Big daddy hydrangea is an shrub that can get as tall as 6 feet. It has large, round flowers that can be either pink or blue, depending on the pH of the soil. The flowers are cone-shaped and can grow up to 8 inches across. Big daddy hydrangea is a popular plant for gardens and landscaping because it is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant.
Also known as
- Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)
- Mountain hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata)
- Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
- Wild hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)
- Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris)
Basic info
- Hydrangeas are prized for their large, showy blooms and lush foliage, making them a popular choice for gardens and landscaping.
- There are many different types of hydrangeas, with the big daddy hydrangea being one of the largest.
- Big daddy hydrangeas can reach up to 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide, making them a real statement plant.
- These hydrangeas produce clusters of white or pink flowers that are incredibly fragrant.
- Big daddy hydrangeas are easy to care for and relatively low maintenance, making them a great choice for beginner gardeners.
- These plants prefer to grow in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.
- Hydrangeas are generally considered to be fairly hardy plants, but the big daddy variety can be more susceptible to cold damage.
- Regular pruning is necessary to keep big daddy hydrangeas looking their best and to promote new growth.
- These plants can be susceptible to fungal diseases, so it's important to keep an eye out for any signs of problems.
- Big daddy hydrangeas make a beautiful addition to any garden and are sure to add some wow factor.
Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge
How to Grow
- For big daddy hydrangea, first step is to find a location that receives full sun to partial shade and has well-drained soil.
- Amending the soil with organic matter such as compost or manure will help to improve drainage and increase fertility.
- Hydrangeas prefer a neutral to slightly acidic soil, so if your soil is alkaline, you may need to add sulfur to lower the pH.
- Dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball and of similar depth.
- Big daddy hydrangea is typically planted in the spring, but can be planted in the fall as well.
- Water the plant well after planting and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Fertilize big daddy hydrangea once per month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-
- Prune big daddy hydrangea in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove any damaged or diseased branches.
- Hydrangeas are generally disease and pest resistant, but aphids, scale, and lacebugs can occasionally be a problem.
- Big daddy hydrangea will bloom on new wood, so if you want lots of flowers, be sure to leave some of the previous yearÂ’s growth.
Related plant:
Coppertop Sweet Viburnum
Soil Requirement
About soil condition, big daddy hydrangeas prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. They are also adaptable to slightly acidic or alkaline soils. However, they will not tolerate soggy conditions. If the soil is too sandy, they may need to be watered more frequently.
Light condition
Like the other hydrangeas, big daddy hydrangea requires plenty of sun to produce the largest flowers. At least six hours of sun is best, but the plant will still produce flowers with as little as four hours of sun each day. partial sun is also suitable.
The Temperature
The temperature condition that is most ideal for big daddy hydrangeas is a cool environment. These plants thrive in cooler temperatures and do not do well in hot, humid conditions. If the temperature gets too hot, the plants will wilt and the leaves will droop. The flowers will also start to fade in color.
Ideal Humidity
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 60%, so make sure to keep an eye on the soil and keep it moist but not soggy. If the air is too dry, the leaves will start to brown and wilt. You can increase the humidity around the plant by misting it regularly or placing it on a pebble tray.
Fertilizer Requirement
Mentioning fertilizer, this family of plant doesn't really need a lot. In fact, too much nitrogen will result in foliage growth at the expense of flowers. The ideal time to fertilize is in early spring, using a slow release fertilizer, such as an organic Type I. As for watering, root them deeply but infrequently to encourage a deep and extensive root system.
About light
Pruning is an important part of keeping your big daddy hydrangea healthy and blooming well. You'll need to prune away any dead or dying branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. You can also prune to shape the plant or to remove any suckers that may be growing from the base.
The Propagation
Propagation of big daddy hydrangea is often done through rooting stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from young, vigorously growing plants in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 6 inches long and should have at least 2-3 sets of leaves. Cuttings should be made just below a node (where the leaves are attached to the stem). Cuttings can be placed directly into pots filled with a well-drained potting mix. Rooting hormone can be applied to the cuttings to encourage root development. Cuttings should be kept moist and should be placed in a location with indirect light. Roots should develop within 4-6 weeks. Once roots have developed, the plants can be transplanted into pots or into the garden.
Growth Rate
Usually, the plant growth rate is about 2-3 feet per year. Some plants will grow a little faster than others, but on average, this is the growth rate you can expect. If you are looking for a plant that will grow quickly and fill in a large space, the big daddy hydrangea is a great choice.
Common Problems
Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. These can all be controlled with a fungicide. The best time to Apply a fungicide is in the early morning or evening when the plant is not stressed by the heat of the day.
List to Know
- Do not forget to water your big daddy hydrangea regularly. They are quite drought resistant but still need a good amount of water.
- Be sure to fertilize your big daddy hydrangea at least once a year. They are heavy feeders and will benefit from a good fertilizer.
- Prune your big daddy hydrangea regularly. They can become quite leggy and overgrown if not pruned.
- Place your big daddy hydrangea in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
- Do not plant your big daddy hydrangea too close to other plants. They can become quite aggressive and spread out.
- Be sure to mulch your big daddy hydrangea. This will help to keep the roots cool and moist.
- When transplanting, be sure to dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball. This will give the plant
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Source:
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Big Daddy' - JC Raulston Arboretum
Bigleaf Hydrangea | Oklahoma State University
HYDRANGEA - HYDRANGEA SPP. | The UFOR Nursery & Lab
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
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