Bigleaf Hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla 'Hamburg' (H)
ABOUT
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Hamburg', often referred to simply as the Hamburg hydrangea, is a flowering plant distinguished by its round clumps of large, showy flowers that bloom in a range of colors from pink to blue depending on the soil pH. These eye-catching flowers can appear in summer to early fall, with each individual bloom presenting a multitude of smaller, tightly-packed florets that create a lush, pom-pom effect. The color transition can display hues of purple and mauve, creating a striking visual display. The foliage of the Hamburg hydrangea consists of glossy, dark green leaves that provide a rich backdrop for the colorful flowers. The leaves are broadly ovate with a somewhat toothed margin, and they can grow to be quite substantial, adding to the overall lushness of the plant. With its robust blooms and attractive foliage, the Hamburg hydrangea is often used as a feature plant in gardens or as part of a hedge or border where it can provide both privacy and ornamental value. Its versatile flowers are also popular for cut flower arrangements, bringing the beauty of the garden indoors.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Hydrangeaceae
Synonyms
Bigleaf Hydrangea, French Hydrangea, Lacecap Hydrangea, Mophead Hydrangea, Hortensia
Common names
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Hamburg'.
ToxicityTo humans
Hydrangea, including the Hydrangea macrophylla 'Hamburg', contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when ingested. While poisoning is rare, consumption of large quantities of hydrangea leaves, buds, or flowers can lead to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, sweating, diarrhea, lethargy, and more severe cases may result in confusion, dizziness, or even convulsions. Professional medical attention should be sought if ingestion occurs.
To pets
Hydrangea, commonly known just by its genus name, poses a risk to pets due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides, particularly in the leaves and flower buds. If pets ingest hydrangea, they may exhibit signs of toxicity such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and in severe cases, depression. More pronounced symptoms can include difficulty breathing and increased heart rate. Pet owners should contact a veterinarian immediately if their pet has ingested hydrangea.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Adds aesthetic value to gardens with its large, vividly colored flowers and lush foliage.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Suitable for borders, as a foundation plant, or in container gardens, fitting various garden designs and preferences.
- Seasonal Interest: It blooms from early summer to fall, providing months of visual interest.
- Range of Colors: Flower color can change based on soil pH, offering a variety of hues from pink to blue to purple.
- Attracts Pollinators: Draws in bees and butterflies which are beneficial for the pollination of plants and the health of the local ecosystem.
- Durability: Once established, it is relatively hardy and can tolerate periods of drought.
- Easy to Propagate: Can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to create more plants for free.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Alkaline Soil Indicator: Hydrangeas, including the Hamburg variety, can be used to determine soil pH. The color change in their blooms, from pink in alkaline soil to blue in acidic soil, acts as a natural indicator.
- Dye for Fabrics: The richly pigmented flowers of the hydrangea can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, providing a range of beautiful blue, purple, and pink hues.
- Pressed Flower Art: The flowers of hydrangeas are ideal for pressing and using in decorative artwork due to their broad, flat petals and vibrant colors.
- Garden Border Plant: Hydrangeas are often used as border plants in gardens. Their dense foliage and large bloom clusters provide a lush, decorative edge to garden paths and property lines.
- Landscape Design Element: Due to their large, showy flowers and attractive leaves, hydrangeas are frequently utilized as focal points or anchor plants in landscape designs.
- Theme Gardens: Hydrangeas, including the Hamburg variety, are perfect for creating a themed garden, such as a monochromatic garden featuring flowers of a singular color scheme.
- Edible Blooms for Garnish: While not commonly known for edibility, the petals of some hydrangea varieties can be used as a colorful garnish for culinary presentations, though caution is advised as some parts of the plant can be toxic if ingested in large quantities.
- Seasonal Photography Backdrop: The lush blooms and foliage of hydrangeas provide a naturally stunning backdrop for outdoor photography, particularly useful for seasonal portraits and wedding photos.
- Crafting Materials: The wood of hydrangea shrubs can be utilized for small crafting projects, including the creation of durable walking sticks or rustic plant stakes.
- Water Conservation Method: Hydrangeas can be integrated into a rain garden design, helping to conserve water by capturing runoff and allowing it to seep into the ground.
