Hydrangea macrophylla

 

  Bigleaf Hydrangea

  Family: Saxifragaceae

  Origin: Native to China

Hardiness: Hardy to 10 degrees; USDA Zones 8, 9 and 10
Growth: Medium rate of growth to 4-8 feet
Form: Round mound
Leaves: Deciduous; toothed leaves to 8 inches
Flowers: Large clusters; white, pink or blue; summer and fall

Exposure: Best in shade except at coast
Water: Heavy water user
Soil: Well drained organic soil; amend soil when planting
Fertilizer: NPK in spring; aluminum sulphate for blue flowers
Prune: Cut back to a few buds each winter
Problems: Snails love them

Add lime along with your fertilizer to make the flowers more pink. Many varieties are sold. Why not buy them in bloom?

© 1997 by Jim Clatfelter.         Go to Garden California Home Page.

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