PlantFiles: Bigleaf Hydrangea, French Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla

Such a beautiful flower. Actually native to Japan and Korea despite its common name "French hydrangea". It used to be planted in castle courtyards in feudal Japan.

Growing it here can be a risk. I am in a hot, humid climate and I have to have it growing on the eastern side of my house in partial shade that way it can be protected from the hot afternoon sun. It will wilt during the day if not protected...which doesn't kill the plant but doesn't make it attractive either.

Blooms June, July and August on previour year's growth. In many winters can die to the ground but will come back with lush new growth but there will be now blossoms, the following summer. The ones sold as potted plants are a delicate variety, will not produce flowers if planted outdoors. each bloom is around 7-8" in diameter, and has large ovate leaves.

I live in the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia and I grow a variety of hydrangea. I have had especially good success with 'Annabelle' which blooms profusely in mostly shade and with a great deal of competition from maple and poplar roots.

Since I live in a tropical climate (hot and humid), I've learned that it's best to keep hydrangeas well clear of noon and afternoon sun. Partial shade won't help in the baking hot sun, since the leaves and flowerheads would droop and dry up unless you keep a sprinkler trained on it. Plant it by an east-facing wall for best results. Watch out for spider mites since they tend to discolor the leaves and stunt leaf growth.

Additional comment: I've noticed that my hydrangeas bloom faster when i remove the older foliage (bottom leaves). Looks better too as the stems don't get weighted down too much. Keeps a check on stubborn mites also.

the hydrangea is very well known in the state of washington. in the northwester part of the state hydrangea's a plentiful.
people have them growing all over in western washington.

Very beautiful hydrangea. This particular plant is darker blue to lavender in color on the larger out flowers, with tiny blue cluster of flowers with five petals in the center. The large dark green leaves alone make the plant wonderful to have.

Will bloom indoors in any light, but prefers medium light. Outside prefers morning sun and afternoon shade.

Hydrangeas are beautiful if one can accept their faults. I have heared time and time again, the things that turn them different colors upon blooming, none of them work for me but I am more than happy with the surprise Bouquet I recieve every spring. A special note, if you havent cut them back by October, leave them alone or trim minimally (second nub) or you may not get blooms in spring.

Deciduous shrub with large serrated leaves. Large ball-shaped flowers are pH-sensitive, with dark purple or blue flowers in acidic soil, white or dull green in neutral earth, and pink in alkaline soil. Flowering is best in areas with mild winters, since the plant blooms on previous year’s growth.