Plant Min Zone: 5b
Plant Max Zone: 10b
Sunlight: Full Sun, Part Sun, Shade
Water / Rainfall: High
Soil Quality: Average, Rich
Bloom Season: Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer
Flower Color: White, Blue, Pink
Berry / Fruit Color: Brown-Beige
Spring Foliage Color: Green, White, Variegated
Summer Foliage Color: Green, White, Variegated
Fall Foliage Color: Green, White, Variegated
Evergreen Foliage: No
Winter Interest: Yes
Scented Flowers: No
Drought Tolerance: Low
Wet-Feet Tolerance: High
Humidity Tolerance: High
Wind Tolerance: Low
Poor Soil Tolerance: Alkaline Soils (high PH), Acidic Soil (low PH)
Height: 3' - 4'
Width: 3' - 4'
Growth Rate: Medium
Service Life: Long: 5-10 years
Maintenance Need: Medium
Spreading Potential: Medium
Yearly Trimming Tips: Trim Shrub to Desired Size in Late Spring or Summer: Blooms on Old Wood. Some Re-bloom on New Wood.
Plant Grouping Size: Specimen Planting of 1-3, Small Grouping of 3-5
Best Side of House: South Exposure, West Exposure
Extreme Planting Locations: Resistant to Rabbits
Ornamental Features: Multiple Seasons of Interest, Long Blooming Season, Large Tropical Foliage / Flowers, Exceptional / Colorful Foliage
Special Landscape Uses: None
Possible Pest Problems: Deer, Stem/Crown Disease, Foliage Disease
Plant Limitations: Needs Thick Winter Mulch, Needs Regular Irrigation, Susceptible to Juglone / Black Walnut, Late to Emerge or Leaf Out in Spring, May be Poisonous
Shippable in 2026: YES
Big-Leaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) is a large tropical-looking shrub with dark green leaves and large clusters of long-blooming summer flowers. Flowers are long-lasting, huge ball-like clusters of pink OR blue flowers. Soil pH affects the flower color: pink = high pH, blue = low pH. That being said, flower buds on the species are set in the fall. If low temperatures hit 0 degrees F, it may kill the top growth including the flower buds; protect any zone 6 perennial with thick layer of mulch 12"-18" thick to ensure blooming in zone 6. Big-Leaf Hydrangea is very quick to wilt and stop growing if experiencing drought. Many times, an irrigation system cannot even keep up. Plant near gutter downspouts for an extra boost of water. Best grown in rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in part shade. Tolerates full sun only if grown in consistently moist soils. Generally this plant declines after a few years of Kansas climate but worth a try in perfect soils in well-tended shade gardens. Mariesii Variegated Lacecap Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Mariesii Variegated') is grown mostly for its striking variegated white and green foliage offering a focal point in the shade garden. Flowers on this variety are white with blue or pink centers depending on the soil pH. Hydrangea macrophylla is native to Japan.