Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue' (Bigleaf Hydrangea)

• Attracts: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are attracted to the nectar-rich blooms.
• Wildlife Resistant: Moderately deer-resistant, though occasional browsing may occur.

• Foliage Season: Spring to fall.
• Flowering Season: Early summer through fall (June to September).
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9

• Borders and hedges
• Foundation plantings
• Woodland gardens
• Containers
• Pollinator gardens

• Color: Dark green, oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges.
• Form: Large, smooth-textured leaves that form a dense, bushy mound, providing an attractive backdrop to the blooms.
• Fall Interest: The foliage remains vibrant until frost, turning yellow in the fall before shedding for winter dormancy.

• Color: Large, rounded clusters of blue flowers, with the ability to turn pink in alkaline soil.
• Form: Mophead flowers, 6-8 inches wide, creating a lush, showy display.
• Bloom Time: Blooms from early summer through fall, providing months of vibrant color.
• Fragrance: Not fragrant.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring or fall when temperatures are cooler.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, organically rich soil. Soil pH affects flower color (acidic soil for blue flowers, alkaline soil for pink flowers).
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as it was in its nursery container, ensuring the crown is at soil level.
• Spacing: Space plants 4-6 feet apart to accommodate mature growth and allow good airflow.

• Timing: Prune after flowering to shape the plant and remove dead or damaged stems. Avoid pruning in late fall or early spring, as Nikko Blue blooms on old wood.
• Method: Light pruning is best. Remove spent blooms to encourage additional flowering and keep the shrub tidy.

• Watering Frequency: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, water deeply as needed, especially during dry periods.
• Soil Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Hydrangeas benefit from mulching to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

• Prefers partial shade. In cooler climates, it can tolerate more sun, but in warmer climates, afternoon shade is ideal to prevent leaf scorch.

For Fresh Flower Arrangements

• Best Time to Harvest:
  
• When flowers are fully open but still firm, usually mid to late summer (June to August).
  
• The color is most intense when flowers are mature but not fading.

🌾 For Drying Blooms

• Best Time to Cut:
  
• When the blooms begin to age and feel papery—usually late summer to early fall.
  
• Colors may shift to greenish-blue or antique purple, which are ideal for dried arrangements.
  
• Drying Method:
  
• Remove all leaves.
  
• Hang upside down in small bunches in a dark, dry, well-ventilated area, or
  
• Place upright in a vase without water and let them air dry over 1–2 weeks.
  
  

• Fertilization Time: Apply fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer if needed.
• Fertilizer Type: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. To influence flower color, use aluminum sulfate for blue flowers or lime for pink flowers, depending on your soil's pH.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep mulch away from the crown to prevent rot.
• Drought Tolerance: Nikko Blue prefers consistently moist soil but can tolerate short dry spells once established. Regular watering is essential during prolonged dry periods.
• Pests and Diseases: Generally pest-free, but watch for aphids or powdery mildew in overly wet or humid conditions. Good air circulation and proper watering can prevent these issues.

• Pollination Type: Pollinated by bees and butterflies, though Nikko Blue is primarily grown for its ornamental flowers rather than seed production.

• Astilbe
• Ferns
• Hostas
• Heuchera (Coral Bells)