Endless Summer® The Original Bigleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bailmer'

Endless Summer®

Blooms All Summer Long on Both Old and New Wood - the Original Reblooming Hydrangea Endless Summer
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-9
Grows 5 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Blue, Pink Blooms From Early Summer to Early Fall
Great Choice for Privacy Screen or Hedge

$65¹⁰

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Plant Size

#2 Container #3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in warmer zones, to prevent the large leaves from wilting in the heat. While they can handle full sun in cooler northern climates, they need at least 4 to 6 hours of direct light to produce the most abundant blooms.
Soil: Plant in rich, well-drained soil that stays consistently moist but never soggy. If you have specific color goals, remember that acidic soil (low pH) produces blue flowers, while alkaline soil (high pH) results in pink blooms.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, checking new plantings daily until their roots establish. Because bigleaf hydrangeas have large surface areas that lose moisture quickly, they are not drought-tolerant and will wilt dramatically if the soil dries out completely. A layer of mulch is essential to help retain soil moisture and keep the roots cool during summer heat.

Pruning Tips

Since this variety blooms on both old and new wood, avoid heavy pruning in the fall or you risk cutting off the buds set for early summer flowers. Wait until you see new green growth emerging in the spring, then simply snip off any dead tips down to the first set of healthy, live buds. This gentle cleanup preserves the early blooms on old wood while allowing the plant to push new growth for a second flush of flowers later in the season.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a granular, slow-release fertilizer formulated for blooming shrubs in early spring just as new leaves begin to unfurl. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which encourage lush foliage at the expense of flowers, and stop feeding by mid-August to allow the plant to harden off before winter.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Disease resistant, Flowering
Hardiness Zone	6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
Sunlight	Partial shade, Full sun
Height	5 ft
Width	5 ft
Watering Needs	High
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Upright
Blooms In	Fall, Summer
Flower Color	Blue, Pink
Foliage Color	Green
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Plant Name	Hydrangea
Botanical Name	Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bailmer'
Species	macrophylla
Cultivar	Bailmer
Class	Magnoliopsida, Cornales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Astonishing The Endless Summer® The Original Bigleaf Hydrangea

Game-Changing Selection Produces Blooms All Summer Long
Outstanding Reblooming Hydrangea
Flowers on Both Old and New Wood
Super Showy, Popular Flowering Landscape Plant
Incredible Pink Flowers Turn Blue When Grown in Acidic Soils
Cold Hardy

Love flowers? Try the Endless Summer® The Original Bigleaf Hydrangea PP 15,298 (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bailmer') as an outstanding ornamental shrub. This is the game-changing Hydrangea that really raised the bar for reblooming Hydrangeas.

It produces flower buds on both old wood left standing from the year before, and on new wood grown from the base this year. Simply put, this shrub just blooms its head off for you all summer long! It's a flower factory!

And what blooms! Eight-inch round, mop-head type flowers look so full and heavy you'll wonder at the plant's ability to support them. Don't worry, the stems are strong!

This deciduous shrub has a rounded growth habit. Long, dark green leaves are the perfect backdrop for its showy flowers. The blooms are clear pink in alkaline soils with higher pH and turn a rich, sapphire blue if planted in acidic soils with lower pH levels.

Just as the name implies, the repeating blooming nature of The Original Endless Summer® Hydrangea will provide an "endless summer" of Hydrangea blooms for your garden from spring to fall. It's certainly a Hydrangea that you won't want to miss.

Order for your garden today!

How to Use The Original Endless Summer® Hydrangea in the Landscape

This wonderfully showy, smaller landscape plant has gained the respect of landscape architects over a wide range of hardiness zones. Large rounded flowers begin blooming in late spring and continue to be showy right into winter.

Use The Original Endless Summer® Hydrangeas as lovely foundation plants. They look wonderful when flanking either side of a front entrance.

They are amazing when repeated across the middle of your mixed shrub borders. Include them in your perennial gardens to add bold texture and bright color all season long.

You can also plant them in large containers. Decorate your entryway, use it on the pool deck or patio, or move them around anywhere you need a pop of color. They'll give you armloads of blooms for cut flower arrangements, too.

Try planting The Original Endless Summer® Hydrangeas as smaller informal hedges for a phenomenal look. Use along a walkway or fence to easily boost the charm!

