Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Fasan’ PHEASANT): A Comprehensive Guide for Growing and Caring

Bigleaf hydrangea, scientifically known as Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Fasan’ PHEASANT, is a stunning and popular flowering shrub appreciated for its large, showy blooms and lush foliage. This versatile plant is cherished by gardeners and landscapers for its ease of care, versatility in various growing conditions, and its ability to thrive in containers as well as in the landscape. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the various facets of bigleaf hydrangeas, including their culture, uses, care requirements, common diseases, and much more.

What is Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Fasan’ PHEASANT)?

Bigleaf hydrangea, a cultivar of Hydrangea macrophylla, belongs to the family Hydrangeaceae. It is cherished for its large, mophead, or lacecap type flower clusters and its ability to change flower color based on soil pH. The ‘Fasan’ PHEASANT variety is particularly known for its striking characteristics and is a beloved addition to gardens and landscapes.

Key Takeaways

Before delving further into the world of bigleaf hydrangeas, let’s take a quick look at the key takeaways that we will explore in detail throughout this guide:

• Culture – Understanding the ideal growing conditions for bigleaf hydrangeas.
• Uses – Exploring the versatile uses of bigleaf hydrangeas in landscaping and gardens.
• Water – Learning about the watering requirements of these lovely shrubs.
• Sunlight – Understanding the sunlight preferences of bigleaf hydrangeas.
• Fertilizer – Providing the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and abundant blooms.
• Soil – Exploring the soil requirements and preferences of bigleaf hydrangeas.
• Pruning – Proper practices for maintaining the shape and health of the shrub.
• Propagation – Methods for propagating bigleaf hydrangeas.
• Container Popularity – Insights into growing bigleaf hydrangeas in containers.
• Common Diseases – Identifying and managing common diseases that may affect these plants.
• Disease Diagnosis – Understanding symptoms and solutions for potential diseases.
• Common Pests – Identifying and controlling pests that can impact bigleaf hydrangeas.
• Botanist’s Tips – Expert tips for successfully growing and caring for bigleaf hydrangeas.
• Fun Facts – Exploring interesting and lesser-known facts about this captivating plant.

Now, let’s dive into each of these aspects in further detail to help you unlock the secrets of successfully growing and caring for bigleaf hydrangeas.

Culture

Water

Sunlight

Fertilizer

Soil

Pruning

Propagation

Container Popularity

Common Diseases

Disease Diagnosis

Common Pests

Botanist’s Tips

Fun Facts

Links to External Resources

For more in-depth information about bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Fasan’ PHEASANT) care and cultivation, refer to the following external resources:

• The American Hydrangea Society
• RHS Gardening: Hydrangeas

Now that we have covered the key takeaways, let’s delve deeper into each aspect to provide a comprehensive understanding of bigleaf hydrangeas and their care.

Culture

Cultivating bigleaf hydrangeas successfully involves understanding and providing for their specific cultural requirements. By meeting their needs for water, sunlight, fertilizer, soil, and more, gardeners can ensure lush growth and abundant blooms from these remarkable shrubs.

Water

Adequate moisture is crucial for the health and vigor of bigleaf hydrangeas. While they prefer consistently moist, well-draining soil, they also can’t withstand waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot and other moisture-related issues. Understanding the watering needs of these plants is essential for their success in the garden.

Watering Needs

• Bigleaf hydrangeas thrive in consistently moist soil, so regular watering is necessary, especially during periods of dry weather.
• When established, these hydrangeas benefit from around 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or supplemental watering.

Watering Tips

• When watering, it’s essential to provide a deep soak that penetrates the root zone rather than frequent, shallow watering, which can encourage shallow root growth.
• Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant can help retain soil moisture and reduce the frequency of watering.

For gardeners in areas with extended periods of hot, dry weather, monitoring soil moisture and adjusting the watering frequency is crucial in maintaining the health and vigor of bigleaf hydrangeas.

Sunlight

Understanding the sunlight requirements of bigleaf hydrangeas is pivotal in determining the most suitable planting locations and ensuring optimal growth and flowering.

