Shrub
Bigleaf hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla
A striking shrub with large flower heads, happiest in partial shade and consistently moist soil.
- Size
- 1.5–2.5 m high · 1.5–2.5 m wideVaries by cultivar
- Light
- Partial shade / Full sun
- Water
- High
- Winter
- Hardy
- Seasonal form
- Deciduous
- Maintenance
- Moderate
Before planting
- Flower buds can be damaged during a cold or changeable winter.
- Pruning at the wrong time can remove the following season's flowers.
Why choose it
- It provides strong summer colour.
- It works well near terraces, entrances and paths.
- It is well suited to partial shade.
Good to know
- In responsive cultivars, flower colour can change with soil chemistry and available aluminium.