Bigleaf Hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla 'Koria' (PBR) (L)
ABOUT
The Hydrangea macrophylla 'Koria' is a deciduous shrub known for its striking and voluminous flower heads. The flowers bloom in large, rounded clusters that can range in color from pastel pinks to deep blues, depending on the soil pH. In acidic soils, the blooms tend to be blue, while in alkaline soils, they are more likely to be pink. Each flower head is a combination of tiny bud-like flowers surrounded by larger, showy bracts that give the impression of a single large flower. The leaves of this hydrangea are ovate with serrated edges, exuding a lush green color that sets a beautiful backdrop for the colorful blooms. The foliage can also turn to a warm, yellowish hue in the fall, providing seasonal interest even as the flowering season comes to an end. The stems are sturdy, supporting the weight of the flower clusters, and the overall form of the shrub is bushy, creating an ample and full appearance. The texture of both the leaves and flowers adds to the plant's visual interest, making it a popular choice for ornamental gardening. The Hydrangea macrophylla 'Koria' is often celebrated for its capacity to bring a burst of color and life to garden landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Hydrangeaceae
Synonyms
Mophead Hydrangea, French Hydrangea, Bigleaf Hydrangea, Hortensia
Common names
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Koria' (PBR) (L)
ToxicityTo humans
The common hydrangea, while beautiful in appearance, can pose a risk if ingested. The plant contains compounds called cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide into the body when chewed or digested. Consumption of hydrangea leaves, buds, flowers, or stems can potentially lead to symptoms of poisoning. These may include dizziness, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and in severe cases, convulsions and coma. It is important to handle hydrangeas with care and ensure that they are not consumed by individuals, particularly children who may be drawn to the attractive flowers.
To pets
Similar to its effects on humans, the common hydrangea is toxic to pets if ingested. It contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can be harmful to animals. Symptoms of hydrangea poisoning in pets may include lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to increased heart rate, hyperthermia, or even cyanide poisoning. It is advisable to prevent pets from accessing parts of the plant, and if ingestion occurs, to seek immediate veterinary assistance for proper care and treatment.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters)
Spread
3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-9
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental value: Hydrangeas are popular for their large, showy flower heads that add aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Versatility in landscaping: They can be used as standalone specimens, in mass plantings, or as part of mixed borders and hedges.
- Seasonal interest: Hydrangeas provide long-lasting blooms from early summer to fall.
- Color variety: 'Koria' can have flowers that range from pink to blue, depending on soil pH, offering a variety of hues in the garden.
- Attracts pollinators: The flowers attract bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Adaptability: Hydrangeas can adapt to a range of soil types, although they prefer moist, well-drained soil.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hydrangea dye: The blooms of the Hydrangea can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, paper, or even Easter eggs. Since the plant's flowers can range from pink to blue depending on the soil pH, various shades can be achieved.
- Hydrangea tea: In some cultures, the leaves of the Hydrangea are dried and used to brew tea, which can offer unique flavors not found in traditional teas.
- Garden design: Hydrangeas, with their large and colorful blooms, are often used as focal points in garden designs, providing structure and aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Craft material: Dried Hydrangea flowers are frequently used in craft projects, including wreath making, pressed flower arts, and other decorative items for the home.
- Ice cream flavoring: The blooms and leaves of certain Hydrangea varieties might be used for their unique floral flavor as an adventurous ingredient in artisanal ice cream making.
- Hydrangea wine: Similar to fruit wines, the flowers of Hydrangeas can be fermented under the right conditions to produce a floral and potentially tasty wine.
- Baking decoration: Edible Hydrangea flowers can be used to decorate cakes and other desserts, adding a touch of elegance and color.
- Photography subject: Its lush, vibrant blooms make Hydrangeas a popular subject for photographers, especially those interested in botanical and nature photography.
- Educational model: The Hydrangea's responsive color-changing flowers due to soil pH levels serve as an educational model for lessons in botany and chemistry.
- Rain gauge indicator: Because Hydrangea flowers are sensitive to water, the plants can be used informally in gardens to indicate adequate rainfall by observing the robustness of blooms.
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 and Genuine Emotion: Hydrangeas often symbolize deep feelings and genuine emotions, as their lush and extravagant bloom clusters can represent the fullness of one's heart.