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: The lush, full heads of the Hydrangea symbolize the abundance of feelings that can be expressed to a loved one.
- Gratitude: The Hydrangea is often given as a gift to express thanks or deep appreciation for understanding.
- Apology or Sincerity: With its multitude of petals, the Hydrangea can also indicate a sincere, heartfelt apology or the desire to make amends.
- Boastfulness or Vanity: Due to the showy nature of its blooms, in some cultures, the Hydrangea can represent boastfulness or an over-inflated ego.
- Perseverance: As the Hydrangea can withstand a variety of climates and conditions, it is often seen as a symbol of persistence and endurance.
- Abundance: The large and bountiful blooms of the Hydrangea reflect abundance and prosperity.
WaterThe Hydrangea, commonly known as Mophead Hydrangea, should be watered deeply once a week, providing about one gallon of water to each plant. During hot or dry weather, you may need to water twice a week. To establish a deep root system and healthy growth, it's best to water the plant early in the morning at the base, avoiding wetting the leaves, which can lead to fungal diseases. The goal is to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is dormant.
LightMophead Hydrangeas prefer dappled sunlight or morning sun with afternoon shade, particularly in hotter climates. They thrive best with protection from the harsh afternoon sun, making an eastern-facing location ideal. However, too much shade can reduce flowering, so ensure it receives at least a few hours of direct sunlight.
TemperatureMophead Hydrangeas prefer a temperature range between 65°F and 75°F but can tolerate a wider range, from 50°F to 80°F. Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 50°F or above 80°F for extended periods as it can stress the plant and even cause damage. The ideal temperature promotes vibrant blooms and healthy foliage growth.
PruningPruning Mophead Hydrangeas is essential to remove dead wood and encourage new growth and blooms. They should be pruned after flowering, typically in late summer or early fall, being careful not to cut off next year's buds. Older shrubs may benefit from the removal of a few of the oldest stems to rejuvenate the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilFor Hydrangea macrophylla 'Hamburg', commonly known as Bigleaf Hydrangea, the best soil mix is rich, porous, and well-draining with an acidic to mildly alkaline pH of 5.5 to 6.5. A mixture of peat moss, compost, and perlite or vermiculite will support healthy growth. Adjusting the pH can influence flower color, with more acidic soils leading to blue flowers and alkaline soils to pink.
RepottingBigleaf Hydrangeas, like Hydrangea macrophylla 'Hamburg', generally require repotting every 2-3 years, or when they have outgrown their current pots. Spring or early summer is the ideal time to repot these plants to allow them to settle into their new containers during the growing season.
Humidity & MistingBigleaf Hydrangea prefers moderate to high humidity levels. Aim for a humidity level around 50-60%. Avoid placing the plant in extremely dry environments as it can lead to stress and leaf desiccation.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in morning sun, afternoon shade, moist soil.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Hydrangea macrophylla 'Hamburg' is Bigleaf Hydrangea. Its life cycle begins with germination from seeds or propagation from cuttings, which then develop into young plants. These young plants grow rapidly, producing lush foliage and preparing for the blooming stage. Once mature, the Bigleaf Hydrangea enters the flowering stage during spring and summer, featuring large, showy flower heads that can be blue, pink, or purple depending on soil acidity. After blooming, the plant enters a period of dormancy in the autumn and winter, shedding leaves and conserving energy. The cycle restarts in spring with new growth, leading to the maturity of the plant where it can live for many years with proper care, continuously going through annual growth and dormancy phases.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
The most popular method of propagation for Hydrangea macrophylla 'Hamburg', commonly known as Hydrangea, is through stem cuttings. This technique is usually undertaken during later spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate Hydrangeas by cuttings, one should select a healthy, non-flowering shoot and cut a 5 to 6-inch piece (12.7 to 15.24 cm) just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are then stripped off, and the cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The prepared cutting is then placed in well-draining soil, ensuring a few leaf nodes are covered to increase the chances of root development. The pot with the cutting is kept in a warm area with indirect light and the soil is kept moist but not waterlogged. With proper care, roots will develop within a few weeks, and eventually, the cutting can be transplanted into the garden or a larger pot.
