Species

Hydrangea macrophyllaBigleaf Hydrangea

60 other cultivars

shrub

Bigleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Blue Wave'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hydrangea macrophylla is a deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub native to eastern Asia, characterized by its rounded, upright habit and large, heavily serrated dark green leaves. The species is widely cultivated across North America, where it thrives in rich, organic, medium-moisture soils that remain consistently well-drained.

'Mariesii Perfecta', widely marketed under the trade designation 'Blue Wave', features lacecap inflorescences with a flattened central cluster of small fertile florets ringed by large, showy sterile florets. The flower color is highly sensitive to soil chemistry, producing deep blue blooms in highly acidic soils and shifting to pink or lilac in neutral to alkaline conditions.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces large lacecap flower heads that change color based on soil pH, set against dark green, heavily serrated foliage.

Serves as an effective indicator of soil acidity and functions well in shaded foundation or mass plantings.

Provides nesting cover for small birds and shelter for insects, while open fertile florets attract generalist pollinators.

SpeciesHydrangea macrophyllaBigleaf Hydrangea

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

72"

Width

72"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

High

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Deciduous shrub

Native To

Eastern Asia

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested; sap causes skin irritation

Bloom period

Summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in rich, organic, well-drained soil in a location with partial shade, ensuring protection from harsh afternoon sun.
Maintain consistent soil moisture through regular irrigation, as the root system has low drought tolerance and wilts rapidly.
Apply aluminum sulfate in spring or fall to maintain an acidic soil pH below 5.5 for blue flowers, or agricultural lime to raise the pH above 6.0 for pink blooms.
Provide winter protection in USDA Zone 5 to shield overwintering flower buds on old wood from extreme freezes and late spring frosts.

Pro Tip

Prune immediately after summer flowering by cutting spent stems back to a pair of healthy buds; shearing hard or cutting into old, leafless wood in late fall or winter removes the next season's flower buds entirely.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Do prune immediately after flowering to preserve the buds that develop on old wood for the following year.
Do water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.
Do plant in a sheltered location with partial shade to protect foliage from afternoon sun scorch.

Don't

Don't cut back into old, leafless wood during late fall or winter, as this eliminates the current season's blooms.
Don't allow the soil to become waterlogged, which makes the root system highly susceptible to Phytophthora root rot.
Don't plant in open coastal areas exposed to direct, salt-laden sea winds.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Foundation PlantingMass PlantingShade BordersCottage Gardens

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 5–9. 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 summer. 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 full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.