Bigleaf hydrangea and Panicle hydrangea are often considered for the same spot in the garden (flowers, specimen, container). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Hydrangea macrophylla 1.5 m × 1.5 m after 10 years
A rounded deciduous shrub with large mophead or lacecap flower clusters that carry the garden through summer. Plant it in sheltered part shade where…
Hydrangea paniculata 2 m × 1.6 m after 10 years
The most sun-tolerant and least fussy hydrangea: from midsummer into autumn it carries cone-shaped white or greenish-white panicles that age to pink…
Panicle hydrangea is hardier: down to -34 °C, against -23 °C for Bigleaf hydrangea.
Panicle hydrangea needs less water than Bigleaf hydrangea.
Panicle hydrangea needs less care than Bigleaf hydrangea.
Bigleaf hydrangea also grows in shade, Panicle hydrangea does not.
Bigleaf hydrangea is cheaper: about €7.90 at the size usually planted, against about €12 for Panicle hydrangea.
|
Feature
|
Bigleaf hydrangea
|
Panicle hydrangea
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shrub | Shrub |
| Size after 10 years | 1.5 m × 1.5 m | 2 m × 1.6 m |
| Ultimate size | 1–2.5 m × 1–2.5 m | 0.8–4.5 m × 0.8–3.6 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | Fast |
| Light | Part shade, Shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Acidic | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Acidic, Calcareous |
| Hardiness | down to -23 °C (USDA 6, RHS H7) | down to -34 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | June–September, white, pink, red, blue, purple | July–October, white, green, pink, red |
| Water need | High | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Low | Low |
| Maintenance | High | Medium |
| Planting distance | 100 cm | 120 cm |
| For dogs | Toxic | Toxic |
| For cats | Toxic | Toxic |
| For children | Mildly toxic | Mildly toxic |
| Typical price | approx. €7.90 | approx. €12 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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