Elizabeth Ashley™ Bigleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea macropyhlla 'Hokomarore'

Nature Hills Nursery

Reblooming Elizabeth Ashley Hydrangea Produces Stunning Taffy Pink or Soft Blue Mopheads All Summer
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Showy Blue, Pink Blooms From Early Summer to Early Fall
Perfect for Hedge or Foundation Planting
Stunning Purple Fall Foliage

$88⁰⁸

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Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This hydrangea thrives in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade, aiming for about 4 hours of direct light. Too much hot afternoon sun will scorch the leaves, while deep shade will result in fewer of those iconic pink and blue blooms.
Soil: Aim for rich, well-draining soil that holds onto moisture without becoming a swamp. If you have heavy clay, mix in some organic compost to improve drainage, or consider planting in a raised mound to keep the roots from sitting in standing water.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water your hydrangea deeply two to three times a week to help the root system reach deep into the soil. Once established, these plants are more resilient, but they still need consistent moisture to prevent the flowers from wilting or browning at the edges. If you notice the leaves drooping on a hot afternoon, it is a sign the plant is thirsty and needs a slow soak at the base.

Pruning Tips

The Elizabeth Ashley™ Bigleaf Hydrangea is unique because it is a reblooming variety that flowers on both old wood and new wood. To get the best results, only prune in the early spring by removing dead or damaged canes to make room for fresh growth. Avoid heavy pruning in the fall or winter because you might accidentally cut off the buds that are already set for next summer's first flush of flowers.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as the new leaves begin to unfurl. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this encourages soft green growth that will not have time to harden off before the first frost. If you want to influence the bloom color, use aluminum sulfate for blue tones or garden lime for pinker shades, making sure the soil pH is adjusted gradually.

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, Flowering, Attracts pollinators, Container Friendly
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	2-4 ft
Width	2-4 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Compact
Blooms In	Summer, Fall
Flower Color	Blue, Pink
Foliage Color	Green
Fragrant	Yes
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Hydrangea
Botanical Name	Hydrangea macropyhlla 'Hokomarore'
Species	macropyhlla
Cultivar	Hokomarore
Class	Magnoliopsida, Cornales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Lovely Memorial & Glorious Blooms Elizabeth Ashley™ Hydrangea!

Taffy Pink or Soft Blue Depending on Soil pH
Perfect Symmetrical Mopheads
Flowers Ranging Maroon or Blue in Acid Soil
Smaller, Compact & Reblooming
Easy Care & Low Maintenance
Upright Strong Stems
Fresh or Dried Floral Decor
Full Sun to Part Shade
Blooms All Summer Until Fall
Wonderful Gift & Memorial Plant
Deer Rarely Bother It

The loss of a loved one is devastating, especially when it is a senseless tragedy. The loss of that bright light and cheer. Elizabeth Ashley Hoke was just that loss for one family and they turned their grief into a fitting memorial. One that can grow in your garden, so Elizabeth's memory can live on.

The Elizabeth Ashley™ Hydrangea PP# 31264 (Hydrangea macropyhlla 'Hokomarore') has perfectly shaped, uniform blooms on a small compact plant that are bright pink with lighter edges. The deep-green foliage with textural, toothy edges is dense and compact.

Ranging in color, the billowy flowers in deep pink to maroon to true blues, change depending on your soil pH. The flower buds are exquisite reblooming until fall.

Dwarf-sized for even the smallest garden or container, Bigleaf Hydrangea such as this will brighten your garden just as Elizabeth brightened everyone's lives.

How to Use Elizabeth Ashley™ Hydrangea In The Landscape

A lovely 3-foot-sized shrub, Elizabeth Ashley™ Hydrangea is proportionality shaped to be an accent and specimen plant in your garden or favorite urn.

Intersperse among mixed-shrub borders to add cheery color and formal symmetry to rows, and along pathways, and as a welcome pair greet your visitors by flanking your entry with lively blooms.

Try creating a focal point planting in your garden by clustering these in a grouping of 3 or more for a stand-out accent! Seating areas, birdbaths, outdoor sculptures, and planters become the main features with a skirting of these around their base.

Elizabeth Ashley™'s perfect billowy flowers in taffy pink, are a lovely gift plant to brighten someone's day or to memorialize your own loved one.

#ProPlantTips For Care

Elizabeth Ashley™ grows best in full sun for the strongest growth and best color, though appreciates some afternoon shade during the worst of the summer's heat or when planted in the warmer of its preferred growing zones. Grow them in rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter and supply a moderate amount of water on a regular schedule.

This Bigleaf Hydrangea can tolerate very cold winter conditions in USDA zones 5 through 9. Hydrangea are not particular about soil type however, Hydrangea does like evenly moist soils for best performance. Add a 3-4 inch layer of mulch to help maintain the soil moisture.

Hydrangeas bloom earlier on last year's wood so don't cut them back in fall or spring - but wait to see if any pruning needs to be done to remove any dead branch tips as they begin to grow in spring. As the plants age, it is best to remove a few of the oldest fattest canes out to the ground leaving in some younger stems for best bloom. Old blooms can be removed in fall or spring.

It is difficult to lose someone special in your life, but their memories will never fade. Let the Elizabeth Ashley™ Hydrangea bring cheer and joy to your garden just as her namesake did to her family and friends. Nature Hills is honored to offer this touching tribute, so call to order yours for someone special today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How large does the Elizabeth Ashley™ Bigleaf Hydrangea grow at maturity?

The Elizabeth Ashley™ Bigleaf Hydrangea reaches 3 feet tall and wide at maturity, making it a compact dwarf variety. Its smaller size makes it perfect for containers, small gardens, or as an accent plant in mixed borders.

How often should I water my Elizabeth Ashley™ Bigleaf Hydrangea, and how much?

Water Elizabeth Ashley™ Bigleaf Hydrangea deeply once or twice weekly during growing season, providing about 1 inch total. This compact 3-foot shrub needs consistent moisture for best blooms through fall. Check soil 2 inches down and water when dry.

When is the best time to prune Elizabeth Ashley™ Bigleaf Hydrangea?

Prune Elizabeth Ashley™ Bigleaf Hydrangea in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Since this variety reblooms on both old and new wood, avoid heavy pruning that removes flower buds. Simply deadhead spent blooms and remove any dead or damaged stems to maintain its compact 3-foot shape.

Is Elizabeth Ashley™ Bigleaf Hydrangea cold hardy in zone 5 winters?

Elizabeth Ashley™ Bigleaf Hydrangea is hardy in zones 5-9, making it suitable for zone 5 winters. Like most bigleaf hydrangeas, it may experience some winter dieback in colder zone 5 areas but will rebloom reliably since it flowers on new wood. Provide some winter protection with mulch around the base.

How do I plant Elizabeth Ashley™ Bigleaf Hydrangea, including spacing and depth?

Plant Elizabeth Ashley™ Hydrangea at the same depth as the container, spacing 3-4 feet apart to accommodate its compact 3-foot mature size. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and backfill with native soil. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch around the base.