Hydrangea, Bigleaf
Hydrangea macrophylla
Hardy in zones 5-8
Locate where the plant will get the morning sun, but afternoon shade is preferred where summers are hot. Plant at least 4 feet apart. They are hardy to zone 5, but should be planted in a sheltered location. Keep soil moist and use mulch. Big leaf hydrangeas prefer an acidic soil - especially if you want blue blooms. pH 4.5 to 5.5 is best for blue blooms, pH 6 to 6.5 is ideal for pink /red blooms. In the absence of a soil test, broadcast ½ cup of wettable sulphur per 10 sq. feet and water it in. You can also fertilize with an acid fertilizer such as Miracid. For pink blooms, broadcast a cup of lime per 10 square feet and water in it. You should do this once or twice a season. It may take a season or two for colour to change. Be careful to not make the soil too alkaline (pH 7 or higher) as that is not healthy for hydrangea. On a mature plant blooms last 4-6 weeks or longer. They are beautiful when dried. Do NOT cut the brown stems off in the winter. Blooms are mostly produced on year old wood. When a bush is 3-4 years old, remove one third of the oldest or weakest stems right to the ground, immediately after the blooms appear.
