Also known as Annabelle Hydrangea · Bigleaf Hydrangea · Cẩm Tú Cầu (vietnam)
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Mophead hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) boasts large, globe-shaped flower clusters in shades of pink, blue, or purple, blooming throughout summer.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade
50% intensity
Prefers morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Keep soil evenly moist, avoid waterlogging or complete dryness.
Well-drained, acidic to neutral
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 18-24°C. Protect from extreme heat and frost.
Moderate Feeding
50% intensity
Feed in early spring and potentially again after flowering with a balanced fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 1/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 2/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Contains cyanogenic glycosides
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Mophead hydrangeas prefer consistent moisture. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid letting the soil completely dry out, especially during hot weather or when the plant is flowering.
Water at the base of the plant to prevent fungal diseases on the foliage and flowers.
Prune mophead hydrangeas after they finish flowering in summer. These hydrangeas bloom on old wood, so pruning in late winter or early spring will remove the flower buds. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
Prune to shape the plant and maintain a manageable size. Avoid heavy pruning.
Propagate mophead hydrangeas from softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Select healthy stems, take cuttings 10-15 cm long, and remove lower leaves.
Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in a moist, well-draining potting mix. Keep the cuttings in a humid environment until roots form.
Repot young mophead hydrangeas every 1-2 years, or when they become root-bound. Choose a pot that is 5-7 cm larger in diameter than the current one. Use a good quality, well-draining potting mix.
Water thoroughly after repotting and place in a sheltered location until established.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Mophead Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
6 known issues from plant disease data
Powdery Mildew on Common House or Florist's Hydrangea causes white powdery growth on leaves, often with yellow or purple blotches.
Botrytis Blight on Common House or Florist's Hydrangea causes water-soaked petal spots, brown withered blooms, and fuzzy gray mold.
Cercospora Leaf Spot on Common House or Florist's Hydrangea causes tan leaf spots with reddish-brown borders that may trigger leaf drop.
Bacterial Leaf Spot on Common House or Florist's Hydrangea causes dark angular water-soaked spots that enlarge, merge, and kill leaves.
Anthracnose on Common House or Florist's Hydrangea causes brown to gray ringed spots on leaves and flower heads that expand into blight.
Root Rot on Common House or Florist's Hydrangea causes shoots to wilt without recovery after watering, then the whole plant declines.
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Hydrangeaceae |
| Genus | Hydrangea |
| Species | Hydrangea macrophylla |
Similar in genus Hydrangea
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
