Bigleaf Hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla 'Enziandom' (H)
ABOUT
The Hydrangea macrophylla 'Enziandom', commonly known as the bigleaf hydrangea, is a strikingly beautiful ornamental plant. This plant is characterized by its lush, verdant leaves and large, rounded flower heads, which are known for their ability to change color based on the soil pH. The leaves are broad, with a slightly glossy texture and a rich green hue that provides a perfect backdrop for its blooms. The flowers of the bigleaf hydrangea 'Enziandom' are its most notable feature. They typically present in a deep, vibrant blue when grown in acidic soils, and can turn to pink or even purple shades in more alkaline environments. The blooms are formed by clusters of smaller flowerets that create a pom-pom-like appearance, bursting forth in a display that's both elegant and eye-catching. These blossoms are a favorite among gardeners and make the plant a popular choice for garden displays and as a cut flower in floral arrangements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Hydrangeaceae.
Synonyms
Bigleaf Hydrangea, French Hydrangea, Lacecap Hydrangea, Mophead Hydrangea, Penny Mac, Hortensia.
Common names
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Enziandom'
ToxicityTo humans
Hydrangeas, including the cultivar Hydrangea macrophylla 'Enziandom', contain cyanogenic glycosides, which release cyanide when chewed and digested. Poisoning symptoms from hydrangeas can include stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, depression of the central nervous system. While serious poisonings are rare, consuming any part of the plant can potentially lead to these adverse effects.
To pets
Hydrangeas are also toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats. Similar to humans, the toxins can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and in some instances can lead to more severe symptoms such as depression of the central nervous system. If a pet ingests hydrangeas, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)
Spread
3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: The Hydrangea macrophylla 'Enziandom', commonly known as Bigleaf Hydrangea, is highly valued for its large, vibrant blue flowers that add aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Seasonal interest: This plant blooms in summer, providing a visual focal point during a time when many other plants have finished their flowering period.
- Versatility in landscape design: Bigleaf Hydrangea can be used in a variety of landscape designs, including borders, foundation plantings, and as specimen plants.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers of Hydrangea macrophylla 'Enziandom' attract butterflies and other pollinators, which are beneficial for the ecosystem.
- Shade tolerance: Unlike many other flowering plants, Bigleaf Hydrangea can tolerate and thrive in partially shaded conditions, making it a useful plant for shaded areas in gardens.
- Soil pH indicator: The flower color can change from blue to pink depending on the soil pH, which can be a natural indicator for gardeners to gauge soil conditions.
- Ease of propagation: Bigleaf Hydrangea can be easily propagated through cuttings, allowing gardeners to produce more plants without needing to purchase new ones.
- Long-lasting cut flowers: The blooms of Hydrangea macrophylla 'Enziandom' make excellent cut flowers for indoor arrangements, and can last a long time in a vase.
- Structural interest in winter: Even when dormant in winter, the bare branches and dried flower heads provide structural interest in a barren garden landscape.
- Pruning flexibility: Pruning can be done to maintain size and shape, as well as to remove old flowers and promote new growth and better blooming.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Art and Crafts: The vibrant blue blossoms of the hydrangea can be used in dried floral arrangements and wreaths, adding a pop of color to home decor.
- Botanical Dyes: The pigments in the hydrangea petals can be used to create natural dyes for fabric, yarn, and paper.
- Edible Creations: Although not commonly consumed, hydrangea petals can be crystallized and used as an edible decoration on desserts.
- Symbolic Gestures: In certain cultures, giving hydrangeas can express gratitude or apology, carrying symbolic meaning rather than just decorative.
- Watercolor Paint: The juice of hydrangea flowers may be used as a natural watercolor paint for artistic endeavors.
- Garden Design: Hydrangeas can be used as natural fencing or borders due to their dense foliage and growth habit.
- Photography Props: The striking blooms of the hydrangea serve as an excellent prop for photographers, particularly in wedding and portrait photography.
- Scented Products: Though subtle, the fragrance of hydrangea flowers can be used to make lightly scented lotions, oils, or potpourris.
- Soil pH Indicator: The color of hydrangea flowers can indicate the pH level of the soil—blooming blue in acidic soil, adding a practical use in gardening.
