Bigleaf Hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla 'Masja' (H)
ABOUT
The Hydrangea macrophylla 'Masja' is a type of hydrangea characterized by its vibrant flower clusters. Its blossoms can range in color from deep pink to rich blue, often influenced by the acidity or alkalinity of the soil in which the plant is grown. The large, globular flower heads are made up of numerous small florets that create a bold, rounded appearance. The leaves of the 'Masja' hydrangea are glossy and ovate with a deep green hue, providing a lush backdrop for the bright flowers. They can create a striking contrast that enhances the visual impact of the blooms. This variety of hydrangea typically blooms in the late spring to early summer and can continue to provide color throughout the growing season. The stems of the 'Masja' are sturdy, supporting the weight of the heavy flowers. As a deciduous shrub, it will shed its leaves in the fall, but its woody structure can add texture to the winter garden. While in season, the plant can serve as a focal point in a garden due to its striking flowers and foliage.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Hydrangeaceae
Synonyms
Bigleaf Hydrangea, French Hydrangea, Lacecap Hydrangea, Mophead Hydrangea, Penny Mac, Hortensia
Common names
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Masja'
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Hydrangea macrophylla 'Masja' is bigleaf hydrangea. This plant contains compounds that release cyanide when chewed or digested. Ingesting any part of a bigleaf hydrangea, particularly the leaves and flower buds, can lead to symptoms of poisoning. These symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Serious poisoning is rare, but it is still advisable to seek medical attention if ingestion occurs.
To pets
Bigleaf hydrangea is also toxic to pets and can cause similar symptoms to those seen in humans. If a pet ingests any part of a bigleaf hydrangea, it may suffer from gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, more serious symptoms might occur, including depression, labored breathing, and lethargy. If you suspect your pet has ingested hydrangea, contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet poison hotline immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: H, commonly known as bigleaf hydrangea, offers large, showy blooms that come in vibrant shades of pink, blue, or purple, depending on soil pH.
- Landscape Versatility: Bigleaf hydrangea can be used in a variety of landscape settings, such as borders, foundation plantings, or as focal points in garden beds.
- Seasonal Interest: It provides visual interest throughout the growing season, from its blossoms in spring and summer to its foliage that may turn yellow or red in the fall.
- Shade Tolerance: Bigleaf hydrangea performs well in partial shade, making it a suitable choice for gardens with limited sunlight.
- Easy Propagation: This plant can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to create new plants for other areas of their garden or to share with others.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract butterflies and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Relatively Low Maintenance: Once established, bigleaf hydrangea requires minimal care beyond regular watering and occasional pruning to maintain shape and size.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hydrangea 'Masja' petals can be pressed and used in crafting, such as creating unique bookmarks or greeting cards.
- The vibrant blooms of the Hydrangea can be used to make natural dyes for fabric, offering shades of pink, blue, or purple depending on the soil pH.
- Dried Hydrangea flowers are often incorporated into potpourri mixes to add color and volume to the arrangement.
- These flowers can be used as a natural pH indicator; they change color depending on the acidity or alkalinity of the soil in which they are planted.
- Hydrangea 'Masja' can be used in educational settings to demonstrate the scientific process of color change in plants due to soil conditions.
- The wood of mature Hydrangea plants can be carved into small decorative objects or jewelry.
- Floral artists may use the stems and blooms of Hydrangea in living walls or vertical gardens for their aesthetic appeal.
- The flower heads can be used as molds for plaster of Paris to create decorative wall hangings or ornaments.
- Hydrangea 'Masja' can be planted in outdoor containers to serve as a natural privacy screen or to create garden room dividers.
- Their large, colorful blooms make them suitable for use in large-scale floral displays or as focal points in garden design competitions.
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 Sincere Emotions: The lush, rounded shape of hydrangea blooms often signifies heartfelt and genuine feelings, representing gratitude, understanding, and apology.
- Vanity and Boastfulness: In some cultures, the hydrangea symbolizes vanity and boastfulness, due to its abundance of petals and showy presence.
- Gratitude for Being Understood: The hydrangea, particularly the pink varieties, are associated with thankfulness for being deeply understood by another, making them a thoughtful gift for close friends and loved ones.
