new wood for weeks of continuous color. Use this compact variety in containers, mixed borders, and mass plantings.

Photo by: Proven Winners.

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Zones: 5-9
Habit: Dwarf habit
Height/Spread: 24 inches tall, 30 inches wide
Bloom time: Summer
Color: Rose-pink or violet flowers; green foliage

The vividly hued flowers can be deep rose pink or violet-blue, depending on soil pH. Hardy durable plants bloom on both old and new wood for lasting color. Use this dwarf type in borders, containers, as low hedging, or massed in the landscape.

Photo by: Proven Winners.

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Zones: 5-9
Habit: Dwarf habit
Height/Spread: 24 inches tall, 30 inches wide
Bloom time: Summer
Color: Purple or red flowers; green foliage

Plants produce large full blooms in rich moody colors, from deep purple-blue to nearly red. This durable variety is disease-resistant and cold-hardy, with flowers produced over a long period on old and new wood. The compact dwarf habit is suitable for containers, low hedging, and mass plantings.

Photo by: Ellen McKnight / Shutterstock.

'ENDLESS SUMMER'

Zones: 4-9
Habit: Upright bushy habit
Height/Spread: 3 to 5 feet tall and wide
Bloom time: Summer to fall
Color: Blue or pink flowers; green foliage

This classic variety was the first reblooming hydrangea, producing flowers on both old and new wood. Large mophead flowers are pink or blue, depending on soil pH. ‘Endless Summer’ is exceptionally hardy, making it a good choice for colder short season climates.

Photo by: Janet Loughrey.

'PISTACHIO'

Zones: 5-9
Habit: Compact spreading habit
Height/Spread: 2 to 3 feet tall, 3 to 5 feet wide
Bloom time: Summer to fall
Color: Flowers are chartreuse, pink, scarlet, and blue; green foliage

Uniquely colored flowers are bright chartreuse and hot pink, reminiscent of a pistachio nut. As the blooms age, they develop deeper hues of burgundy and violet with a blue center for a kaleidoscope effect. This repeat bloomer produces flowers on old and new growth, with a compact spreading habit suitable for containers and small gardens.

Photo by: InfoFlowersPlants / Shutterstock.

'LANARTH WHITE'

Zones: 6-9
Habit: Upright bushy habit
Height/Spread: 3 to 5 feet tall and wide
Bloom time: Summer to fall
Color: White sepals with blue or pink florets; green foliage

One of the best white lacecap hydrangea varieties, the flower heads are comprised of pure white sepals that bloom around a central cluster of tiny fertile florets. Use as hedging, a stand-alone specimen, in containers or foundation plantings. Blooms over an exceptionally long time, from summer to fall.

Photo by: Janet Loughrey.

‘MARIESII VARIEGATA’

Zones: 5-9
Habit: Upright bushy habit
Height/Spread: 4 to 5 feet tall and wide
Bloom time: Summer
Color: White sepals, blue or pink flowers; variegated foliage

Flower heads, which are produced on old wood, are flat with white sepals surrounding a cluster of tiny blue or pink flowers. Olive-green leaves have lighter green markings and irregular white margins for a stunning effect in the landscape. Use as a stand-alone focal point or in foundation plantings. Variegated foliage may be more susceptible to leaf scorch; provide protection from hot afternoon sun.

Photo by: Janet Loughrey.

'SENSATION'
Zones: 5-9
Habit: Upright bushy habit
Height/Spread: 4 to 5 feet tall and wide
Bloom time: Summer
Color: Flowers are pink, blue or violet with a white edge; green foliage

Unusual bicolor flowers have a white picotee edge with pink, blue or violet centers that create an eye-catching effect in the landscape. Use this slow growing medium-sized shrub as a focal point in containers or beds, as hedging, or in foundation plantings.

Photo by: Janet Loughrey.

'AYESHA'
Zones: 6-9
Habit: Shrubby habit
Height/Spread: 4 to 6 feet tall and wide
Bloom time: Summer
Color: Pink, blue, or lavender flowers; green foliage

Rounded heads produce tight flower clusters of unique cup-shaped sepals that resemble lilac blooms. Flowers 4 to 5 inches across have subtle creamy white tones combined with pale pink, lavender or blue. ‘Ayesha’ is one of the few hydrangeas to be lightly fragrant. Use this medium-sized shrub in foundation plantings or as hedging. Blooms on old wood.

LANDSCAPING WITH BIGLEAF HYDRANGEAS

There are many ways to use bigleaf hydrangeas in your landscape. Here’s how:

For borders and landscapes: Bigleaf hydrangea can be grown in mixed borders, foundation plantings, as hedging or screening, or as a stand-alone accent.

For slopes and hillsides: Mass any size bigleaf hydrangea along a slope or hillside to help control erosion.

For containers: Grow smaller specimens or dwarf varieties in containers and place along a pathway or entryway, on a deck or patio, or as a focal point in the landscape.

Use a taller variety as a background plant in a mixed border. Smaller types can be used towards the front of the border, or as edging.
Plant a medium or larger variety as hedging along a fence or to screen a property line.
A smaller variety can be planted as low hedging to divide garden rooms.
Plant a dwarf variety along a pathway for summer-long color.
Mass several specimens in a bed for extended low-maintenance color.
Place a small specimen or dwarf variety in a decorative container and plant creeping annuals such as sweet alyssum or lobelia around the base. Use to adorn a deck, patio or entryway.
Include bigleaf hydrangea in a foundation planting alongside other shrubs that bloom at different times for season-long color.
Place a larger shrub in an island bed in a lawn and plant perennial groundcovers around the base, which will help shade the roots and retain moisture.
Mass a small to medium sized variety along a retaining wall or slope to help stabilize the soil.