Bigleaf hydrangea

Bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) is a deciduous flowering shrub whose size and flower form vary among cultivars. Mophead clusters are rounded and showy, while lacecaps have a flatter ring of showy florets around smaller fertile flowers; blooms may be blue, pink, purple, or white, and soil acidity changes color in many cultivars. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hydrangea-macrophylla/) [Virginia Tech Extension](https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/3010/3010-1463/3010-1463.pdf) ## Site and seasonal display Many bigleaf hydrangeas flower mainly in June and July, while remontant selections may also flower on current-season growth. The species can be used in borders, mass plantings, containers, or as a specimen. It grows best in partial shade, especially morning sun with afternoon shade, and in moist, well-drained soil with organic matter. Protect it from hot afternoon sun and maintain consistent moisture; large leaves can wilt quickly when dry. [Virginia Tech Extension](https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/3010/3010-1463/3010-1463.pdf) [Clemson Extension](https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/hydrangea-care-in-south-carolina/) [Illinois Extension](https://web.extension.illinois.edu/shrubselector/detail_plant.cfm?PlantID=401) ## Maintenance Most standard forms set flower buds on old wood, so prune soon after flowering to avoid removing next year’s buds. Remontant cultivars can also flower on new growth; removing spent blooms from the first flush may encourage another flush. Mulch to conserve moisture and use cultivar-specific pruning guidance, because mature size and flowering performance vary across the species. [Virginia Tech Extension](https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_vt_edu/3010/3010-1463/3010-1463.pdf) [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hydrangea-macrophylla/)