Pet Safe
moderate Care
bigleaf hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Otaksa'
Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Otaksa') is a beautiful, hardy shrub with large, dark green foliage and showy white or pink flowers. Its unique and vibrant blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies to the garden. Bigleaf Hydrangea prefers humid climates and moist, well-drained soils. Its flowers bloom in springtime and go through several color changes throughout the season as the pH levels of the soil fluctuate. This easy-to-care-for species is an excellent addition to any garden and can be enjoyed for many years.
Sunlight
Partial Shade
Water Needs
medium
USDA Hardiness Zones
Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9
Hardiness Map
Green areas show climates worldwide where this plant can grow.
Zone 6Zone 7Zone 8Zone 9
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Water Every
"7-10" days
Sun Needs
partial-shade
Growth
High
Care Level
Moderate
Watering Schedule
Frequency
Day 1"7-10" daysDay NaN
💧 Water every "7-10" days
Seasonal Adjustments
Adjust watering frequency based on temperature, humidity, and season. Water more frequently in summer and less in winter.
Pro Tip: Check soil moisture before watering. Stick your finger 1-2 inches into the soil—if it's dry, it's time to water!
Season
Fall
Sep Oct Nov
Winter
Dec Jan Feb
Spring
Mar Apr May
Summer
Jun Jul Aug
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
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Starts Flowering
Starts Flowering
Starts Flowering
Harvest Fruit
Harvest Fruit
Harvest Fruit
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Pruning Time
Flowering
Fruiting
How to Propagate
Seed Propagation
Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date
Greenwood Cuttings
Take 4-6" cuttings in spring, root in water or moist soil
Hardwood Cuttings
Take 4-6" cuttings in spring, root in water or moist soil
Stem Propagation
Propagate via Stem Propagation for best results
Cutting
Take 4-6" cuttings in spring, root in water or moist soil
Is This Plant Right for You?
Good For:
- •Homes with pets
Consider Carefully:
- •Indoor growing
- •Infrequent watering
Bloom Seasons
summer
Care Tips
Light Requirements
Enjoys dappled or limited direct sun—about 2–4 hours of morning or late afternoon light and protection during peak midday sun.
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when top inch of soil is dry.
Best Planting Time
Plant in early spring or fall for best results. Blooms in summer.