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Hydrangea macrophylla 'Sister Theresa'

Image of Hydrangea macrophylla 'Sister Theresa'

Hahira Nursery

Family

Hydrangeaceae

Botanical Name

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Sister Theresa'

Plant Common Name

Bigleaf Hydrangea, Largeleaf Hydrangea, Sister Theresa Hydrangea

General Description

Native to Japan, bigleaf hydrangea is a medium-sized deciduous shrub with large green leaves, a rounded busy habit, and showy flat-topped (lacecap type) or rounded (hortensia or mophead type) flower heads in summer. Introduced in the 1940s but still widely available, the cultivar 'Sister Theresa' bears mophead-type clusters of linen-white, ruffled flowers, which age to pinkish and greenish tones.

These hydrangeas prefer amply moist, well drained, humus-rich soil and will happily grow in full sun to partial shade. 'Sister Theresa' blooms on old wood only and will not flower if killed to the ground in winter. This is an outstanding landscape shrub for border edges, containers, partially shaded gardens and foundations. Its blooms make wonderful, long-lasting cut flowers.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 6

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 9

  • 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

  • Width

    4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m

  • Bloom Time

    Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall

  • Native To

    China, Japan, Korea

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Pollution, Salt

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water, Ample Water

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Green, Pink, 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, Tan, 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, Dried Flower/Everlasting, Edging, Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No