Appearance

Growth form

A many-stemmed deciduous shrub with a rounded shape, usually 3–6 ft (1–2 m) tall and wide, with large leaves in opposite pairs

Flowers

The petal-like parts belong mostly to display flowers that usually do not set seed. Lacecaps have a flat center of small flowers that can make seeds, ringed by display flowers; mopheads—sold in numerous cultivars—form big round balls made mostly of display flowers.

Flowering time

In North Carolina and Virginia, many varieties bloom from late spring into summer. Some reblooming garden varieties can flower again on new stems later in summer

Look-alikes

Mountain HydrangeaHydrangea serrata

Mountain Hydrangea is usually a smaller shrub with smaller leaves and flower clusters. Lacecap forms of both species can look very similar, so a single flower photo may not settle it.

Panicle HydrangeaHydrangea paniculata

Panicle Hydrangea usually has long, cone-shaped flower clusters. Bigleaf Hydrangea clusters are rounded or flatter.

Where it lives

Typical habitats

• Yards and gardens
• Shade gardens
• Containers

Range

Native to Japan and grown in U.S. yards and gardens. It grows outdoors in hardiness zones 6a–11b.

Preferred conditions

Does best in partial shade with protection from hot afternoon sun, in moist but well-drained soil. It handles clay or sandy soil

Flowering

Flowers Jun–Jul

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Flowers

Flowers Jun–Jul

Growing it

Care

Soil acidity affects whether blue or pink pigments show, partly through aluminum available to the roots. Flower color also depends on the variety. Prune after flowering when needed, because many varieties form next year's buds on older stems

Propagation

Gardeners start new plants from stem cuttings. Most mophead flowers are sterile, so they rarely set seed

Toxicity

Eating leaves, bark, or flowers can cause stomach upset, especially in large amounts

Connected species

Nesting plants

• native beesAnthophila

  Some small native bees shelter their nests in dead, hollow stems in U.S. gardens.

Name and classification

About the name

In the U.S., bigleaf hydrangea is also called French hydrangea or hortensia.

Varieties and forms

U.S. nurseries sell many round mophead cultivars, including reblooming selections. The flat wild lacecap form is also called H. macrophylla var. normalis.

Conservation

IUCN Red List

NENot Evaluated·Not yet assessed