Overview
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Blue Billow' (L) is a shrub shrubs in the genus Hydrangea, part of the Hydrangeaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hydrangea macrophylla 'Blue Billow' (L) grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and clay soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1a. Suggested uses include borders and containers.
About
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Blue Billow' is a deciduous shrub cultivar of the Hydrangea genus, known for its clustered flowers that combine smaller fertile blooms with larger ornamental ones. It thrives in moist but well-drained, fertile soil, tolerating a range of soil types and pH levels, and prefers partial shade to full sun exposure. Suitable for borders and containers, this cultivar benefits from annual mulching with well-rotted organic matter. It is hardy to UK zone H1a and offers interest during the summer and autumn seasons.
About the genus
Hydrangea is a genus of more than 70 species of flowering plants native to Asia and the Americas. Hydrangea is also used as the common name for the genus; some are also often called hortensia. The genus was first described from Virginia in North America, but by far the greatest species diversity is in eastern Asia, notably China, Korea, and Japan.
Wikipedia contributors, "Hydrangea", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hydrangea
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hydrangea
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acidic, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered, Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H1a
Plant details
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Blue Billow' (L) size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Shrub
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Containers
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hydrangea macrophylla 'Blue Billow' (L)
- Propagation
- Cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-resistant
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-resistant
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Hydrangea macrophylla 'Blue Billow' (L)?
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Blue Billow' (L) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered and exposed positions.
What soil does Hydrangea macrophylla 'Blue Billow' (L) need?
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Blue Billow' (L) grows best in loam and clay soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Hydrangea macrophylla 'Blue Billow' (L) hardy in the UK?
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Blue Billow' (L) has an RHS hardiness rating of H1a, meaning it needs tropical warmth above 15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Hydrangea macrophylla 'Blue Billow' (L)?
Cuttings.
More in the Hydrangea genus
- Hydrangea longifolia
- Hydrangea macrophylla 'Frau Katsuko' (Lady Series) (H)Bigleaf Hydrangea
- Hydrangea macrophylla 'Oregon Pride' (H)Bigleaf Hydrangea
- Hydrangea macrophylla 'Rosewarne Lace' (L)Bigleaf Hydrangea
- Hydrangea macrophylla 'Rotkehlchen' (Teller Series) (L)Bigleaf Hydrangea
- Hydrangea macrophylla 'Sweet Verena'PBR (H)Bigleaf Hydrangea
- Hydrangea macrophylla Chocolate Ever Belles ('Hokomachoko'PBR) (H)Bigleaf Hydrangea
- Hydrangea macrophylla Hi River ('Hiriv'PBR) (H)Bigleaf Hydrangea