Sunlight Preferences

• Bigleaf hydrangeas generally prefer dappled or filtered sunlight, particularly in the afternoon to protect them from the intense heat of the sun.
• While the plants do require some sun exposure to bloom prolifically, too much direct sun can lead to wilting and scorched leaves, especially in hot climates.

Sunlight Tips

• Planting bigleaf hydrangeas in locations that provide morning sun and afternoon shade can help create the ideal environment for these shrubs to thrive.
• In areas with intense heat, providing additional shade during the hottest part of the day, such as under the canopy of a tree, can protect the plants and help maintain their vigor.

By carefully considering the sunlight conditions and providing the appropriate environment, gardeners can cultivate thriving bigleaf hydrangeas with abundant, colorful blooms.

Fertilizer

Proper fertilization is essential for promoting healthy growth and vibrant blooms in bigleaf hydrangeas. Understanding the nutritional requirements of these plants and providing the necessary nutrients can significantly impact their overall health and flowering performance.

Fertilization Needs

• Bigleaf hydrangeas benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring before the onset of new growth.
• A fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio, such as 10-10-10 or 12-12-12, can provide the necessary nutrients for lush foliage and prolific blooms.

Fertilization Tips

• Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nitrogen can promote lush foliage at the expense of flowers and may make the plants more susceptible to winter damage.
• Incorporating organic matter, such as well-rotted compost, into the soil when planting can provide a natural source of nutrients for the hydrangeas.

Understanding the specific fertilizer needs of bigleaf hydrangeas and providing the appropriate nutrients at the right time can contribute to robust growth and stunning floral displays.

Soil

The soil composition and structure play a vital role in the health and overall performance of bigleaf hydrangeas. Understanding their soil preferences and making necessary amendments can help create an ideal growing environment for these captivating shrubs.

Soil Requirements

• Bigleaf hydrangeas thrive in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
• Amending heavy clay soils with organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, can improve drainage and create a more suitable growing medium for these plants.

Soil Tips

• Conducting a soil test can provide valuable insights into the pH and nutrient levels of the planting area, allowing gardeners to make informed decisions about soil amendments.
• Adding a layer of mulch around the base of the plants can help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and gradually improve the organic content of the soil as it decomposes.

By addressing the specific soil requirements of bigleaf hydrangeas and creating a favorable soil environment, gardeners can set the stage for healthy growth and bountiful blooms from these remarkable shrubs.

Pruning

Proper pruning practices are essential for maintaining the health, shape, and flowering performance of bigleaf hydrangeas. By understanding when and how to prune these shrubs, gardeners can promote vigorous growth and ensure abundant blooms year after year.

Pruning Guidelines

• In general, bigleaf hydrangeas benefit from minimal pruning, as excessive or improper pruning can reduce the number of blooms in the following season.
• Deadheading spent blooms and removing any dead or damaged wood can help promote new growth and tidy up the appearance of the shrubs.

Pruning Tips

• To avoid inadvertently removing potential flower buds, it’s best to prune bigleaf hydrangeas immediately after they finish flowering, typically in late summer.
• When shaping and pruning these shrubs, it’s essential to work with the natural form of the plant and avoid drastic or extensive cuts to maintain their overall health and floral abundance.

Understanding the timing and techniques for pruning bigleaf hydrangeas can contribute to their long-term vitality and ensure a spectacular display of flowers each year.

Propagation

For gardeners interested in propagating bigleaf hydrangeas, various methods can be employed to create new plants and expand their collections. Understanding the propagation techniques and best practices can help enthusiasts successfully cultivate these captivating shrubs through propagation.

Propagation Methods

1. Softwood Cuttings: Propagating bigleaf hydrangeas from softwood cuttings collected in early to mid-summer is a common and effective method to create new plants.

2. Select healthy, non-flowering shoots and prepare cuttings with several pairs of leaves.

3. Layering: Encouraging the growth of roots on a stem while it is still attached to the parent plant can result in a new, independent plant.

4. Bury a portion of a flexible stem in the soil, ensuring that it remains in contact with the growing medium until roots develop.

5. Division: Dividing established clumps of bigleaf hydrangeas into separate sections, each with their own root system, can create new plants.

