Give your bigleaf hydrangea part sun to sun. In cooler climates, it can handle more direct sun, while in warmer areas you will get better foliage and bloom quality with afternoon shade. Plant it in rich, well-drained soil that stays consistently moist; a 2-3 inch mulch layer helps keep roots cool and reduces watering swings.

Flower color is influenced by soil chemistry: blooms can range from soft sky blue with a greenish eye to pinks and purples. If you want bluer flowers, keep the soil on the acidic side and use aluminum sulfate as directed for your garden. Regardless of color, the rounded flower heads read as a gentle pastel mix through summer into fall.

Water deeply during dry spells, especially the first year and when grown in pots. Prune lightly only as needed, timing cuts right after the early-season flush so you do not remove developing buds. In colder regions, place plants in a protected spot and avoid harsh winter wind exposure to help preserve stems and buds for the earliest flowers.

• Cold hardiness zone: 4-9 (-30 degrees F) - Contact your local extension to confirm hardiness if you are in a fringe zone (we cannot guarantee hardiness in fringe zones)
• Light: Full sun   Part sun
• Growth rate: Fast
• Mature height: 24-36"
• Spread: 36-48"
• Long bloom time: Yes