SCIENTIFIC NAME: Hydrangea macrophylla var. serrata 'Blue Billow'

COMMON NAME: Blue Billow Hydrangea

GARDEN SIZE: 4 to 5 feet tall by 4 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Fast

USDA ZONE: 6 to 9

EXPOSURE: Dappled sunlight to partial shade; prefers cool, sheltered sites.

WATER & SOIL:Prefers moist, well-drained, fertile soils rich in organic matter. Adapts to clay, loam, or sandy soils with acidic to neutral pH. Consistent summer moisture promotes better flowering and prevents leaf scorch.

HABIT (FORM): Compact, mounded shrub

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; Dark green serrated leaves turning red-purple in late summer and fall

FLOWER COLOR: Blue (may vary with soil pH)

FRAGRANCE: None

BLOOM FORM: Lacecap; Delicate, globose clusters of small florets

BLOOM TIME: Early summer to fall

PLANT ORIGIN: Japan and Korea; naturally occurs in cool, mountainous woodland habitats

WILDLIFE SUPPORT: May provide some nesting sites and shelter for birds and small mammals, but does not serve as much of a host for local insects and wildlife. May provide food for insects in the spring.

FERTILIZING: Feed in early spring with organic compost or a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas that encourage leaf growth at the expense of blooms.

PRUNING: Blooms on old wood. Minimal pruning needed. If pruning, do so immediately after flowering to preserve next year’s buds. Remove weak or winter-damaged stems in early spring while hydrangea is still dormant.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Mildly toxic if ingested (contains cyanogenic glycosides). Some traditional use of the leaves as a tea is reported, but do your own research thoroughly before considering for yourself!

USES: Borders, shaded woodland gardens, specimen, mass planting.