Hydrangea Macrophylla – Hydrangeas Introduction

The very first wild variety of Hydrangeas originated in Japan, later taken far and wide, across the globe emerging as different varieties in different shades and sizes. Commonly known as Bigleaf Hydrangea or Mophead Hydrangea, Hydrangea macrophylla is a versatile plant beatified for its large and showy blooms that change color according to soil properties.

Typically attaining a dimension of 2 meters tall and wide, the plant has an open and wide habit making it suitable for many landscaping applications. Flowers appear in an apical corymb inflorescence with few small fertile flowers at the center, surrounded by showy sterile florets. Regular flower color range from blue to pink, with any shade in between like deep blues, shades of purple and pink, pristine white or even blood red. The lush bright-green foliage with its toothed margin give a sharp contrast to the flower heads and offer an attractive appearance year round.

Hydrangea macrophylla – Hydrangeas planting

Extended blooming period from about 3-6 months makes Hydrangeas a perfect plant of interest for any floral or cottage garden. They are well suited to both a potted patio plant or grow them en mass to serve as hedging or screening, or as a single, feature plant, whatever the role the Hydrangea macrophylla does it elegantly. The rounded habit of Hydrangeas topped with perfectly semi-spherical floral clusters makes it an ideal candidate for containers. The long lasting flowers of Hydrangeas are a craze in the cut flower industry too.

Hydrangea macrophylla – Hydrangeas lighting and position

Partial shade is ideal for Hydrangeas and under full-bright sun, they need some extra care. The scorching midday sun should be avoided as the leaves can get wilted. Being sensitive to frost, Bigleaf Hydrangea appreciates some good mulching to protect its roots during the months of Winter.

Hydrangea macrophylla – Hydrangeas soil and fertilisation

Bigleaf Hydrangeas love rich, well-draining soils. Treat poor soils with general garden compost to revive.

The acidity of the soil determines the flower color in Hydrangeas. Stunning blue flowers are formed if the soil pH drops below 5.5. If you wish to have some shades of pink add some lime to the soil (at a ratio of 4 pounds per 100 square feet). Remember to water the plant well, after lime treatment.

Garden compost is the ideal feed for your Bigleaf Hydrangea. You can also go for a slow release fertiliser rich in phosphorous, as the latter promotes larger blooms. Spring and early Autumn are the ideal times to feed your Hydrangea macrophylla.

We recommend using our Plant Food available here. 

Hydrangea macrophylla – Hydrangeas watering

Hydrangea macrophylla prefers to have consistent moisture in the soil. Water thoroughly depending on the plant’s need or thrice a week, as water deficient Hydrangea can lead to wilted leaves and flowers. A young, growing Bigleaf Hydrangea needs a lot of moisture especially during hot Summers. It is better to maintain organic mulch at the plant base to keep the soil moist and cool all the time.

Hydrangea macrophylla – Hydrangeas pruning and maintenance

Identify the Hydrangea variety that you own before proceeding with pruning as each variety have different pruning periods. Pruning of common Bigleaf Hydrangea should be done after the flowering period, ideally once the flowers fade in Summer and prune very lightly. Trim away one or two older branches way down to the base to encourage tufted growth for the next year. Avoid deadheading as Hydrangea macrophylla blooms on old wood and deadheading does not promote new flower buds. A good, hard pruning can be given for Hydrangeas if they are quite old and lifeless.

Hydrangea macrophylla – Hydrangeas propagation

Hydrangea cuttings strike readily to form new growth. You can select any growing branch about 10 – 12 cm long and not flowering yet for the process. Remove the lower leaves to expose the leaf nodes. These cuttings can be directly planted into a potting mix of well-draining soil and compost. Dip the end of the cutting into rooting hormone to promote rooting. Drizzle regularly and avoid it completely drying up. Dappled sunlight is enough for a developing Hydrangea cutting. Rooting will establish within 2-3 weeks, after which you can transfer it to the ground or to a larger container.

Hydrangea macrophylla – Hydrangeas common pests and diseases

Pest attacks are relatively rare in Hydrangeas. Severely stressed older plants are susceptible to aphids and spider mites. Hard pruning and removal of old branches will keep your Bigleaf Hydrangea healthy and safe from pest attacks.

Botrytis Blight and Cercospora leaf spot are the two common diseases found in Hydrangea macrophylla. Inadequate air circulation and high humidity encourages Botrytis Blight that is manifested as immature bud loss and browning of petal tips. Excess moisture retention on the leaves promote Cercospora leafspot, which is identified as tanned lesions with red halos. Both diseases can be readily prevented by proper maintenance of Hydrangeas, coupled with fungicide treatment.

For more information on how to manage common plant pests, head to our blog here.

Hydrangea macrophylla – Hydrangeas popular varieties

Hydrangea varieties differ in flower color, habit size, hardiness, etc making it one of the highly adaptable blooms to suit any garden.

Below are some of the popular Hydrangea macrophylla varieties;

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘All Summer Beauty’ – This Mophead variety is praised for its long lived, dense, dark blue flowers that turn pink in neutral soils.

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Eldorado’ – If you wish to spice up your garden with some bright red shades, ‘Eldorado’ would be the perfect choice.

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Nikko Blue’- Commonly known as Bigleaf Hydrangea, ‘Nikko Blue’ presents bright blue flowers as long as the soil pH stays low.

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Madame Emile Mouillere’ – One of the tough and hardy varieties, adored for its white blooms that may fade to pink or blue depending on the soil pH.

Hydrangea macrophylla – Hydrangeas toxicity

Hydrangea macrophylla is moderately poisonous. Skin contact with the plant may induce dermatitis or skin irritation in some people. Accidental ingestion triggers stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting. So it’s better to keep the Hydrangea away from kids and pets.

Hydrangea macrophylla – Hydrangea Design Tips

Hydrangeas make an excellent option in large pots for patios and near front doors to create a warm, attractive and inviting impression. They are particularly well suited to cottage gardens where their immense and prolific flowers will be a real showpiece. Growing to up to 2m tall, they make a great second tier species in front of trees and larger hedges. Their dense growing habit also makes them a great option for a medium sized screening plant.