Big Leaf Hydrangeas: The Ultimate Guide To Growing And Care

Bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) are one of the most popular flowering shrubs in the world. They are known for their large, showy blooms that can range in color from blue to pink to white. Bigleaf hydrangeas are relatively easy to care for, but they do require some special attention in order to thrive.

In this blog post, we will provide you with the ultimate guide to growing and caring for bigleaf hydrangeas. We will cover everything from choosing the right location to planting and pruning, as well as tips on how to control pests and diseases. By following our advice, you can enjoy beautiful bigleaf hydrangeas for many years to come.

Choosing the right location

The first step to growing bigleaf hydrangeas is to choose the right location. Bigleaf hydrangeas prefer partial shade, but they can also tolerate full sun in cooler climates. If you live in a hot climate, it is important to plant your bigleaf hydrangeas in a location that receives some afternoon shade.

Bigleaf hydrangeas also need moist, well-drained soil. If your soil is sandy or poor, you will need to amend it with compost or peat moss before planting.

Planting bigleaf hydrangeas

Once you have chosen the right location, you can plant your bigleaf hydrangeas. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and deep as the root ball of the plant. Backfill the hole with amended soil and water the plant thoroughly.

Fertilizing bigleaf hydrangeas

Bigleaf hydrangeas need to be fertilized regularly in order to produce their best blooms. You can fertilize your bigleaf hydrangeas with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. In the fall, you can apply a fertilizer that is high in phosphorus to help the plant prepare for winter.

Watering bigleaf hydrangeas

Bigleaf hydrangeas need to be watered regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Water your bigleaf hydrangeas deeply once a week, or more often if the weather is hot and dry.

Pruning bigleaf hydrangeas

Bigleaf hydrangeas can be pruned in the spring or fall. If you prune your bigleaf hydrangeas in the spring, you will encourage new growth and more flowers. If you prune your bigleaf hydrangeas in the fall, you will help to protect the plant from winter damage.

Controlling pests and diseases

Bigleaf hydrangeas are relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, they can be susceptible to aphids, scale, and powdery mildew. If you see any pests or diseases on your bigleaf hydrangeas, you can treat them with an insecticidal soap or fungicide.

Enjoying your bigleaf hydrangeas

With proper care, bigleaf hydrangeas will reward you with beautiful blooms for many years to come. Bigleaf hydrangeas are a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of settings. They can be planted in beds, borders, or containers. They can also be used as a hedge or screen.

No matter how you choose to use them, bigleaf hydrangeas are sure to add beauty and interest to your garden.

Big leaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) are some of the most popular hydrangeas for their large, showy blooms. They come in a variety of colors, including blue, pink, purple, and white. Big leaf hydrangeas are relatively easy to care for, but they do best in moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade.

If you're thinking about adding a big leaf hydrangea to your garden, I recommend visiting . This website has a wealth of information about big leaf hydrangeas, including care tips, planting instructions, and a variety of cultivar profiles. You can also find photos of big leaf hydrangeas in bloom, so you can see what different colors and varieties are available.

FAQ of big leaf hydrangea

Here are the 5 most frequently asked questions about big leaf hydrangeas, along with valuable insights and solutions:

1. What are the different colors of bigleaf hydrangeas?

Bigleaf hydrangeas can come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, blue, purple, and white. The color of the flowers is determined by the acidity of the soil. In alkaline soils, the flowers will be pink or red. In acidic soils, the flowers will be blue or purple. White varieties will bloom white in all soils.

2. What is the most popular bigleaf hydrangea?

The most popular bigleaf hydrangea is the mophead hydrangea. Mophead hydrangeas have large, rounded flower heads that can be up to 12 inches in diameter. They come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, blue, purple, and white.

3. How big do bigleaf hydrangeas get?

Bigleaf hydrangeas can grow to be 3-6 feet tall and wide. They are deciduous shrubs, which means they lose their leaves in the fall.

4. Where do bigleaf hydrangeas grow best?

Bigleaf hydrangeas prefer full sun to partial shade. They grow best in moist, well-drained soil. They are hardy in USDA zones 4-9.

5. How do I care for bigleaf hydrangeas?

Bigleaf hydrangeas are relatively easy to care for. They need regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. They also benefit from being fertilized in the spring and fall. To encourage blue flowers, add aluminum sulfate to the soil in the spring. To encourage pink flowers, add lime to the soil in the spring.

Image of big leaf hydrangea

Here are 5 different images of "big leaf hydrangea" from Pinterest:

1. Big Leaf Hydrangea Macrophylla

This type of hydrangea is known for its large, showy blooms that can grow up to 12 inches in diameter. The flowers are typically blue or pink, but can also be white or purple. Big Leaf Hydrangea Macrophylla is a hardy plant that can tolerate a variety of climates.

2. Big Leaf Hydrangea Paniculata

This type of hydrangea is known for its large, conical blooms that can grow up to 18 inches in diameter. The flowers are typically white or pink, but can also be green or blue. Big Leaf Hydrangea Paniculata is a slightly less hardy plant than Big Leaf Hydrangea Macrophylla, but it is still relatively easy to care for.

3. Big Leaf Hydrangea Annabelle

This type of hydrangea is known for its large, white blooms that can grow up to 30 inches in diameter. The flowers are very showy and make a great addition to any garden. Big Leaf Hydrangea Annabelle is a relatively hardy plant that can tolerate a variety of climates.

4. Big Leaf Hydrangea Endless Summer

This type of hydrangea is known for its long blooming period. The flowers can bloom from early summer to late fall. Big Leaf Hydrangea Endless Summer is a relatively hardy plant that can tolerate a variety of climates.

5. Big Leaf Hydrangea Oakleaf

This type of hydrangea is known for its large, oak-shaped leaves and its small, white flowers. The flowers are not as showy as the flowers of other types of big leaf hydrangeas, but the leaves are very attractive. Big Leaf Hydrangea Oakleaf is a relatively hardy plant that can tolerate a variety of climates.