SCIENTIFIC NAME: Hydrangea macrophylla 'Big Daddy'

COMMON NAME: Big Daddy Bigleaf Hydrangea

GARDEN SIZE: 5 to 6 feet tall by 5 to 6 feet wide

GROWTH RATE: Moderate

USDA ZONE: 6 to 9

EXPOSURE: Dappled sunlight to partial shade; protect from harsh afternoon sun here in Tennessee.

WATER & SOIL: Prefers moist, well-drained soils rich in organic matter; tolerates clay, loam, or sand. Performs best in acidic to neutral pH but tolerates mildly alkaline conditions. Blooms change color with the pH; in general, blue in acidic soils or pink in alkaline. Requires consistent moisture, especially in full or dappled sun.

HABIT (FORM): Rounded, full shrub with large, sturdy branches

FOLIAGE: Deciduous; large, dark green serrated leaves

FLOWER COLOR: Blue in acidic soils, pink in alkaline soils

FRAGRANCE: Light

BLOOM FORM: Mophead; Huge clusters resembling balloons; blooms on old and new wood

BLOOM TIME: June through September

PLANT ORIGIN: Japan, China, Korea, and Southeast Asia

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: Apply organic compost or a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid late-summer feeding to prevent damage to tender growth before frost.

PRUNING: Blooms primarily on old wood; prune immediately after flowering.

TOXICITY FLAGS: Mildly toxic if ingested (contains cyanogenic glycosides)

USES: Beds, borders, hedges, cottage or woodland gardens; accent plant for shade gardens