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Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue'

Image of Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue'

Gerald L. Klingaman

Family

Hydrangeaceae

Botanical Name

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue'

Plant Common Name

Bigleaf Hydrangea, Largeleaf Hydrangea, Nikko Blue Bigleaf Hydrangea

General Description

Probably the best known blue mophead hydrangea, 'Nikko Blue' is a compact, deciduous flowering shrub with large green leaves and a rounded, bushy habit. In summer it produces big, rounded clusters of large, flattened flowers. These are violet-blue to violet-pink. Flower color varies depending on soil pH. Plants grown in moderately acidic soil produce bluer flowers, while those planted in neutral to slightly alkaline soil produce pinker flowers.

These hydrangeas prefer amply moist, well drained, humus-rich soil and will happily grow in full sun to partial shade. Plants bloom on the previous year’s wood, so pruning should occur after they flower.

This is an outstanding landscape shrub for partially shaded gardens and foundations. Its blooms make wonderful, long-lasting cut flowers.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 6

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 8

  • Sunset Zone

    3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m (5)

  • Width

    4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m (5)

  • Bloom Time

    Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer

  • Native To

    China, Japan, Korea

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Pink, Rose, Lavender, Blue Violet

  • Fruit Color

    Tan, Sandy Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Bark Color

    Red, Brown, Sandy Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Coarse

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Dried Flower / Everlasting, Container, Cutflower, Edging, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No