The Queen of the Summer Garden

Hydrangea macrophylla: The Queen of the Summer Garden

Few flowering shrubs command attention like Hydrangea macrophylla, commonly known as bigleaf hydrangea. With its lush foliage and show-stopping blooms, it’s no wonder this plant has become a beloved staple in gardens across temperate climates. Whether grown as a border shrub, container plant, or the centerpiece of a cottage garden, Hydrangea macrophylla delivers charm and color from late spring through fall.

A Botanical Beauty
Native to coastal Japan, Hydrangea macrophylla is part of the large Hydrangea genus, which includes over 70 species. It is particularly admired for its broad, ovate leaves and large, rounded flower heads, which can measure up to 8 inches across. These blooms come in two primary forms:

Mophead: These are the most iconic hydrangea blooms, with dense clusters of sterile flowers forming a dome or globe.
Lacecap: More delicate and naturalistic, lacecaps have a center of fertile flowers surrounded by a ring of showy sterile ones.

Color-Changing Magic
One of the most fascinating traits of Hydrangea macrophylla is its ability to change bloom color based on soil pH. This isn’t just a myth—it's a scientifically backed reaction to the availability of aluminum in the soil.
Acidic soils often produce blue flowers.
Neutral to alkaline soils tend to result in pink or even red blooms.
Purple or variegated hues may appear in transitional or slightly imbalanced soil conditions.
Gardeners often manipulate soil pH using amendments like aluminum sulfate or garden lime. This natural pH sensitivity adds a fun and interactive element to growing bigleaf hydrangeas.