Bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Forever Pink')
Enjoy season-long color with Hydrangea macrophylla 'Forever Pink'. This Bigleaf hydrangea offers reliable summer blooms in Zones 6-9.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Forever Pink’ is a highly valued compact deciduous shrub known for its reliable, long-lasting summer color. As a mophead-type Bigleaf hydrangea cultivar, it quickly becomes the star of the summer garden, providing large, globe-shaped flower clusters often measuring 4-5 inches across. This specific variety develops lustrous, medium green foliage that complements its vibrant blooms.
Gardeners prize Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Forever Pink’ for its manageable size, typically staying around 3 feet tall and wide, making it perfect for smaller spaces or foundation plantings. Beyond aesthetics, it offers the fascinating characteristic of color-changing flowers influenced by soil chemistry, demanding slightly more attention to soil amendments than some other shrubs.
This robust Bigleaf hydrangea thrives in part shade and provides consistent performance across USDA Zones 6 through 9. When properly sited and cared for, Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Forever Pink’ delivers up to two months of striking color starting in June, providing excellent structure and focal points throughout the warmer months.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Hydrangeaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2.5-3 ft
- Spread: 2.5-3 ft
- Bloom Time: June to August
- Bloom Description: Pink to blue, varying with soil pH
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Plant Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Forever Pink’ in rich, well-drained soil supplemented with organic matter. They require medium moisture levels consistently, tolerating full summer sun only if you can ensure the soil remains consistently moist. Ideal placement is in partial shade; too much intense afternoon sun can scorch the leaves, especially in hotter climates.
Watering should be regular, especially during dry spells, as this Bigleaf hydrangea dislikes drying out completely. Pruning is minimal for many gardeners. If pruning is necessary, perform it immediately after the flowers fade in summer by cutting stems back to a strong pair of lower buds. Remove any weak or winter-damaged wood in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Mulching is highly recommended for retaining soil moisture and moderating soil temperatures. Apply about 3 inches of shredded bark, compost, or peat mulch annually, keeping it away from the main stems. Gardeners in cooler areas (Zone 6) or Zone 5 should protect plants in winter, perhaps by siting them in sheltered spots or applying supplemental protection to safeguard flower buds from severe cold snaps that can diminish spring color.
Soil pH management is crucial for achieving desired colors. To encourage blue flowers, amend the soil with aluminum sulfate for highly acidic conditions. Conversely, adding lime shifts the soil toward alkalinity, resulting in pinker blooms. Remember to begin these soil treatments well before the growing season, such as in late fall or very early spring, for best results.
Landscape Uses
The compact stature and upright habit of Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Forever Pink’ make it exceptionally versatile in mixed plantings. It functions beautifully when grouped or massed within a shrub border, creating a solid block of color against taller structural plants. It also serves effectively as an accent specimen near home foundations, patios, or walkways where its rounded form can be appreciated up close.
Because of its reliable size and mophead structure, this Bigleaf hydrangea is an excellent choice for formal hedges where consistent height is desired. Furthermore, its manageable dimensions ensure it performs admirably when grown as a feature plant in large containers or patio pots, allowing gardeners to shift its placement to maximize seasonal impact.
For design synergy, pair Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Forever Pink’ with plants that share similar light and moisture requirements, such as woodland perennials like Hostas or Astilbes, or fine-textured evergreens that offer winter structure. The stiff stems of this cultivar help the blooms remain erect even after a rain shower, enhancing its utility in formal garden designs.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Hydrangea macrophylla, commonly called big leaf hydrangea, is a deciduous shrub with a rounded habit that, in the St. Louis area, typically grows 3-6’ tall and as wide unless damaged by harsh winters or pruned smaller. It generally features serrate, obovate to elliptic, dark green leaves (4-8” long) and large clusters of long-blooming summer flowers in either lacecap form (flattened flower clusters of small fertile florets with scattered showy sterile florets often forming a marginal ring) or mophead form (globose flower clusters of mostly showy sterile florets). Specific epithet comes from the Greek words makros meaning large and phyllon meaning leaf in reference to plant leaves. ‘Forever Pink’ is part of the hortensia or mophead group (large sterile florets arranged in globular or “mophead”-like panicles). It is a compact, deciduous shrub with a rounded habit which typically grows 3’ tall featuring clusters of pink or blue florets in large, rounded, 4-5” heads.
Tolerances
- None listed
Potential Problems
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Forever Pink’ can occasionally face aesthetic issues from a few specific diseases and pests. Gardeners should monitor for signs of bud blight, bacterial wilt, and leaf spot, which often signal high humidity or excessive moisture retention issues. Consistent good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent fungal issues like mildew.
Aphids are occasional visitors to new growth and flower buds. If an infestation occurs, treatment with insecticidal soap or a strong blast of water is usually sufficient to control the population. Overall maintenance for this Bigleaf hydrangea generally keeps most serious problems at bay when cultural requirements for soil drainage and watering are met.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Bigleaf hydrangea suitable for?
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Forever Pink’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9.
How large does Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Forever Pink’ grow?
This compact cultivar typically reaches a height and spread between 2.5 and 3 feet at maturity.
What sun exposure does Bigleaf hydrangea need?
This plant thrives best when exposed to part shade throughout the day.
When does Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Forever Pink’ bloom?
Blooming occurs reliably from June through August, featuring clusters that shift color from pink to blue based on soil pH.
Conclusion
The dependable, upright blooms and compact size make Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Forever Pink’ an essential addition to many garden spaces, adding strong textural and color components from early summer onward. Ensuring this Bigleaf hydrangea receives consistent moisture and appropriate light levels will reward you with exceptional flowering performance. Before planting, verify that your local growing conditions match USDA Zones 6-9 compatibility.
Companion Planting
Due to its preference for part shade and consistent moisture, the Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Forever Pink’ pairs well with other woodland-edge garden staples. Consider planting it alongside ferns, which provide fine, airy texture contrast to the shrub’s large leaves and mophead flowers. Shade-tolerant groundcovers like Vinca or Mondo Grass can help shade its roots, maintaining cooler soil temperatures crucial for nutrient absorption and water retention.
Another excellent pairing involves late-season bloomers if you want color variation as the hydrangea fades. Plants like Anemone or late-flowering Astilbes bloom once the Bigleaf hydrangea has finished its primary flush, ensuring continuous visual interest without competing dramatically for the same light resources during peak summer heat.
Seasonal Care Calendar
In early spring, selectively prune out any stems that appear damaged or brittle from winter exposure before flush of new growth begins. Apply a fresh layer of mulch (about 3 inches deep) around the base of your Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Forever Pink’ to aid in moisture regulation as temperatures climb.
Summer care centers almost entirely on hydration; deeply water the shrub whenever the top inch of soil begins to feel dry. If you are intentionally trying to shift the flower color, this is the time to check soil pH, though major amendments should ideally be processed by autumn. Immediately deadhead spent flower heads to encourage any potential secondary blooms.
As autumn approaches, begin preparations for winter protection, especially in colder zones. For Zone 6 gardeners, ensure the shrub is well-hydrated going into dormancy. Once leaves drop, if necessary, provide physical wind protection or wrapping for flower buds before the hardest freezes arrive.
