Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf Hydrangea)

Michael's Opinion

A small specimen shrub commonly used throughout landscapes, brilliant coloured flowers offer year around interest, often used for borders and cut flowers.

Botanical Information

FamilyHydrangeaceae (Saxifragaceae)
GenusHydrangea
Speciesmacrophylla
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (deciduous)
OriginNative to japan
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone6-9b
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone5a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-10
Height2 m
Spread2 m
GrowthFast
Flowering PeriodJune, July, August

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA deciduous shrub that is fast growing, producing large round clusters of flowers.
ID CharacteristicLarge opposite leaves with serrated edges, medium to dark green.
ShapeMedium sized compact shrub, long un-branched stems, loose rounded form.
LandscapeCan be used as a high quality flowing shrub border. May be placed in landscapes to add textural variety and colour. Planted in masses or groupings
PropagationFrom stem cuttings with use of rooting hormones, seeds, woody stem cuttings, air layering and softwood cuttings in early summer
Cultivation Withstands high alkaline soils and is salt tolerant. It will flower blue on acidic soils and pink on alkaline soils.
PestsFlower bud injury, leaf spot, powdery mildew, scales and mites
HabitatCommonly found in areas of high rainfall, forest margins and coastal habitats.
Bark/Stem DescriptionLight brown in colour, dark brown exfoliating barks reveals new light brown bark, noticeable scars, dieback occurs in winter.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionBuds are light green in colour and scaled.
Leaf DescriptionOpposite leaf with serrated edge, ovate in shape, 10 -20 cm long , fleshy and thick.
Flower DescriptionLarge flat panicles, small fertile flowers throughout middle to large bracts around edges.
Colour DescriptionLeaves are dark green in colour, flowers can be blue, pink, or shades of purple depending on the pH levels in the soil.
Texture DescriptionBark is rough, serrated leaves with rubbery feeling.

Photographs