Decatur Blue bigleaf hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Decatur Blue'
USDA zones6 to 9
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles moderate or wet soil
Sizeup to 4 feet tallup to 4 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Erect
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Bloom color
- Pink in neutral soil; blue in acidic soil
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
Garden uses
Notes
'Decatur Blue' bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Decatur Blue') is a shrub for cut flowers, shade gardens, foundation plantings, and hedges. It is hardy to USDA zone 6, or down to -10°F (-23°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and average to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Blooms open pink in neutral soil and blue in acidic soil from early to late summer. Deer tend to browse other plants first. Give it room to reach about 48 inches tall and wide.
Pairs well with Praying Hands hosta, Aureola Japanese forest grass, Lady fern, and Lenten rose.