Bigleaf Hydrangea

Choosing Your Bigleaf Hydrangea

Hi there, gardening enthusiast! Bigleaf hydrangeas are a great choice for adding color and lushness to your garden. You can start with either a young plant from a nursery or propagate one through cuttings if you're feeling adventurous. Look for healthy plants with vibrant leaves and no signs of wilting.

Tip: If you’re buying a plant, check the tag for the specific variety—some hydrangeas bloom pink, while others bloom blue, depending on soil acidity.

Timing

Bigleaf hydrangeas are best planted in early spring or fall when temperatures are mild. This gives them time to settle before extreme weather hits. Avoid planting during the peak summer heat, as this can stress the plant.

Tools and Materials

Garden spade or trowel

Well-draining soil (hydrangeas don’t like soggy feet!)

Organic compost or mulch

Watering can or hose

Acidic fertilizer (optional, if you want to influence flower color)

• Young hydrangea plant or cutting
• Pruning shears (for future care)

Tip: If your soil doesn’t drain well, mix in some sand or perlite to help it along.

Planting Your Bigleaf Hydrangea

1. Pick the Perfect Spot: These beauties love morning sun but need protection from harsh afternoon rays. A spot that gets about 4-6 hours of morning sunlight is ideal.
2. Digging the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but just as deep. This gives the roots plenty of room to spread out without being buried too deeply.
3. Prepare the Soil: Mix some organic compost into the soil you’ve dug out. This will give the plant a nutrient boost right from the start.
4. Planting: Place the hydrangea in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the ground. Backfill the hole with the soil-compost mix and gently press down around the base.
5. Water Thoroughly: After planting, water the area well to eliminate air pockets and help the roots settle. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Tip: If you want blue flowers, consider amending the soil with aluminum sulfate or acidic fertilizer. For pink blooms, keep the soil more alkaline by adding lime.

Sunlight and Shade

Bigleaf hydrangeas thrive with a mix of sunlight and shade. Morning sun is perfect, but they should be protected from the scorching afternoon rays. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to wilt and the flowers to fade quickly.

Watering Routine

• Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall.
• Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil—if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.
• Always water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can lead to fungal diseases.

Tip: Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and keeps the roots cool. Spread a 2-3 inch layer of mulch, but keep it a few inches away from the stem to prevent rot.

Fertilizing Tips

• Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
• If you’re trying to change the flower color, apply an acidic fertilizer (for blue flowers) or lime (for pink flowers) according to package instructions.
• Don’t over-fertilize; once or twice a year is usually enough.

Pruning

Prune your hydrangea after it finishes blooming, usually in late summer or early fall. Remove any dead or weak stems and shape the plant as desired. Be careful not to prune too much, as this can reduce next year’s blooms.

Tip: Some hydrangeas bloom on old wood (last year’s growth), so pruning at the wrong time could mean fewer flowers next season.

When to Cut Flowers

Bigleaf hydrangeas are primarily grown for their stunning flowers rather than edible harvests. The best time to cut flowers for bouquets is when the blooms are fully open but still fresh. Early morning is ideal because the flowers are well-hydrated.

How to Cut

• Use clean, sharp pruning shears to make a clean cut.
• Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle to allow better water absorption.
• Remove any leaves that would be submerged in the vase water to prevent rot.

Flower Preservation

If you’d like to dry your hydrangea blooms for decoration:

• Cut the flowers when they’re starting to mature but still colorful.
• Hang them upside down in a cool, dry place with good air circulation.
• Alternatively, place the stems in a vase with just a little water, allowing the water to evaporate naturally.

Tip: Dried hydrangea flowers can last for months and add a lovely touch to indoor decor.

1. Wilting Leaves

Cause: Could be due to too much sun, underwatering, or poor drainage.

Solution: Move the plant to a shadier spot, increase watering, or improve soil drainage with sand or perlite.

2. No Blooms

Cause: Over-pruning, lack of sunlight, or improper fertilization can prevent flowering.

Solution: Ensure the plant gets enough morning sun, avoid heavy pruning, and use a balanced fertilizer sparingly.

3. Browning Leaf Edges

Cause: Usually a sign of underwatering or too much fertilizer.

Solution: Adjust your watering schedule and reduce fertilizer application. Make sure the soil stays consistently moist.

4. Yellowing Leaves

Cause: Often indicates overwatering or poor drainage.

Solution: Check the soil moisture regularly and ensure your plant isn’t sitting in waterlogged soil. Improve drainage if necessary.

5. Changing Flower Colors

Cause: Soil pH affects flower color—acidic soil produces blue flowers, while alkaline soil leads to pink blooms.

Solution: To change the color, amend the soil with aluminum sulfate for blue flowers or lime for pink flowers.