French Hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla

Bigleaf hydrangea is a woody, deciduous, perennial shrub in the hydrangea family (Hydrangeaceae) and is native to Japan, China, Korea, and Southeast Asia. Depending upon the cultivar, of which there are many, the plant produces ball-shaped flower clusters ("mop-heads") or flat clusters of small flowers surrounded by a ring of more prominent flowers ("lacecaps"). The species epithet is from the Greek meaning "large leaf."

Bigleaf hydrangea performs best in areas with dappled sunlight, partial shade, or deep shade. Protect it from afternoon sun. It is tolerant of both clay and sandy soil and has some salt tolerance. Plant it in a site with good drainage; occasionally wet soil is okay. Colors range from white to pink, blue, or purple flowers, depending on the soil's acidity. Blue flowers develop with acidic soil and pink flowers from alkaline soil. Aluminum sulfate can be added to acidify the soil, and lime to produce a more alkaline soil. It blooms during the late spring and summer on the previous year's growth, often described as "old wood." Some cultivars, classified as reblooming, bloom again, later in the summer, on new growth. Do any pruning before August 1. Propagate this shrub by layering or stem cutting. 

This plant rapidly grows into a multi-stemmed shrub with a rounded habit and is generally 3 to 6 feet tall and wide at maturity. It has many uses in the landscape. Mass plant it in a woodland or naturalized area, a foundation planting, hedge, or as a privacy screen. A single specimen can accent a patio or be grown in a container. It is a good addition to Asian, children’s, cottage, cutting, or shade gardens. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: It can suffer leaf spot, bacterial wilt, and powdery mildew under some conditions. It is susceptible to damage by deer.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Hydrangea.