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ABRACADABRA® Star

Hydrangea - Bigleaf

Hydrangea macrophylla

'HorAbstra'

PP#21,636

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The peachy pink lacecap bloom of Abracadabra Star bigleaf hydrangea atop its lustrous smooth black stems "} The buds of Abracadabra Star bigleaf hydrangea with its unique black stems clearly displayed Abracadabra Star bigleaf hydrangea in a large blue ceramic container Closeup of the pink flowers atop the black stems of Abracabra Star bigleaf hydrangea
  • Unique stems
  • Vigorous
  • Summer color
Description

Intensely colored lacecap blooms contrast with unusual black stems. If you're seeking a bit of the unusual, consider Abracadabra® Star hydrangea. Big flying saucer lacecap flowers emerge pink and white and mature to hot pink atop smooth deep black stems. This distinctive feature provides interest in the garden before the summer flowers open. Flower color can be shifted to blue by the addition of aluminum sulfate to the soil.

USDA Zone
5 - 9 (-20°F/-28.9°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
3 - 4'
Width
3 - 4'
Finish Time
.5 season
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Summer
Flower Color
Pink
Foliage Color
Green

Soil

Moist but well drained soils are best. Bigleaf hydrangeas may wilt in dry soils but also cannot take soggy conditions for any period of time. Tolerant of a range of soil pH levels, however, soil pH will influence flower color.

Pruning

Avoid pruning bigleaf hydrangeas, except to remove any dead wood. These hydrangeas cannot be cut back or trimmed at any time of the year without impacting the bloom for either the current season or the next.

Uses

Bigleaf hydrangeas are classic choices for flower gardens, cottage gardens, and seaside plantings. They also make a showy addition to foundation plantings and can be used for low hedges or edging.

Growing Tips

Bigleaf hydrangeas benefit from a good layer of shredded bark mulch and afternoon shade, particularly in hotter climates. Apply a granular fertilizer formulated for flowering shrubs (like a rose fertilizer) if leaves start to yellow.