- Gratitude and Apology: In some cultures, giving a hydrangea can be a way of saying "thank you" for understanding, or may serve as an apology, representing remorse and a desire for forgiveness.
- Vanity and Frivolity: Due to the plant's numerous blooms and sometimes showy appearance, it can also signify vanity or boastfulness in certain contexts.
- Absence of Romantic Interest: In Japanese culture, for instance, a hydrangea can convey a polite but firm rejection of romantic advances, based on a legend linking it to an emperor who gave them to the family of a woman he courted, but whom he could not marry.
- Perseverance: The plant's ability to bloom and thrive in a variety of soil conditions also lends the hydrangea to symbolize perseverance and resilience.
WaterThe common name for Hydrangea macrophylla 'Koria' (PBR) (L) is Lacecap Hydrangea, and it should be watered deeply enough to moisten the soil to a depth of about 8 inches. This usually translates to about 1 gallon of water for a typical shrub. Watering should be done once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions, more frequently during hot, dry periods, and less during cooler, rainy spells. Always check the top inch of soil before watering; if it feels dry to the touch, it's time to water. Avoid overhead watering if possible, as wetting the leaves can encourage fungal diseases.
LightLacecap Hydrangea thrives in partial shade, where it receives dappled sunlight. The best spot for the plant would be one where it gets morning sunshine and afternoon shade, or a place with consistent, filtered light throughout the day. Avoid placing it in full, harsh sun as it can cause leaf scorch and stress the plant.
TemperatureLacecap Hydrangea prefers a temperate climate with temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It can survive a minimum temperature of about 30 degrees Fahrenheit but will start to suffer damage if the temperature drops below this point. The ideal conditions are where the plant is not subjected to sudden freezes or extremely high temperatures.
PruningPruning a Lacecap Hydrangea encourages healthy growth and abundant flowering. It should be pruned right after the flowers fade in late summer to promote next year's buds. Prune out weak or dead stems, and cut back the flowering stems to a pair of healthy buds. It's best to limit the pruning to no more than one-third of the plant in a single year to ensure it remains vibrant and productive.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for a Hydrangea, commonly known as hortensia, should be rich, moist, and well-draining, with a high organic matter content such as peat or compost. The ideal soil pH for hortensia to thrive is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0; this pH can influence flower color, with lower pH yielding blue flowers and higher pH resulting in pink flowers.
RepottingHortensias should be repotted every 2-3 years or when they outgrow their current pot. Over time, they can become root-bound, so upgrading to a larger pot will provide space for root growth and maintain plant health.
Humidity & MistingHortensias prefer high humidity levels to thrive, so aiming for a humidity of around 60% is ideal. If the air is too dry, especially indoors, you may need to use a humidifier or regularly mist the leaves to maintain the necessary humidity.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and keep soil moist for hortensias.
Outdoor
Plant in morning sun, afternoon shade, and ensure soil drainage.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleHydrangea macrophylla, commonly known as Bigleaf Hydrangea, begins its life cycle as a dormant bare-root plant or from seeds. Upon planting, it enters a vegetative growth stage, developing sturdy stems and large, broad leaves during spring. The plant then progresses to the flowering stage in early to mid-summer, with the 'Koria' variety producing large globes of pink or blue flowers, depending on soil pH. After the blooming period, it enters a phase of seed maturation and dispersal towards late summer or early fall if not deadheaded. As temperatures drop in autumn, the hydrangea's growth slows and it prepares for overwintering by entering dormancy, with leaves often turning yellow or brown before falling off. The cycle resumes in spring when warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours trigger the hydrangea out of dormancy, beginning a new growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Hydrangea macrophylla, commonly known as Bigleaf Hydrangea, is through softwood cuttings. This is typically done in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is still tender and pliable. A gardener would cut a 4 to 6 inch (about 10 to 15 centimeters) long stem from a healthy Hydrangea plant, just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in moist, well-draining potting mix, with the remaining leaves just above the soil surface. The pot is often placed in a warm area with indirect light and kept consistently moist. Roots usually begin to form within a few weeks. After a strong root system has developed, the young Hydrangea can be transplanted to a more permanent location in the garden.
