What soil does Rough-leaved hydrangea grow in?

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

Is Rough-leaved hydrangea hardy?

Hardy down to -18 °C (USDA zone 6, RHS H6). In the colder parts of the country (Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, Heves, Nógrád, Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg) it may not survive winter without protection.

How far from the house should Rough-leaved hydrangea be planted?

Plant it at least 1.5 m from buildings. Keep it at least 0.5 m from paving.

When does Rough-leaved hydrangea flower?

Flowering: July–September, purple, pink, white.

How much water does Rough-leaved hydrangea need?

Water need: medium. Drought tolerance: low.

How much does Rough-leaved hydrangea cost?

It sells for roughly HUF 5,900 to HUF 9,800 in local shops, depending on size.

Rough-leaved hydrangea

Hydrangea aspera

Rough-leaved hydrangea (Hydrangea aspera) is a shrub. Light: part shade. Hardy down to -18 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about HUF 5,900.

Illustration of Rough-leaved 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 large, open shrub with huge velvety leaves and flat lacecap flower heads in late summer: lilac in the centre, ringed by pale pink or white sterile florets. It belongs in a wind-sheltered spot in part shade where the soil does not dry out in summer, under trees or in the lee of a wall or bigger shrubs. It is mostly sold as 'Macrophylla', the chocolate-leaved 'Hot Chocolate', subsp. sargentiana and the Villosa Group; these differ in size and hardiness, with the Villosa types the toughest. It flowers on last year's wood and recovers slowly, so only cut out frosted or dead wood in spring.

Watch out for

Hardiness is borderline in Central Europe: it is reliable to roughly -15 to -18 °C, and in a harder winter the stems can die back to the snow line or to the ground; as it flowers on last year's wood, that year's flowers are lost too. Late spring frost ruins the new shoots and cold, drying wind kills stems, so plant it only in a sheltered part of the garden and mulch the base of young plants with leaves for winter. In hot afternoon sun and summer heat the big leaves scorch and wilt, and it needs regular watering in dry spells, yet it will not stand waterlogging. Growth is weaker on limy soil. Leaf spot, powdery mildew, aphids and hydrangea scale can occur.

Key facts

Light: Part shade
Water need: Medium
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 2 m × 2 m
Hardiness: down to -18 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D July–September, purple, pink, white

Group	Shrub
Light	Part shade
Size after 10 years	2 m × 2 m
Ultimate size	2–4 m × 2–4 m
Hardiness	down to -18 °C (USDA 6, RHS H6)
Soil	Average garden soil, Acidic, Clay
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	July–September, purple, pink, white
Water need	Medium
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	at least 1.5 m
Distance from paving	at least 0.5 m
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	200 cm
For dogs	Toxic (uncertain)
For cats	Toxic (uncertain)
For children	Mildly toxic (uncertain)
Typical price	from about HUF 5,900

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. HUF 5,900 – HUF 9,800

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

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