Photo of Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue' flower by Andres Rueda

Photo by Andres Rueda

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Buy Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue'

Also Known As

  • Nikko Blue Bigleaf hydrangea
  • Nikko Blue Florist's Hydrangea

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 3'-6'
  • W: 4'-10'

planting zones

  • 6a-9b

3 year old bagged root ball | $47.95

Shipping based on order size

Fewer than 5 at Hydrangeas Plus

1 Gallon pot | $21.4

Avail in US except West Coast, HI/AK

Fewer than 5 at Maples N More Nursery

More Options

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue' plant details

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue' is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous shrub with green foliage. In summer blue flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something seaside / salt tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: hydrangeaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 4 FT - 10 FT - wide, 3 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: blue blooms in summer
Uses: border plant, cottage garden, cutting garden, dried-arrangements, floriferous, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue'

USDA Zones: 6a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: seaside / salt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Nikko Blue Hydrangea is one of the most widely known hydrangeas, it offers bouquets of blue clustered flowers from summer through fall. Flowers make beautiful dried arrangements. Nikko Blue Hydrangea blooms on old wood, therefore prune only when necessary. May not bloom if you are prone to late frosts. The color is impacted by soil pH.
Nikko Blue' Hydrangea produces bright blue flowers when grown in acidic soil in early to mid summer that almost completely cover the plant. Like other mophead Hydrangeas, the flower color can be easily changed by amending the soil it is grown in to be more or less acidic. Plants establish quickly and typically start flowering heavily in their second year with a few blooms in their first year. Plants are compact and grow to about five feet tall under normal conditions, although they can be kept shorter with mid summer pruning. Many people use this variety as a single specimen plant, but these also look great when planted as a long hedge.
The first Hydrangea macrophylla I learned as a plant science major, back in 1992, was Nikko Blue hydrangea. That's not the only reason it's a classic - you'll see old big ones thriving in gardens throughout the Deep South and on Cape Cod and the Islands. We mean what we say about seeing Big Ones. Nikko Blue isn't a small hydrangea for pots or squeezing in nooks and crannies. It's typically medium-sized at about 4-5' tall, probably because of occasional pruning. Keep in mind that it has the potential to grow to 6' tall when sited in a Happy Place (sheltered, well watered, some sun). I've seen a picture of a Nikko Blue slightly taller than a 6' tall person. It was impressive. So, when siting Nikko, think about the possibility of impressive size for a bigleaf hydrangea and either give it enough space or keep in mind that you may have to prune it a bit if it gets too big. Pruning is not as scary as it seems - we've written articles to help you understand pruning in the "Gardening Articles" section. Nikko Blue hydrangea is a tried-and-true blue/pink mophead (depending on soil pH), recommended for garden nostalgia and reliability in zones 7 through 9. When blue, it's the classic (there's that word again) Cape Cod blue color.

By: Cutting Edge Plants

Blue mop head. Grows to 3-4' in ten years.

By: Fantastic Plants

The finest steel blue color in your garden. A multitude of blue blooms on this strong growing hydrangea make Nikko Blue one of the best. It will be a fantastic show of color in your garden and your home. This early bloomer starts with flowers that are cream with blue margins then turning a gorgeous solid blue mass as the plant matures. The deep green foliage only adds to the picture. This is one of our best sellers for its all around dependability.
Blue-globe flowers in acid soil, pink in alkaline soil. Deciduous, Regular water. Zones 6-9
MOPHEAD. This variety leafs out in early spring to cover itself with large mophead clusters of blue flowers.

By: Greer Gardens Inc.

Large BLUE mophead flowers, vigorous plant.

Gardening facts about Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue' plant

How to Grow Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • seaside / salt tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • blue
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
  • Texture

    • glossy
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