Bigleaf Hydrangea

Botanical Name

Hydrangea macrophylla

Hardiness

Zones 6 to 9

Height

3 to 4 feet

Width

4 to 6 feet

Flowers

Pink to blue - depending on pH, look of flower depends on cultivar

Light

Sun to part shade (best)

Soil

Moist, well-drained, organic

Planting & Care

Blooms on previous season's growth
If needed, prune immediately AFTER flowering by cutting back stems to a pair of healthy buds
Prune out dead, weak or wayward stems in late winter or early spring
Does not do well in hot dry conditions
Moderately salt tolerant
pH affects flower color
- Blue in highly acidic soils
- Lilac to pink in slightly acidic to alkaline soils
Plants grown in Zone 5 should be grown in a sheltered location and provided additional winter protection to minimize the risk of loss of flower buds and die back due to harsh winter weather

Problems