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Key characteristics

Family: Hydrangeaceae
Height: 3 to 6 feet
Width: 3 to 6 feet
Flower color: Blooms range from blue, to purple, to pink
Foliage color: Large, glossy, dark green leaves
Bloom time: Summer
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Water: Regular
Maintenance: Prune after flowering to maintain shape; fertilize in early spring; protect from strong winds and harsh afternoon sun
Growing zone: USDA Zones 5 to 9
Wildlife: Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies

Shrubs

Hydrangea macrophylla

Bigleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla, commonly known as bigleaf hydrangea, is a deciduous shrub admired for its lush, rounded clusters of blooms that appear from late spring to early fall. The flower colors range from blue to pink, to purple or white, influenced by soil pH, with blue hues in acidic soils and pinks in alkaline conditions. These long-lasting blossoms are complemented by the plant's large, glossy green leaves.

Light

Partial shade to full sun

Water

Regular

Bloom time

Summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Shade Gardens
Foundation Plantings
Cut Flower Gardens
Cottage Gardens

Companion plants

Fatsia · Skimmia · Tiarella · Camellia · Trillium · Lily-of-the-valley

Design tip

Bigleaf Hydrangea can establish the primary color story for an entire summer garden. Its large flower heads create broad areas of blue, purple, or pink, making even a single shrub visually influential within the overall composition.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)