How to identify Bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)

How to identify Bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)

Bigleaf hydrangea, also known as Lacecap hydrangea, Hortensia

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'.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Bigleaf hydrangea

Large, broad, dark green leaves with slightly toothed edges.

Distinctive mop-head or lacecap blooms in varying colors.

Terminal clusters of 2-inch diameter flowers with showy sterile florets.

Persistent cup-like capsules turning from green to brown with winged seeds.

Non-branching, sturdy stems measuring 0.5 to 1 inch in thickness.

Detailed Traits of Bigleaf hydrangea

Leaf Features

Bigleaf hydrangea leaves are opposite, simple, and obovate to elliptic or broadly ovate, measuring 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long and 3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm) wide. They are stalked with a stout petiole about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long. Leaves have a lustrous dark green upper surface and may be glabrous or have short hairs on the underside. The margins are coarsely serrate and can sometimes be lobed, with a short acuminate tip.

Leaf Base

Cuneate ,

Circular

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

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Flower Features

Bigleaf hydrangea flowers emerge in terminal, round or umbrella-shaped clusters, often seen in white, pink, blue, or purple. These 2-inch (5 cm) diameter blooms vary from flat-topped corymbs to mop-head shapes. The inflorescence features large, showy sterile florets on the margins and small fertile florets within. The color can be influenced by soil pH. Their petals are either toothed or entire, adding to their distinctive appearance. They bloom on growth from the previous season, showcasing their elegant, aromatic beauty.

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Stem Features

The stem of bigleaf hydrangea emerges directly from the ground, displaying a sturdy, upright growth. It is generally smooth with a slightly woody texture, varying from green to brownish in color. Measuring around 0.5 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) in thickness, the stems rarely branch, maintaining a straight, robust structure. This non-branching feature is a key identifying characteristic of bigleaf hydrangea.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of bigleaf hydrangea is a persistent, dry cup-like capsule, which becomes prominent as the blooming season concludes. It typically emerges as green and matures to a brownish hue, with a slightly rough texture. The capsules contain numerous small, winged seeds that are released when the capsule splits open upon maturation. The fruit is relatively inconspicuous compared to the showy flowers of the plant, measuring about 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter. Key features for identification include the fruit's capsule structure and its transformation in color over time.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Bigleaf hydrangea

The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.

Bigleaf hydrangea and Their Similar Plants

Panicle hydrangea vs. Bigleaf hydrangea: What's The Difference?

The panicle hydrangea is native to Japan and China. It is commonly used as a winter cultivated flower due to its hardiness. This small tree can grow between 91 cm and 5 m with a maximum diameter of 2.5 m. Its leaves contain cyanide and should not be ingested.

Smooth hydrangea vs. Bigleaf hydrangea: What's The Difference?

Smooth hydrangea (*Hydrangea arborescens*) is a deciduous shrub, naturally found on streambanks, gorges, and wooden slopes in many parts of Northern America. It is commonly recognized by its showy inflorescences - big white corymbs which bloom during summer. Smooth hydrangea is often cultivated as an ornamental, and it is an excellent choice for a border plant.

Oakleaf hydrangea vs. Bigleaf hydrangea: What's The Difference?

The oakleaf hydrangea is native to the southeastern United States, generally found from North Carolina down to Florida. Discovered by William Bartram in the 1770s, it is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens as well as parks.

Mountain hydrangea vs. Bigleaf hydrangea: What's The Difference?

The mountain hydrangea is a deciduous shrub that blooms in summer and autumn. It is native to Japan and Korea. The scientific name of this species, Hydrangea serrata, means "water vessel" and refers to the shape of its fruit. It is often planted on borders near homes and patios.

Climbing hydrangea vs. Bigleaf hydrangea: What's The Difference?

Climbing hydrangea is named for its growth form, as its aerial rootlets allow it to climb walls, trees, and other structures. It can be grown in shady corners and has good resistance to rabbits and drought. Its bark has a history of use as a writing medium. Note, however, that this plant is moderately toxic when ingested.

Blue evergreen hydrangea vs. Bigleaf hydrangea: What's The Difference?

The blue evergreen hydrangea (Hydrangea febrifuga*)* is a beautiful shrub that can serve as an accent or hedge in your garden landscape. The plant attracts wildlife such as birds and butterflies. Its specific epithet is derived from the Latin words 'febris' and 'fugare 'which mean 'fever' and 'to expel,' as this plant is a widely known traditional medicine in Asia.

Panicled hydrangea 'Limelight' vs. Bigleaf hydrangea: What's The Difference?

The panicled hydrangea 'Limelight' is a cultivar named for its white-and-lime green blooms. These appear in profusion in pyramid-shaped clusters and make the shrub perfect for filling out large garden spaces. It is hardier and more cold-resistant than many other cultivars. However, it is susceptible to gray mold, slugs, powdery mildew, rust, ringspot virus, and leaf spots.

Oakleaf hydrangea 'Snow Queen' vs. Bigleaf hydrangea: What's The Difference?

Oakleaf hydrangea 'Snow Queen' is distinct for its very showy white blooms. A cultivar of Hydrangea quercifolia, its name refers to those flowers. Gardeners love this plant for its large, dense, upright flower heads and its oak-like leaves that turn bronze-purple and red.

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Key Facts About Bigleaf hydrangea

Attributes of Bigleaf hydrangea

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

1.5 m to 3 m

Spread

80 cm to 2.5 m

Leaf Color

Green

Yellow

Flower Size

5 cm to 15 cm

Flower Color

Pink

Blue

White

Purple

Red

Cream

Stem Color

Purple

Black

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Bigleaf hydrangea

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Dogwoods, hydrangeas, and allies

Family

Hydrangea

Genus

Hydrangeas

Species

Bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)

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Distribution Map of Bigleaf hydrangea

The native range of bigleaf hydrangea is Japan, where it can be found growing in moist forest soils or along streams. This plant has also been widely cultivated worldwide for ornamental use.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Bigleaf hydrangea

A Comprehensive Guide to Bigleaf hydrangea How to Grow and Care for Bigleaf hydrangea