Easter Hydrangea (Bigleaf Hydrangea)

The Easter Hydrangea, also known as the Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla), is a delightful flowering shrub that brings a burst of colour to springtime. Typically available as a potted plant, it brightens up indoor spaces with its vibrant and cheerful blooms in shades of blue, pink, or white. These shrubs are characterized by their large, ball-shaped flower clusters (inflorescences).

Key Features

• Foliage: Large, oval, toothed leaves, medium to dark green.
• Habit: Compact and bushy shrub.
• Growth: Moderate.
• Care: Moderate, requires particular attention to watering and light.
• Flowering: Abundant in spring, with large ball-shaped flower clusters composed of many small flowers. Flower colour can vary depending on soil pH (blue in acidic soil, pink in alkaline soil). White varieties generally remain white.

Care Tips

• Light: Bright, indirect light indoors. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves and flowers. If placed outdoors after the risk of frost, choose a partially shaded location, especially during the hottest part of the day.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Water regularly, especially during flowering. Use non-calcareous water if possible. Reduce watering after flowering.
• Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. To influence flower colour (for pink and blue varieties), specific hydrangea soil amendments can be used.
• Humidity: Prefers moderate ambient humidity.
• Temperature: Normal indoor room temperature, ideally between 15°C and 21°C (59°F and 70°F) during flowering to prolong bloom time. Avoid extreme temperatures and cold drafts.
• Fertilization: Fertilize with a balanced flowering plant fertilizer every two to four weeks during the blooming period. Stop fertilizing after flowering.