Bigleaf hydrangea and Smooth 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 arborescens 1.3 m × 1.5 m after 10 years
A rounded deciduous hydrangea that carries big globe-shaped flower heads from early summer on the current year's shoots, so it blooms reliably even…
Smooth hydrangea is hardier: down to -34 °C, against -23 °C for Bigleaf hydrangea.
Smooth hydrangea needs less water than Bigleaf hydrangea.
Smooth hydrangea needs less care than Bigleaf hydrangea.
Bigleaf hydrangea also grows in shade, Smooth hydrangea does not.
Bigleaf hydrangea is cheaper: about €7.90 at the size usually planted, against about €19 for Smooth hydrangea.
|
Feature
|
Bigleaf hydrangea
|
Smooth hydrangea
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shrub | Shrub |
| Size after 10 years | 1.5 m × 1.5 m | 1.3 m × 1.5 m |
| Ultimate size | 1–2.5 m × 1–2.5 m | 0.9–1.8 m × 0.9–1.8 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | Fast |
| Light | Part shade, Shade | Part shade, Full sun |
| 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 | June–September, white, pink, green |
| Water need | High | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Low | Low |
| Maintenance | High | Low |
| Planting distance | 100 cm | 100 cm |
| For dogs | Toxic | Toxic |
| For cats | Toxic | Toxic |
| For children | Mildly toxic | Mildly toxic |
| Typical price | approx. €7.90 | approx. €19 |
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 12, 2026
Besides the cookies the site needs to work, we would like to use analytics and advertising cookies (Google, Facebook), if you allow it. Details