For a tight, solid hedge, plant them 2 - 3 feet apart on center. Measure from the center of one to the center of the next. You can also stagger the planting for a larger impact. Use a double row, planted in a zig-zagging pattern.

Take that concept a step further by creating a colorful mass planting to cover a wide, open area. Zig-zag the planting pattern and keep the bed weeded until the plants grow together. A simple trim in late winter is a small task to pay for the incredible show they put on.

Mix things up with other Hydrangea varieties! Try another mophead Summer Crush® Hydrangea or the radiant Blushing Bride Hydrangea! The soil pH will give you a vibrant range of pink flowers or blue blooms for you to enjoy! Or Twist-n-Shout® Hydrangea for Lacecap blossoms in pink or blue. Or try Limelight Hydrangea for steady lemon-lime blooms regardless of pH!

#ProPlantTips for Care

Growing in USDA zones 4 through 9, the Original Endless Summer® Hydrangea is a nice size shrub with showy, rounded mop head flowers when grown with a few simple requirements.

It grows best with morning sun access to dry the leaves. Planted in well-drained, slightly acidic and evenly moist soil. For the best display of leaf and flower color, give them an even amount of water regularly each week. Dry spells will cause leaf and flower browning.

In warmer climates, please select your planting site carefully to protect plants from the extremely hot afternoon sun. In the warmest summers, full sun in the afternoon might scorch these pretty plants.

The east side of a building or fence is usually a good option. Or, give them a spot where they will receive partial shade from a larger tree.

Each year, just as they start growing, trim the old flower heads back to healthy buds along that stem and any broken or damaged branches.

Be patient with The Original Endless Summer® Hydrangeas in early spring. They do require warmer soil and air temperatures to start growing.

The bloom color will depend on soil conditions. Test the pH level of your soil.

Want pink blooms? Add lime following directions to increase alkalinity.

Want blue flowers? Add Sulphur to slowly drop the acidity and use Dr. Earth Acid Lovers Organic and Natural Premium Fertilizer in early spring and around the 4th of July. Use pine bark mulch which will slowly break down and help increase soil acidity.

In Zones 4 and 5, provide extra mulch late in the fall. Just dump it right on top of the stems, like you do your Rose bushes. As the plants start to wake up in the spring, carefully pull the mulch away from the stems.

You'll love the outstanding ornamental value and disease resistance from these game-changing gorgeous blooming Hydrangea bushes. Yes, they really do keep producing flower buds all summer long.

Just look at your summer pictures! You'll see the blooms covering these hardy plants all season long. They bloomed all summer to decorate your yard.

Get started with The Original Endless Summer® Bigleaf Hydrangeas. Order today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Endless Summer® The Original Bigleaf Hydrangea rated for?

Endless Summer® The Original Bigleaf Hydrangea is hardy in USDA zones 4-9. This cold-hardy selection can withstand harsh winters while still producing blooms on both old and new wood. Plant in spring after your last frost date for best establishment.

How tall and wide does Endless Summer® The Original Bigleaf Hydrangea grow at maturity?

The Original Endless Summer® Hydrangea reaches 3-5 feet tall and wide at maturity. This compact size makes it perfect for foundation plantings or mixed borders where you want substantial flower power without overwhelming nearby plants. Shop at Nature Hills for this reliable rebloomer.

What are the planting requirements for Endless Summer® The Original Bigleaf Hydrangea, including sun exposure and soil type?

Endless Summer® The Original thrives in partial shade to morning sun with well-draining soil. Plant in alkaline soil for pink blooms or acidic soil for blue flowers. Ensure consistent moisture but avoid waterlogged conditions for best flowering performance.

How do I care for Endless Summer® The Original Bigleaf Hydrangea, especially watering needs?

Water consistently to keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, as hydrangeas prefer steady moisture levels. These hardy shrubs benefit from deep watering 1-2 times weekly rather than frequent shallow watering. Apply mulch around the base to retain moisture and water early morning to reduce leaf diseases.

When and how should I prune Endless Summer® The Original Bigleaf Hydrangea, particularly in snowy or cold areas?

Prune Endless Summer® hydrangeas in late winter or early spring, removing only dead or damaged wood since they bloom on both old and new growth. In cold areas, leave stems standing through winter for protection and cold hardiness. Light pruning maintains the best flower production on this reblooming variety available at naturehills.com.