This is a well-loved and vigorous cultivar with large, rounded flower heads of a rich, gorgeous blue.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsPerhaps the quintessential bigleaf hydrangea, 'Nikko Blue' features large, blue flower heads that might turn a bit pinker as the soil pH gets more alkaline.
Care'Nikko Blue' flowers on the previous season's wood and can be maintained by cutting back just to the first pair of buds beneath the old flower in spring. Grow in moist but well-drained soil in sun to partial shade. Provide shelter from drying winds.
PropagationSow seed in cold frame in spring; take softwood cuttings in early summer, hardwood cuttings in winter.
ProblemsGray mold, slugs, powdery mildew, rust, ringspot virus, leaf spots
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
DeWalt Variable-Speed Cordless Reciprocating Saw with 6-Piece Saw Blade Set
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Nelson Multi-Pattern Stationary Sprinkler
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Black and Decker 22-inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
- Genus : Hydrangea
- Plant Height : 3 to 6 feet
- Plant Width : 3 to 6 feet
- Zones : 6, 7, 8, 9
- Flower Color : Blue
- Uses : Color, Foundation Plantings, Front Yard, Sun
- Tolerance : Frost Tolerant
- Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Foliage Color : Green
- Maintenance : Low
- Moisture : Medium Moisture
- Growth Rate : Moderate
- Plant Type : Shrubs
- Bloom Time : Summer
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest
Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members
Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.