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Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf hydrangea, Hortensia, Lace-cap hydrangea, Florist's Hydrangea)

Hydrangea macrophylla Hydrangea macrophylla 'Forever Pink' Photo/Illustration: Courtesy of Park Seed



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Hydrangea macrophylla hy-DRAIN-jah mak-roe-FIL-lah Common Name: Bigleaf hydrangea, Hortensia, Lace-cap hydrangea, Florist's Hydrangea Genus: Hydrangea
This is one of the most widely recognized species of hydrangeas. It boasts a plentiful number of cultivars. The species is divided into two groups: the Hortensias (or "mopheads") have globe-shaped flowers made up of large male flowers, and the Lacecaps have flattened flowerheads, with central, female blossoms ringed in larger, male blossoms. 
 Noteworthy characteristics: Lacy, horizontal blossoms and large globes of flowers in rich colors.
 Care: Grow in moist, but well-drained soil, in sun to partial shade. Provide shelter from drying winds. These hydrangeas flower on the previous season's wood, and can be maintained by cutting back just to the first pair of buds beneath the old flower in spring. 
 Propagation: Sow seed in a cold frame in spring; take softwood cuttings in early summer, hardwood cuttings in winter
 Problems: Gray mold, slugs, powdery mildew, rust, ringspot virus, leaf spots.
Height 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Spread 6 ft. to 10 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Growth Pace Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Low
Tolerance Frost Tolerant
Characteristics Showy Flowers; Showy Seed Heads
Bloom Time Fall; Summer
Flower Color Blue Flower; Pink Flower; Purple/ Lavender Flower; Red Flower; White Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Cut Flower, Dried Flower
Style Cottage Garden
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Shrubs

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