- Teaching Tool: Educators can use hydrangeas to teach about soil science and the impact of pH on plant life.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Hydrangea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Hydrangea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Heartfelt Emotions and Understanding: The Hydrangea, often regarded for its large, round flower heads, is symbolic of emotion and can carry a message of love and genuine understanding towards others.
- Gratitude: Gifting hydrangeas can be a way of expressing thanks, making them a symbol for gratefulness and appreciation.
- Apology: Due to the varied colors and sometimes mixed blooms, hydrangeas can also represent an apology or a desire for reconciliation, a fitting symbol for making amends.
- Boastfulness or Vanity: In some cultures, the hydrangea can symbolize boastfulness, as the flowers are abundant and showy, potentially reflecting vanity.
- Abundance: The lush fullness of the hydrangea bloom might represent abundance and prosperity because of its lavish, rounded shape overflowing with petals.
WaterBigleaf hydrangeas, including the 'Enziandom' variety, should be watered deeply and thoroughly to encourage root growth. Aim to keep the soil moist but not soggy, watering approximately once a week with about 1 gallon of water. During hot spells or if you have sandy soil, you may need to water more frequently. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf spots and fungal diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant.
LightBigleaf hydrangeas like 'Enziandom' thrive in morning sun and afternoon shade. A spot that provides protection from the intense afternoon sun is ideal. These hydrangeas can also grow in full shade but may produce fewer blooms.
TemperatureBigleaf hydrangeas, including 'Enziandom', prefer moderate temperatures and can generally tolerate a range from about 30°F to 80°F. They grow best when daytime temperatures hover around 60-70°F. However, sustained temperatures below freezing can damage flower buds and stems, so winter protection in cooler climates is recommended.
PruningPruning 'Enziandom' hydrangeas is primarily done to shape the plant and remove dead or weak branches. Prune right after blooming, as they bloom on old wood. Aim to cut back the stems by about one-third each year, which encourages healthy growth and more vibrant blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Hydrangea macrophylla 'Enziandom', commonly known as bigleaf hydrangea, the best soil mix is rich, well-draining, and moist with a high organic matter content. The pH should be acidic to neutral, around 5.5 to 6.5, to maintain the vibrant blue flowers; alkaline soils can cause the blooms to turn pink.
RepottingBigleaf hydrangeas like Hydrangea macrophylla 'Enziandom' should be repotted every 2-3 years to ensure they have enough space to grow and to refresh the soil, which can become compacted and nutrient-depleted over time.
Humidity & MistingBigleaf hydrangea thrives in environments with high humidity, ideally between 60-70%. These conditions help maintain the lush foliage and support robust blooming.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade with morning sun and rich soil.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of a Hydrangea macrophylla 'Enziandom', commonly known as bigleaf hydrangea, begins with seed germination, which occurs in moist, well-draining soil with ample organic matter, often in the spring. Following germination, the seedling emerges and grows into a juvenile plant with characteristic large, lush green leaves and begins to develop a strong root system. As it matures, the hydrangea enters a vegetative stage, displaying vigorous growth and eventually producing large, rounded flower clusters that are typically blue to violet, depending on the soil pH. After flowering, which usually occurs in early summer to late fall, the plant sets seeds, which are then dispersed by wind, water, or animal activity, ready to germinate and start a new life cycle. Throughout the year, the hydrangea goes through a period of dormancy during the colder months when growth slows or ceases, and it may lose leaves depending on the climate; this period of rest prepares the plant for the next growing season. With proper care, a bigleaf hydrangea can live for many years, going through these growth stages annually and sometimes increasing in size and bloom capacity.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The best time to propagate the Hydrangea macrophylla 'Enziandom', commonly known as Bigleaf Hydrangea, is during the early summer or late spring when the plant is actively growing. The most popular method of propagation for Bigleaf Hydrangea is through softwood cuttings. To propagate by this method, a gardener should select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 5-6 inch (approximately 12.7-15.2 cm) length just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is planted in a pot filled with moist potting mix and covered with plastic to retain humidity. The pot should be placed in a warm area with indirect light, and within a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots and can be transplanted into the garden or a larger pot.
