Species

Hydrangea macrophyllaBigleaf Hydrangea

60 other cultivars

shrub

Bigleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Double Down'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hydrangea macrophylla is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, valued for its broad, glossy foliage and large terminal flower heads. The dense bushes grow in a compact, rounded form with flowers that shift color from blue to pink depending on soil pH.

'Double Down' is a compact cultivar featuring dense, six- to eight-inch star-shaped mophead clusters filled with double florets. It blooms on both old and new wood throughout summer and early fall, producing flowers that mature with subtle hints of green.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces dense, double-flowered mophead blooms that transition from pink or blue to subtle green tones.

Functions well in compact container displays and massed foundation beds.

Provides floral resources for bees, butterflies, and general insect pollinators.

SpeciesHydrangea macrophyllaBigleaf Hydrangea

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

48"

Width

48"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Consistent / High

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Perennial shrub

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Toxic to humans, dogs, cats, and horses

Bloom period

Summer – Early fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site receiving morning sun and afternoon shade in rich, moist, organic-dense soil.
Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the crown level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with native soil enriched with organic matter, firming gently to clear air pockets.
Water deeply at the base and top-dress with a three-inch layer of organic mulch to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

Maintain consistent soil moisture with organic mulch and avoid severe pruning into old leafless wood, which reduces early season flowering.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry summer periods.
Mulch heavily around the base to retain root moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Water at soil level using drip irrigation to keep foliage dry.

Don't

Do not allow the root zone to dry out completely, as leaves wilt easily.
Do not hard-prune into old, leafless wood unnecessarily.
Do not plant in soggy, poorly draining soils that foster root rot.

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

Foundation PlantingsMixed Shrub BordersContainer PlantingsMass Plantings

Companion Plants

Hosta Heuchera Astilbe Hakonechloa

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 6–9. 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 early 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.