Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue'

Nikko Blue Bigleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Nikko Blue’ is a deciduous shrub widely grown for its large, rounded mophead flower clusters and dependable summer bloom display. This bigleaf hydrangea blooms on old wood, producing vivid blue flowers in acidic soils and pink to lavender tones in more alkaline soils. The bold dark green foliage and full flower heads make it one of the most recognized and widely planted hydrangea cultivars.

Type: Deciduous shrub
Mature Size: Width: 4–6 ft · Height: 4–6 ft
USDA Zones: 6a–9b

Form: Rounded, upright

Light: Part shade to morning sun

Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained soil

Water: Medium; prefers consistently moist soil

Wildlife: Attracts bees and other pollinating insects

Features & Landscape Uses:
A classic hydrangea for foundation plantings, borders, woodland gardens, and mass plantings. The large flower heads are excellent for fresh or dried arrangements, and bloom color can be adjusted through soil pH management.

Care:
Plant in part shade with fertile, organic-rich soil that remains evenly moist. Prune immediately after flowering only if needed, since buds form on old wood. In colder climates, protect flower buds from late winter damage for best blooming.

Plant type

Flowering Deciduous Shrub

Height

4-6'

Width

4-6'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Filtered Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Summer, Summer

Flower color

Blue, Pink

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Attracts

Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Border, Container, Foundation Plant, Mass Planting

Shape

Rounded, Upright

Bark

Smooth

Drought tolerant

No