Plants: Big Leaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla, commonly known as 'Bigleaf Hydrangea' is a decidous flowering shurb prized for its large flowers and dense foliage. Many people associate the Big Leaf form of hydrangea with coastal communities of New England, where they are often used as a foundation plant, and grown in hedges. With many varieties available today, hydrangea macrophylla are ideal for almost any setting! 

While many people associate their large blue flower heads with hydrangea, they are actually available in many colors. Even more intresting is that hydrangea flower color is affected by soil acidity. Generally, the more acid the soil conditions, the more deep blue their flowers will be. Gardners can actually change hydrangea flower color by changing the pH level of the soil in which hydrangea grow.

General Characteristics:

Hardiness: USDA Zone 5-7
Bloom Time: Summer to Fall 
Bloom Color: Each is a different shade of pink or blue (dependent upon pH)
Foliage Color: Glossy Green
Fall Color: Foliage remains glossy green, Bears dried flower-heads into the Fall
Size: 1-8 Ft
Exposure: Prefers morning sun with partial to dappled shade in the afternoons
Soil: Well-drained, organic-matter rich soil

Check out these popular varieties of Hydrangea Macrophylla (Big Leaf Hydrangea):

	Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Glowing Embers’ Glowing Embers Hydrangea  Features: Pink to Red mophead flowers in July to August Habit: Rounded Size: 3-5’ T x 3-5’ W Exposure: Part shade/sun
	Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Pia’ (‘Elf’) Pia Hydrangea  Features: Small, pink mophead flowers in July to August Habit: Dwarf, Rounded Size: 18-24” T x 18-24” W Exposure: Part shade/sun
	Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Pink Beauty’ Pink Beauty Hydrangea  Features: Pink mophead flowers in July to August Habit: Rounded Size: 3-5’ T x 3-5’ W Exposure: Part shade/sun
	Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Nikko Blue’ Nikko Blue Hydrangea  Features: Deep blue mophead flowers in July to August; blooms on new wood Habit: Rounded Size: 4-6’ T x 4-6’ W Exposure: Part shade/sun
	Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Penny Mac’ Penny Mac Hydrangea  Features: Deep blue mophead flowers in July to October; blooms on new wood Habit: Rounded Size: 3-5’ T x 3-5’ W Exposure: Part shade/sun
	Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Mini Penny’ Mini Penny Hydrangea  Features: Small, deep blue mophead flowers in July to October; blooms on new wood  Habit: Dwarf; Rounded Size: 2-3’ T x 2-3’ W Exposure: Part shade/sun
	Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Blushing Bride’ Blushing Bride Hydrangea Features: Pure white mophead flowers turning blush pink or blue in June to October; blooms reliably on new and old wood; extremely hardy Habit: Rounded Size: 3-5’ T x 3-5’ W Exposure: Part shade/sun
	Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Bailmer’ The Original Endless Summer® Hydrangea Features: Deep blue mophead flowers in June to October; lush, large, green foliage; new blooms reliably on new and old wood; extremely hardy Habit: Rounded Size: 3-5’ T x 3-5’ W Exposure: Part shade/sun
	Hydrangea macrophylla 'Color Fantasy' Color Fantasy™ Hydrangea  Features: Red mop head flowers in late June to September. Shiny, green-black foliage.   In fall the leaves turn a strong shade of red.   Habit: Deciduous Flowering Shrub Height: 2-3’  Spread: 2-3’  Exposure: Part shade/sun
Learn More about Hydrangea Varieties and their Care!