Hydrangea 'Big Daddy'

Big Daddy is a vigorous, upright-rounded bigleaf hydrangea with glossy dark-green leaves and exceptionally large globe-shaped flower clusters. Its flowers are pink in alkaline soil and can turn blue in acidic soil where aluminum is available. ## Garden Use Published nursery size estimates vary: Greenleaf lists 5–6 feet tall and wide, while Rountree gives 4–5 feet tall by 6–8 feet wide. Allow room for its broad outline and use it as a flowering anchor near a shaded patio or foundation; the persistent heads also suit fresh or dried arrangements. Hardiness listings range from USDA Zone 5 to Zones 6–9, so local winter exposure should guide placement. [Greenleaf Nursery](https://www.greenleafnursery.com/Plant/BIG-DADDY-HYDRANGEA-PP14527), [Rountree Nursery](https://www.rountreenurseryandsupply.com/plant-name/Hydrangea-macrophylla-Big-Daddy), and [Brookgreen Gardens](https://www.brookgreen.org/plant-collection/name/hydrangea-macrophylla-big-daddy) identify the selection and document those range differences. ## Growing Conditions Bigleaf hydrangeas do best with bright filtered light or partial shade protected from strong afternoon sun. Keep the root area evenly moist in well-drained soil; compost and mulch help reduce drying. Flower color responds to soil pH and aluminum availability, so use a soil test before applying amendments. [North Carolina Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hydrangea-macrophylla/) provides species-level siting guidance. ## Maintenance Bigleaf hydrangeas generally flower on older stems, so prune sparingly and finish shaping before August; late cuts can remove next season’s buds. Remove only dead or damaged growth and maintain steady moisture through hot weather. Rountree classifies this cultivar as low maintenance. The plant patent is PP 14,527, dated February 10, 2004; that record identifies the cultivar without making a claim about current legal status.