Species

Hydrangea macrophyllaBigleaf Hydrangea

60 other cultivars

shrub

Bottstein Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bottstein'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hydrangea macrophylla is a broadleaf deciduous shrub native to eastern Asia, recognized for its compact structure, large glossy foliage, and terminal inflorescences. The species produces flower heads whose Sepal coloration is dictated by soil pH and available aluminum, shifting between red, pink, and violet tones.

'Bottstein' is a compact mophead cultivar reaching four to five feet tall with sturdy stems and robust, prominently veined foliage. Its dense spherical flower heads display deep dark red to rose blooms in neutral-to-alkaline soils, or transform into rich violet-blue in acidic soils.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces dense, ball-shaped mophead clusters that shift color based on soil pH.

Functions exceptionally as a cut flower both fresh and dried.

Provides sheltered winter cover for small beneficial garden insects.

SpeciesHydrangea macrophyllaBigleaf Hydrangea

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

55"

Width

48"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate to High

Humidity

Moderate to High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Mildly 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 to prevent flower and leaf scorch.
Enrich the planting location with compost or organic leaf mold to promote moisture retention.
Set the root ball level with the surrounding soil line and water thoroughly upon planting.
Apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the direct stem bases.
Maintain consistent soil moisture through regular weekly irrigation during dry summer periods.

Pro Tip

Prune immediately after summer flowering finishes; flower buds form on old wood during late summer, so autumn or winter pruning removes the next season's blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep soil consistently moist throughout the main spring and summer growing season.
Shield plants from afternoon sun to avoid foliage petal scorch.
Adjust soil acidity using aluminum sulfate if deep violet-blue blooms are preferred.

Don't

Do not hard-pruning into old leafless wood, which removes dormant floral buds.
Avoid waterlogged conditions that induce Phytophthora root rot.
Do not apply excess high-nitrogen fertilizer, which encourages heavy foliage at the expense of flower production.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Cottage GardensShrub BordersCourtyard ContainersCut Flower Beds

Companion Plants

Hosta Astilbe Heuchera Polystichum munitum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bottstein Hydrangea questions

What zones can Bottstein Hydrangea grow in?

Bottstein 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 Bottstein Hydrangea deer resistant?

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

When does Bottstein Hydrangea bloom?

Bottstein 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 Bottstein Hydrangea need full sun?

Bottstein Hydrangea does best in part shade.