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Hydrangea (Big Leaf / Bigleaf) is one of the most spectacular flowering shrubs for home gardens, producing enormous mophead or lacecap blooms in shades of pink, purple, and blue — with the flower color famously shifting based on soil pH. In acidic soil (pH below 6.0) blooms turn blue; in alkaline soil (pH above 7.0) they turn pink. Growing 4–6 feet tall and wide in zones 5–9, Bigleaf Hydrangea blooms in midsummer and thrives in partial shade, making it ideal for woodland edges, foundation plantings, and shaded borders. The dried flower heads persist into winter, providing structural interest long after the growing season ends. Modern reblooming varieties bloom on both old and new wood for an extended season.
Plant Bigleaf Hydrangea in morning sun and afternoon shade — full sun scorches leaves and wilts flowers. Use rich, moisture-retentive soil amended with compost. Water deeply and consistently; Bigleaf Hydrangea wilts dramatically in drought but recovers quickly. To achieve blue flowers, add aluminum sulfate to lower soil pH to 5.0–5.5; for pink, add lime to raise pH to 7.0+. Fertilize in spring and again in early summer with a balanced fertilizer. Do NOT prune in fall or early spring — Bigleaf Hydrangea blooms on old wood; hard pruning removes next year's flower buds. Only prune immediately after flowering. In zones 5–6, protect canes from hard freezes with burlap wrapping or straw mulch. Modern rebloomers (Endless Summer series) bloom on new wood, allowing more flexible pruning.
These plants grow well alongside Hydrangea:
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