Bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Lemon Wave')
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Lemon Wave' is a unique Bigleaf hydrangea prized for variegated foliage and lacecap summer blooms in zones 6-9.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Lemon Wave’ offers a striking departure from standard green-leaved Bigleaf hydrangeas. This cultivar is highly valued for its unusual, variegated foliage, featuring leaves irregularly splashed with white, creamy yellow, and bright lemon yellow, providing season-long interest even before the flowers appear. As a lacecap variety, it produces flattened flower clusters consisting mostly of small fertile florets edged with showy sterile blooms. Gardeners must manage soil pH carefully, as this Bigleaf hydrangea cultivar displays blue flowers in acidic conditions and shifts to pink under alkaline conditions.
This deciduous shrub maintains a manageable, rounded habit, typically reaching 3 to 6 feet in height and width in suitable climates. It thrives when sited where it receives relief from the harshest afternoon sun, preferring part shade for optimal health. While generally hardy, protecting this Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Lemon Wave’ in its colder zones is crucial to ensure consistent summer flowering performance.
The visual impact of the variegated leaves combined with the long bloom period from July through August makes Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Lemon Wave’ an exceptional focal point or accent plant in the landscape. Proper soil culture, particularly concerning pH and consistent moisture, is key to unlocking the full potential of this beautiful Bigleaf hydrangea specimen.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Hydrangeaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 3-6 ft
- Spread: 3-6 ft
- Bloom Time: July to August
- Bloom Description: Blue (acid soils) to pink (alkaline soils)
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Plant Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Lemon Wave’ in the spring after the danger of frost has passed or in early autumn. Ensure the planting site offers rich, well-drained soil amended with plenty of organic matter. Bigleaf hydrangeas tolerate full sun only if the soil remains consistently moist throughout the growing season; otherwise, site them in spots that receive reliable afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch.
Watering demands are medium; aim for consistently moist, but not waterlogged, soil conditions. Mulching annually with about 3 inches of shredded bark or compost helps regulate soil temperature and retain necessary moisture, which is vital for flower bud development. Soil pH management is the most critical cultural task: incorporate aluminum sulfate well in advance (late autumn or early spring) to push color toward blue, or add lime to encourage pink blooms.
Pruning should be minimal. If cuts are necessary, perform them immediately after flowering concludes by trimming stems back to a pair of healthy buds. In late winter or early spring, only remove dead or weak stems. Gardeners in Zone 6 should provide added winter protection, such as siting in a sheltered spot, as harsh freezes can damage next year’s flower buds on this older wood.
Landscape Uses
The striking, variegated foliage of Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Lemon Wave’ makes it an ideal specimen plant near patios or entryways where its visual interest can be fully appreciated. It works exceptionally well as an accent shrub, drawing the eye with its brightness against darker green backdrops. Mass planting creates a stunning, dappled hedge effect that brightens shaded borders throughout the summer.
Consider pairing this Bigleaf hydrangea with plants that share similar moisture and light requirements. Hostas, ferns, and other woodland-edge perennials complement its texture and preference for dappled light. When using it near foundations, ensure adequate air circulation and space for its 3 to 6-foot mature spread.
For a contemporary look, plant Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Lemon Wave’ in large containers using high-quality potting mix, moving the pot to a slightly more sheltered location during severe winter months, especially in Zone 6. Its unique coloring ensures it acts as a permanent feature, even when not actively blooming.
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 or mophead form. ‘Lemon Wave’ is most noted for its unusual variegated foliage which features dark green, serrate, obovate to elliptic leaves (4-8” long) that are irregularly blotched with patches of white, creamy yellow and lemon yellow. It is part of the lacecap group and features flattened flower clusters (corymbs) consisting primarily of small fertile florets, with scattered, showy sterile florets which often form a marginal ring.
Tolerances
Potential Problems
Bigleaf hydrangeas like this Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Lemon Wave’ can occasionally face issues from common fungal diseases, including leaf spot and mildew, especially in humid or crowded conditions. Some susceptibility is noted for bud blight and bacterial wilt, which often signal underlying cultural stress or poor drainage. Aphids are sporadic visitors but rarely cause lasting damage. To manage potential problems, ensure excellent air movement by proper spacing and avoid overhead watering late in the day, which keeps foliage wet overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Bigleaf hydrangea suitable for?
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Lemon Wave’ is reliably hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9. Gardeners in Zone 5 should take extra precautions like mulching heavily or providing physical winter protection.
How large does Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Lemon Wave’ grow?
This cultivar generally matures to a height between 3 and 6 feet, with an equal spread of 3 to 6 feet, provided the stems are not severely damaged by winter weather.
What sun exposure does Bigleaf hydrangea need?
This plant performs best in part shade, receiving morning sun and protection from hot, intense afternoon light. It can handle more sun if the soil moisture is kept absolutely consistent.
When does Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Lemon Wave’ bloom?
Blooms typically appear from July to August, lasting for up to two months. The final color—blue or pink—depends entirely on the soil pH surrounding the plant.
Conclusion
The Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Lemon Wave’ stands out in the garden due to its highly decorative, variegated foliage that brightens shady spots all season long. Its lacecap flowers add subtle texture, while its color remains a fun, modifiable feature based on soil chemistry. Before planting this desirable Bigleaf hydrangea, ensure your site provides the necessary part shade and that you are prepared to maintain consistent medium moisture levels suitable for zones 6-9.
Companion Planting
Selecting appropriate companions is crucial for enhancing the aesthetic and cultural success of your Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Lemon Wave’. Look for shade-loving perennials that thrive in rich, moist soils, mirroring the needs of the hydrangea. Hostas are excellent partners, offering contrasting leaf textures and mounding shapes beneath the shrub’s canopy. Heuchera (Coral Bells) provide complementary shades, and Astilbe thrives in similar dappled light conditions while offering feathery flower spikes during the early summer.
Avoid planting shallow-rooted sun-lovers too closely, as they will compete aggressively for the consistent moisture that this Bigleaf hydrangea absolutely requires. Grouping plants with similar water needs simplifies your irrigation routine, ensuring the root zones of the Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Lemon Wave’ remain adequately hydrated throughout the heat of July and August.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring preparation focuses on awakening the plant and setting flower color. Begin by pruning out any dead or damaged wood immediately as new growth starts; this is the ideal time to amend the soil with aluminum sulfate or lime based on your desired flower hue. As temperatures rise, apply a fresh layer of mulch and begin consistent deep watering sessions to keep the root zone cool and damp.
Summer is the time for enjoyment and vigilance against wilting. Monitor moisture levels vigilantly, especially during dry spells, as this plant cannot tolerate drying out completely. Deadheading spent flowers is generally unnecessary for this lacecap type, but if you wish to tidy the appearance, use sterile tools.
Winterizing in Zones 6 requires preparation before the hard freeze. Avoid any late-season fertilization that encourages tender growth. If you are particularly concerned about flower bud loss, protect vulnerable stems with burlap wrapping after the leaves drop, though remember that winter success is never guaranteed for older wood bloomers.
