Species

Hydrangea macrophyllaBigleaf Hydrangea

60 other cultivars

shrub

Bigleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nantucket Blue'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hydrangea macrophylla is a deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub native to Japan, valued for its broad glossy foliage and rounded habit. The species produces large mophead or lacecap inflorescences that naturally shift between blue, purple, and pink depending on soil acidity and aluminum availability.

'Nantucket Blue' is a repeat-blooming cultivar that sets dense, globe-shaped mophead clusters continuously from summer through autumn on both old and new wood. It displays greater field resistance to fungal leaf spot than older cultivars while maintaining rich blue flowers in acidic soil.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces dense, repeating spherical blue bloom clusters from early summer until autumn frost.

Functions reliably in shady foundation plantings and offers excellent long-lasting cut flowers.

Provides pollen for generalist insect pollinators including native bees and butterflies.

SpeciesHydrangea macrophyllaBigleaf Hydrangea

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

72"

Width

72"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium to high (evenly moist)

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site receiving morning sun and afternoon shade, protected from strong winds.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and backfill with rich, organic-rich soil.
Water thoroughly upon planting and maintain consistent moisture, never allowing the soil to dry out completely.
Apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of pine bark mulch around the base to keep roots cool and preserve moisture.
Amend acidic soil with aluminum sulfate annually if deep blue blooms are desired.

Pro Tip

Apply aluminum sulfate or acidic organic mulches in autumn so soil chemistry adjusts months before spring bud initiation, ensuring rich blue blooms rather than pink.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during hot summer periods.
Plant in filtered sun or morning light to prevent leaf and petal scorch.
Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged wood only.

Don't

Do not shear stems heavily in autumn or early spring, which removes early floral buds.
Do not allow the soil to dry out completely, as wilting damages developing buds.
Do not expect overnight bloom color changes; soil amendments require months to take effect.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mixed Shrub BorderCottage GardenFoundation PlantingContainer GardenCoastal Landscape

Companion Plants

Hosta Heuchera Astilbe Athyrium niponicum Hakonechloa macra

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bigleaf Hydrangea questions

What zones can Bigleaf Hydrangea grow in?

Bigleaf Hydrangea is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Bigleaf Hydrangea deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Bigleaf Hydrangea, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Bigleaf Hydrangea bloom?

Bigleaf Hydrangea typically blooms in summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Bigleaf Hydrangea need full sun?

Bigleaf Hydrangea does best in part shade.