6. Carefully separate the clumps, ensuring that each division has sufficient roots and foliage to support its growth.

By employing these propagation methods and providing the necessary care, gardeners can successfully propagate bigleaf hydrangeas and expand their garden collections with ease.

Container Popularity

Bigleaf hydrangeas are well-suited for container gardening, allowing gardeners to enjoy the beauty and elegance of these shrubs in various outdoor spaces, from patios and balconies to entryways and courtyards.

Container Considerations

• Select a large, sturdy container with sufficient drainage holes to provide adequate aeration and prevent waterlogging.
• Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix with added organic matter to support the growth and development of the hydrangeas in containers.

Container Care Tips

• Regularly check the moisture levels in the soil and water the container-grown hydrangeas as needed to maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging.
• Providing dappled sunlight and protecting the containers from intense heat and drying winds can help create an ideal environment for these shrubs to thrive.

By understanding the unique considerations and care requirements for cultivating bigleaf hydrangeas in containers, gardeners can add a touch of elegance and charm to their outdoor spaces with these versatile and captivating shrubs.

Common Diseases

While generally resilient, bigleaf hydrangeas can be susceptible to certain diseases, particularly when grown in unfavorable conditions or exposed to environmental stressors. Understanding potential diseases and their management is essential for maintaining healthy and vigorous plants.

Disease Diagnosis

Common Hydrangea Diseases

1. Powdery Mildew: A fungal disease that appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves, powdery mildew can impact the overall health and appearance of bigleaf hydrangeas.

2. Ensure proper air circulation and avoid overhead watering to reduce humidity levels and minimize the risk of powdery mildew.

3. Botrytis Blight: Also known as gray mold, this fungal disease can cause brown or gray spots on the foliage and flowers, leading to a decline in plant vigor.

4. Remove and dispose of any affected plant parts to prevent the spread of the disease, and ensure good air circulation to promote drying of the foliage.

5. Leaf Spot: Caused by various fungal pathogens, leaf spot can manifest as dark or discolored spots on the leaves, potentially impacting the overall aesthetics of the shrubs.

6. Providing adequate spacing between plants, promoting good air circulation, and avoiding overhead watering can help reduce the risk of leaf spot infections.

Identifying the symptoms of common diseases and implementing preventive measures can help gardeners effectively manage and mitigate the impact of diseases on their bigleaf hydrangeas.

Common Pests

Several pests can pose a threat to the health and vitality of bigleaf hydrangeas, potentially causing damage to the foliage, blooms, and overall growth. By identifying common pests and implementing appropriate control measures, gardeners can protect their plants from the detrimental effects of pest infestations.

Common Hydrangea Pests

1. Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can congregate on the undersides of leaves and flower buds, feeding on plant sap and potentially spreading viral diseases.

2. Hose off the affected foliage with a strong stream of water to dislodge the aphids, or use insecticidal soap as a natural control method.

3. Spider Mites: These tiny arachnids can cause stippling, discoloration, and webbing on the foliage, damaging the overall appearance and health of the plants.

4. Increasing humidity levels and using predatory mites or insecticidal soaps can help control spider mite infestations and prevent further damage.

5. Japanese Beetles: These colorful pests can skeletonize leaves and cause significant damage to the foliage and blooms of bigleaf hydrangeas.

6. Handpicking the beetles from the plants and using traps or natural predators, such as parasitic wasps, can help manage Japanese beetle populations in the garden.

By proactively monitoring for common pests and implementing targeted control measures, gardeners can safeguard their bigleaf hydrangeas from potential infestations and maintain their overall health and beauty.

Botanist’s Tips

Understanding the insider tips and recommendations from experienced botanists can provide valuable insights and strategies for successfully growing and caring for bigleaf hydrangeas. By incorporating these expert tips into their gardening practices, enthusiasts can ensure the optimal health and performance of these captivating shrubs.

Expert Strategies for Growing Bigleaf Hydrangeas

1. Soil Testing: Conducting a thorough soil test before planting can provide essential information about the pH, nutrient levels, and overall soil composition, allowing gardeners to tailor their soil amendments and fertilizer applications to the specific needs of bigleaf hydrangeas.

