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Deciduous & Flowering Shrubs

Sister Theresa hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Sister Theresa'

‘Sister Theresa’ is a deciduous bigleaf hydrangea with large white mophead flower clusters and an eventual footprint of about 4 to 5 feet in each direction. Give it room along a border without crowding neighboring shrubs. Morning sun and light afternoon shade suit its broad leaves, while moist, well-drained soil supports steady growth. In Southwest Washington, check soil moisture during dry summer stretches and water as needed. Flower buds form on older stems, so cutting those stems in fall or spring can leave the shrub with few flowers the following season. Keep it away from pets that might eat it.

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At a glance

Mature height
About 4–5 ft
Mature spread
About 4–5 ft
Light
Morning sun, light afternoon shade
Hardiness
About USDA zone 6

The right plant, the right place

Make room for something good.

The white mophead clusters give this deciduous shrub a clear role along a border or near a patio. Allow about 4 to 5 feet for its eventual height and spread.

Where to plant

Choose a spot with morning sun and light shade during the hottest part of the day. Avoid frost-prone sites where flower buds may be damaged.

Through the seasons

Large white mophead clusters are the main floral feature. The shrub loses its leaves in the dormant season; its flower buds remain on older growth.

Southwest Washington gardens

Give it a good start.

During Southwest Washington’s dry summer stretches, check the soil and water when needed to maintain moisture. Flowering can suffer if older stems or buds are lost to pruning or frost.

Soil, drainage & water

Provide moist, well-drained soil and water regularly enough to prevent prolonged drying. Avoid sites where the soil stays saturated.

A little care goes a long way

Growing well, season after season.

Leave older stems in place because they carry the next flower buds. Remove spent flowerheads after flowering, taking care to preserve the stems below.

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

Few or no flowers.

Help your plant thrive

Retain older flowering stems, avoid frost-prone sites, and provide morning sun with light afternoon shade.

Fungal leaf spots

Brown, black, or gray leaf spots or blotches, sometimes followed by yellowing and leaf drop.

Help your plant thrive

Avoid overhead watering, improve air circulation, and remove affected leaves and fallen debris without composting them.

Leaf scorch

Dry brown leaf margins or blotches, sometimes preceded by wilting.

Help your plant thrive

Maintain soil moisture, mulch the root zone, and provide afternoon shade. Check drainage and soil compaction if wilting persists.

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