Species

Hydrangea macrophyllaBigleaf Hydrangea

60 other cultivars

shrub

Bigleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Ruby Blossom'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hydrangea macrophylla is a broad-mounding deciduous shrub native to East Asia, cultivated for its broad foliage and massive bloom heads. The species typically produces flowers whose color shifts between blue and pink depending on soil pH and available aluminum.

'Ruby Blossom' produces dense, fully double mophead blooms of deep pink to rich red on sturdy stems that resist flopping under heavy flower weight. Unlike traditional bigleaf hydrangeas, its flower color is genetically fixed and remains stable regardless of soil pH.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces multi-layered double mophead flower clusters in deep pink and red that persist on sturdy stems into early fall.

Features strong, upright stems that hold heavy blooms erect without flopping, making stems suitable for cut flower arrangements.

Provides nectar for visiting butterflies and beneficial insect pollinators throughout the summer flowering period.

SpeciesHydrangea macrophyllaBigleaf Hydrangea

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

42"

Width

48"

Light

Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate to High

Humidity

Moderate to High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

East Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to pets and humans if ingested

Bloom period

Summer – Early fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site that receives direct morning sunlight and dappled shade during the afternoon.
Dig a planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and mix organic compost into the native backfill soil.
Set the plant at the same depth it grew in its container, fill the hole, and firm the soil gently around the base.
Water deeply at planting and apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch around the root zone, keeping mulch clear of main stems.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after summer flowering finishes; pruning late in the season removes the stems carrying next year's flower buds.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain consistent soil moisture through regular deep watering during hot summer periods.
Plant in a location shielded from harsh afternoon sunlight to prevent leaf scorch.
Apply organic mulch around the root zone to conserve soil moisture and moderate soil temperature.

Don't

Do not prune stems heavily in fall or winter, as next season's flower buds are formed on old wood.
Do not attempt to alter flower color with soil amendments like aluminum sulfate or lime, as this cultivar's red-pink shade is fixed.
Do not allow the root system to dry out completely during summer heatwaves.

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

Accent plant in semi-shaded mixed borders.Container specimen on shaded patios or courtyards.Low foundation planting against eastern house walls.Mass planting beneath woodland tree canopies.

Companion Plants

Heuchera Hosta Astilbe Polystichum acrostichoides

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.