French Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla
The classic mophead hydrangea that transforms any garden into a cottage paradise with its massive, globe-shaped flower clusters. These stunning shrubs are famous for their color-changing ability - producing blue blooms in acidic soil and pink in alkaline conditions. A timeless favorite that delivers months of spectacular color and makes excellent cut flowers.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Morning sun
Zones
6–11
USDA hardiness
Height
3-6 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for French Hydrangea in USDA Zone 7
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French Hydrangea · Zones 6–11
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Clay, High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Occasionally Wet. Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 3 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 3 feet-6 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Layering, Leaf Cutting, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
cup-like capsule
Type: Capsule.
Harvest time: Fall
Bloom time: Summer
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Salt
- +Attracts: Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in., Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
- +Wildlife value: Dead stems are used by stem-nesting bees.
- +Fast-growing
- +Low maintenance
Considerations
- -Toxic (Bark, Flowers, Leaves): Low severity
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Hostas
Share similar shade and moisture requirements, create complementary foliage texture
Astilbe
Thrives in same acidic, moist soil conditions and partial shade
Ferns
Prefer similar acidic, well-draining soil and provide textural contrast
Azaleas
Both prefer acidic soil and benefit from similar fertilization schedules
Heuchera
Tolerates same light conditions and adds colorful foliage at ground level
Japanese Painted Fern
Complements hydrangea blooms with silvery foliage in acidic soil
Caladium
Thrives in partial shade with consistent moisture like hydrangeas
Rhododendron
Both are acid-loving shrubs with similar water and soil requirements
Keep Apart
Black Walnut Tree
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits hydrangea growth and causes wilting
Eucalyptus
Allelopathic compounds suppress nearby plant growth and competes for water
Pine Trees
Surface roots compete aggressively for water and nutrients hydrangeas need
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Moderate resistance to most diseases
Common Pests
Aphids, spider mites, scale insects
Diseases
Powdery mildew, leaf spot, root rot in poorly drained soil