How to Grow and Care for Bigleaf hydrangea

Bigleaf hydrangea, also known as French hydrangea, Lacecap hydrangea, Hortensia, Penny mac, Mophead hydrangea, Garden hydrangea

Bigleaf hydrangea thrives in consistently moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. Special care points include the need for protection from afternoon sun to prevent scorching and regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Soil pH affects flower color; for preservation of blue blooms, maintain an acidic soil pH.

Watering schedule: Every 1-2 weeks

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

In This Article

Planting and Growing Bigleaf hydrangea

Toughness	High
Care Level	Low
Care Difficulty	Moderate
Lifespan	Perennial
Watering Schedule	Every 1-2 weeks
Sunlight Requirements	Partial sun
Soil pH	5-6
Planting Time	Spring, Fall
Hardiness Zones	6-9

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Varieties of Bigleaf hydrangea

Bigleaf hydrangea 'Lanarth White'

Bigleaf hydrangea 'Lanarth White' is an attractive hydrangea that has been bred for its pure white flowers surrounding mauve florets. This coloration is very different from the pink or blue color of the parent plant's flowers. This showy garden favorite blooms for a long period from early summer through to fall.

Bigleaf hydrangea 'Ayesha'

Bigleaf hydrangea 'Ayesha' stands out with its unique cupped petals resembling tiny, full blooms within larger flower heads. These lush, mophead blossoms shift from pink to blue depending on soil acidity, providing a vivid display through summer and fall. Glossy green leaves favorably complement the rich floral tapestry, thriving in partially shaded, moist conditions.

Bigleaf hydrangea 'Early Rosa'

Bigleaf hydrangea 'Early Rosa' is a member of the hydrangea family named for its distinctive and attractive pink-white flowers which differ dramatically from the blue color of the parent plant's blooms. It is these showy flowers that make this a popular garden plant.

Bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet'

A ph-sensitive cultivar, the bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet''s provides an abundance of flowerheads that range from pink and violet to purple and blue. Neither its parentage, not the source of its name is known. However, the bigleaf hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet' is popular, even winning the Award of Garden Merit, as it is an easy shrub to grow.

Bigleaf hydrangea 'Tricolor'

Bigleaf hydrangea 'Tricolor' is celebrated for its stunning leaves, which boast a variegated palette of green, white, and pinkish hues. This shrub thrives in partial shade, where its large, bountiful blooms—ranging from blue to pink depending on soil acidity—create a vivid display from spring to fall. The lush foliage and striking flowers make bigleaf hydrangea 'Tricolor' a captivating addition to any garden.

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More General Info About Bigleaf hydrangea

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Quickly Identify Bigleaf hydrangea

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Bigleaf hydrangea is a perennial shrub with woody stems that can reach heights of 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) and spreads roughly 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) wide. Leaves are large, broad, and dark green with a slightly toothed edge. The distinctive blooms vary with the cultivar but generally form in either spherical clusters up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter, known as 'mop-heads', or in flat, more intricate clusters with a mix of small and showy flowers called 'lacecaps'.