2. Mulching Benefits: Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants offers multiple benefits, including moisture retention, weed suppression, and gradual soil improvement as the mulch decomposes.

3. Consistent Moisture: Monitoring and maintaining consistent soil moisture, particularly during hot and dry periods, is essential for the health and vitality of bigleaf hydrangeas, as they thrive in consistently moist soil conditions.

4. Pruning Best Practices: When pruning bigleaf hydrangeas, it’s important to focus on removing dead or damaged wood and spent blooms while avoiding extensive or late-season pruning to ensure abundant flowering in the following year.

5. Seasonal Care: Providing protective measures during winter, such as mulching around the base of the plants and shielding them from harsh winds, can help insulate bigleaf hydrangeas and improve their resilience in cold climates.

By incorporating these expert strategies and recommendations into their gardening routines, enthusiasts can optimize the growing conditions and care practices for bigleaf hydrangeas, ultimately leading to stunning displays of vibrant blooms and healthy foliage.

Fun Facts

Uncover some fascinating and lesser-known facts about bigleaf hydrangeas, shedding light on their intriguing characteristics and captivating allure.

Interesting Tidbits about Bigleaf Hydrangeas

1. Color-Changing Blooms: Bigleaf hydrangeas are renowned for their unique ability to change flower color based on the soil pH, with acidic soils producing blue blooms and alkaline soils resulting in pink blooms.

2. Mophead vs. Lacecap: There are two distinct flower forms found in Hydrangea macrophylla—mophead, characterized by large, rounded flower clusters, and lacecap, featuring flat, lacy flower heads surrounded by a ring of larger, showy florets.

3. Antique Varieties: Many traditional and antique varieties of bigleaf hydrangeas have been cherished for generations, adding a touch of nostalgia and timeless beauty to gardens and landscapes.

4. Hardiness Variability: The hardiness and cold tolerance of bigleaf hydrangeas can vary significantly between different cultivars, making it essential for gardeners to select varieties suited to their specific climate and growing conditions.

5. Symbolism and Significance: Bigleaf hydrangeas have cultural and symbolic significance in various traditions, representing gratitude, grace, and heartfelt emotions in different parts of the world.

By exploring these engaging and enlightening fun facts about bigleaf hydrangeas, gardeners and enthusiasts can gain a deeper appreciation for the charm and allure of these remarkable shrubs.

Links to External Resources

For more in-depth information about bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Fasan’ PHEASANT) care and cultivation, consider exploring the following external resources:

• The American Hydrangea Society
• RHS Gardening: Hydrangeas

These reputable sources provide a wealth of valuable insights, tips, and guidance for nurturing and enjoying bigleaf hydrangeas in home gardens and landscapes.

Conclusion

Bigleaf hydrangeas, with their captivating blooms, elegant foliage, and versatile growing habits, are a beloved and cherished addition to gardens and landscapes around the world. By understanding their specific cultural requirements, care considerations, and potential challenges, gardeners can unlock the secrets to successfully cultivating these remarkable shrubs.

From providing the ideal growing conditions and addressing their unique soil preferences to managing potential diseases and pests, the comprehensive guide to bigleaf hydrangeas aims to empower enthusiasts with the knowledge and strategies needed to grow and care for these captivating plants with confidence and success.

With the insights, tips, and resources provided in this guide, gardeners can embark on a journey of discovery and delight, reaping the rewards of lush foliage, vibrant blooms, and the timeless beauty of bigleaf hydrangeas gracing their outdoor spaces and bringing joy to their hearts.

Remember to check back periodically for new tips, updates, and expert advice on growing and caring for bigleaf hydrangeas, ensuring that your gardening endeavors continue to flourish and evolve with the changing seasons and the growth of your beloved plants.

Happy gardening and may your bigleaf hydrangeas bring endless beauty and enchantment to your outdoor sanctuary!

References:

1. Bailey, L. H. (1911). The Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. J. C. C. Bridges & Co.
2. Dirr, M. A., & Heuser, C. W. Jr. (2009). The hydrangeas for American gardens. Timber Press.
3. McHoy, P. (2001). Hydrangeas. Firefly Books.
4. Nikolic, I., & Mencetic, M. (2018).