- Abundance and Prosperity: The voluminous blossoms of hydrangeas are often connected with abundance and prosperity, making them a popular flower in celebrations and well-wishing gestures.
- Endurance and Perseverance: As a plant that can thrive in a range of conditions and comeback year after year, hydrangeas can symbolize the strength to endure hardships and perseverance.
- Frigidity and Heartlessness: Conversely, in some interpretations, the hydrangea has been used as a symbol of disinterest, frigidity, or heartlessness, suggesting a lack of strong emotion or warmth.
WaterMophead hydrangeas, including the Hydrangea macrophylla 'Masja', should be watered deeply, ensuring the soil is moist but not saturated. During the growing season, water the plant about three times a week, depending on the climate and weather conditions. Each watering session should provide approximately one gallon of water to the plant, allowing the water to penetrate the soil rather than run off the surface. Reduce watering to once a week during the fall and winter when the plant is dormant. Always check the soil moisture before watering to prevent overwatering, as standing water can lead to root rot.
LightMophead hydrangeas prefer bright, indirect sunlight and should be placed in a spot where they can receive morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Direct afternoon sun can scorch the leaves, so providing shelter during the hottest part of the day is optimal. An eastern-facing location that gets gentle morning light can be ideal, allowing the hydrangea to thrive without the stress of intense afternoon rays.
TemperatureMophead hydrangeas are best suited to temperatures ranging from 50°F to 85°F but can tolerate a wider range. They can survive minimum temperatures as low as 0°F when properly mulched and cared for during the winter. They prefer a consistent temperature and should be protected from abrupt changes, such as late spring frosts or extreme summer heat. Ideal growing conditions are in temperate climates without dramatic fluctuations.
PruningPrune mophead hydrangeas to remove dead wood and shape the plant after the blooms fade in late summer or early fall. Pruning also encourages bushier growth and more blooms for the following season. Cut back the flowering stems to a pair of healthy buds to stimulate robust new growth. Hydrangeas of this variety bloom on old wood, so excessive pruning in spring can remove flower buds. Annually remove only about a third of the oldest stems to rejuvenate the shrub without reducing flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Masja') thrives in a well-draining, moisture-retentive soil mix with high organic matter such as peat or compost. The best soil pH for this hydrangea is acidic to mildly acidic, ranging from 5.0 to 6.5, which can affect flower color, with lower pH levels leading to blue flowers and higher levels to pink.
RepottingBigleaf Hydrangea should be repotted every 2-3 years or when the root system outgrows the pot. It's best to repot in late winter or early spring before the onset of the growing season.
Humidity & MistingBigleaf Hydrangea prefers high humidity conditions, ideally between 60%-70%. To maintain this level indoors, a humidifier or regular misting can be beneficial.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade and shelter from afternoon sun.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Bigleaf Hydrangea 'Masja' begins with seed germination, during which the seed absorbs water and begins to sprout, given appropriate environmental conditions. After germination, the seedling stage follows, where initial roots and shoots develop and the plant begins to photosynthesize. The vegetative growth stage sees 'Masja' developing a robust root system, stems, and large green leaves, preparing for the flowering phase. Flowering occurs on old wood, with 'Masja' producing large, color-variable mophead flowers that may range from pink to blue depending on soil pH, during late spring or early summer. After pollination, which is often aided by insects, the plant develops capsules that contain numerous seeds, thus completing the reproductive cycle. Lastly, in the senescence stage, the plant's growth slows as it matures and eventually dies, although it can live for many years if conditions are favorable.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Hydrangea macrophylla 'Masja', commonly known as Mophead Hydrangea, is through softwood cuttings. This technique is best done in late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth is still tender and flexible. Take a cutting of about 5 to 6 inches long, ensuring that there are several leaf nodes present. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to prevent moisture loss. Dip the cut end into a rooting hormone to stimulate root growth and plant it in a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite. The cutting should be kept in a well-lit area but out of direct sunlight and maintained consistently moist. Roots typically develop within 2 to 4 weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions before transplanting.
![Rose deutzia [Yuki Cherry Blossom]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b6510a383a.png&w=640&q=75)
![Hydrangea [Pink Annabelle] ('Ncha1')](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b576c63619.png&w=640&q=75)
