How big does Bigleaf hydrangea grow?

About 1.5 m × 1.5 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 1–2.5 m × 1–2.5 m.

What soil does Bigleaf hydrangea grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil, clay, acidic.

Is Bigleaf hydrangea hardy?

Hardy down to -23 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H7). It gets through winter everywhere at lower altitudes, but may not survive unprotected in a mountain garden.

Is Bigleaf hydrangea toxic to children?

Yes, it is mildly toxic to children.

How far from the house should Bigleaf hydrangea be planted?

Plant it at least 2 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

When does Bigleaf hydrangea flower?

Flowering: June–September, white, pink, red, blue, purple.

How much water does Bigleaf hydrangea need?

Water need: high. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Bigleaf hydrangea cost?

It sells for roughly CZK 89 to CZK 1,200 in local shops, depending on size.

Bigleaf hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla

Bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) is a shrub that reaches 1.5 m × 1.5 m after ten years. Light: part shade, shade. Hardy down to -23 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Toxic to dogs and cats, mildly toxic to children. Sold in local shops from about CZK 89.

Illustration of Bigleaf hydrangea — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A rounded deciduous shrub with large mophead or lacecap flower clusters that carry the garden through summer. Plant it in sheltered part shade where it only gets morning sun, and water it generously and regularly in summer, because it copes badly with drought and scorching sun. Its leaves turn yellow on limy soil, so give it acidic, humus-rich soil and soft water if you can; flowers are blue only in acidic soil, otherwise pink. In spring cut off only the faded flower heads, down to the first strong pair of buds, and do not shorten the stems, because it flowers on last year's wood.

Watch out for

Most cultivars flower on the previous year's wood, so in Central Europe a hard winter or a late spring frost can kill the flower buds and leave the shrub with few or no flowers that year; young plants are worth mulching with leaves for winter. On limy soil and with hard irrigation water it develops iron chlorosis (yellowing leaves). In hot, dry summers the leaves and flowers scorch and spider mites appear; aphids, powdery mildew and leaf spot also occur.

Key facts

Light: Part shade, Shade
Water need: High
Care: High
Size after 10 years: 1.5 m × 1.5 m
Hardiness: down to -23 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D June–September, white, pink, red, blue, purple

All details

Group	Shrub
Light	Part shade, Shade
Size after 10 years	1.5 m × 1.5 m
Ultimate size	1–2.5 m × 1–2.5 m
Hardiness	down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil, Clay, Acidic
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	June–September, white, pink, red, blue, purple
Water need	High
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	High
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 2 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	100 cm
For dogs	Toxic
For cats	Toxic
For children	Mildly toxic
Typical price	from about CZK 89

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. CZK 89 – CZK 1,200

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 17, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Plants for shade Shrubs for part shade Plants for containers Flowering shrubs Low shrubs

Guide on the topic

Planting and pruning hydrangeas: which to cut back when For pruning, hydrangeas fall into two groups. Panicle and smooth hydrangeas (such as 'Annabelle') flower on this year's shoots: cut them back to 25-60 cm in February or March. Bigleaf and mountain hydrangeas flower from buds that grew last year: in spring take off only the faded flowers, or they will not flower that year. Plant in autumn or spring, with plenty of water; for limy soil choose panicle or smooth hydrangea, as bigleaf hydrangea wants acid or neutral soil and afternoon shade.

Compare with similar plants

Bigleaf hydrangea vs Panicle hydrangea Bigleaf hydrangea vs Smooth hydrangea Bigleaf hydrangea vs Smooth hydrangea 'Annabelle'

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