Deciduous & Flowering Shrubs
Nikko Blue bigleaf hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue'
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue' is a rounded, deciduous shrub with summer mophead flowers that often turn blue in acidic soil and pinker as soil chemistry changes. In Southwest Washington, it suits a shaded border, woodland edge, or foundation planting where summer water is available. Expect about 6 feet in height and spread after ten years, with room for roughly 8 feet at maturity. Light to open shade helps protect the foliage from hot, dry exposure. Plant in rich, moist, well-drained soil, keep moisture even through summer, and leave enough space around the shrub for its broad growth and summer flowers.
Ask about this plant
At a glance
- Mature height
- About 6 ft at ten years; up to about 8 ft
- Mature spread
- About 6 ft at ten years; up to about 8 ft
- Light
- Light to open shade
- Hardiness
- USDA Zones 6–9
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
Its rounded form and summer flowers fit a shade border, woodland edge, or foundation grouping. A large container can work where regular watering is practical.
Where to plant
Allow space for a shrub that may reach about 8 feet across. Choose light to open shade away from hot, dry exposure and strong root competition from large trees.
Through the seasons
Summer mophead flowers are commonly blue in acidic soil and may become pinker as soil chemistry changes. Green foliage drops in fall.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
Southwest Washington's maritime climate suits this shrub when it has shade and regular summer irrigation. Late cold may reduce flowering even when the shrub grows well.
Soil, drainage & water
Plant in rich, moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly through dry summer weather and keep soil moisture even, especially where nearby roots compete for water.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Prune only when needed, soon after flowering: this hydrangea sets flowers on older wood. Late cold can damage flower buds, so choose a sheltered spot where possible.
Know what to look for
Common growing concerns.
Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.
Failure to bloom
The shrub produces foliage but few flowers.
Help your plant thrive
Protect flower buds from late cold and prune only as needed after flowering. Check that the plant receives suitable light and water.
Leaf spots and scorch
Leaves develop spots, browning, or scorched margins.
Help your plant thrive
Improve airflow and water at soil level to limit leaf spots. For scorched margins, avoid hot, dry exposure and maintain even soil moisture.
A little more inspiration
Keep exploring.
Cornus sericea 'Baileyi' Dereń Baileya 2024-04-13 02.jpg
CC BY-SA 4.0 · Web-optimized
Baileyi red-twig dogwood
Cornus sericea 'Baileyi'
Red winter stems, spring flowers, and pale berries give Baileyi seasonal interest; this vigorous dogwood needs moist-site space and renewal pruning for its brightest color.
Explore this plantPrairie Fire dogwood
Cornus alba 'Prairie Fire'
Colorful foliage and red winter stems make Prairie Fire a bold ornamental dogwood; allow space for its vigorous growth, suckers, and periodic renewal pruning.
Explore this plant
Pacific ninebark
Physocarpus capitatus
Pacific ninebark combines white flowers, reddish fruit clusters, and peeling bark in a large informal shrub suited to moist, spacious, regionally inspired planting.
Explore this plantGood gardens start with a conversation
Let’s find the right plant
for your place.
Ask our team about plant selection and current availability.