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Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue' (Bigleaf hydrangea, Florist's hydrangea)

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue' Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue' hy-DRAIN-jah mak-roe-FIL-lah Common Name: Bigleaf hydrangea, Florist's hydrangea Genus: Hydrangea
This is a well-loved and vigorous cultivar with large, rounded flower heads of a rich, gorgeous blue.
 Noteworthy characteristics: This is one of the most widely recognized species of hydrangeas, and 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. 
 Care: 'Nikko Blue' flowers 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.  Grow in moist, but well-drained soil, in sun to partial shade. Provide shelter from drying winds.
 Propagation: Sow seed in 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 Summer
Flower Color Blue 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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