Species bigleaf hydrangea
Bigleaf Hydrangea macrophylla 'Mariesii' with mophead blooms in  shades of white, blue, or lavender and variegated green-white leaves

bigleaf hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Mariesii'

Bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Mariesii') is a species of flowering shrub. It has a compact, rounded shape and can reach around 3-4 feet tall. The foliage is composed of glossy green to dark green leaves that turn a deep red-burgundy in the fall. In the summer, it is covered in breathtaking mophead flowers in shades of pink and blue, depending on the pH of the soil. Pruning helps maintain its bush-like habit and can also promote better flowering. Thriving in full to partial sun and well-drained soil, the bigleaf hydrangea is sure to bring a pop of color to any garden.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Greenwood Cuttings,Hardwood Cuttings,Stem Propagation,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

6 - 9

Flowers:

Pink to blue Flowers In Summer

Sun:

Deep shade, Filtered shade, Part sun/part shade

Soil:

Acidic, Alkaline, Well-drained

Fruits:

blue,pink Fruits Ready In

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Bigleaf hydrangeas prefer moist, well-drained soil and should be watered approximately once or twice per week. During hot periods, water more frequently to keep the soil slightly damp and prevent wilting. Avoid over-watering as this can lead to root and stem rot. Adjust watering based on the season, the plant's soil type, and the climate where the plant is located. Additionally, in the early spring before the leaves emerge, apply a dilute balanced fertilizer.

sunlight

Bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Mariesii') grow best in bright shade or partial sun. For this species, 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal. When possible, provide morning sun and afternoon shade to prevent wilting or leaf burn. If a bigleaf hydrangea is exposed to too much direct sunlight or when temperatures reach 90°F or above, its leaves could scorch and the plant may suffer from drought stress.

pruning

Bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Mariesii') plants should be pruned in late winter (January to early March) or early summer (late June). The right time to prune depends on when the plant flowers. If your Bigleaf Hydrangea blooms in the summer, then you should prune it after it has finished flowering. If the blooms arrive in the late summer, then prune in late winter when the plant is just starting to break dormancy. Pruning can be done selectively or drastically, depending on how much you want to cut back the plant. Older, overgrown plants benefit from drastic pruning, where some of the older branches are removed close to the main stem. This helps to rejuvenate the plant with new growth and flowers. Selective pruning involves smaller, more precise cuts to remove dead or diseased stems or thin out the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Hydrangea macrophylla 'Mariesii' is usually in late summer or early fall, typically between August and October.

Starts Flowering

Bigleaf hydrangeas typically start flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Bigleaf hydrangeas typically start flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Hydrangea macrophylla 'Mariesii' is usually in late summer or early fall, typically between August and October.

Hardiness Map