Nikko Blue Bigleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue'

$34⁷⁵

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Understanding Plant Options

Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:

Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements

Container Plant Sizes

Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.

Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2" x 2" x 3"	0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts	0.20 - 0.23 dry liters
4" Container	0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts	0.35 - 0.96 dry liters
4.5" Container	0.65 dry quarts	0.72 dry liters
6" Container	1.4 dry quarts	1.59 dry liters
1 Quart	1 dry quart	1.1 dry liters
5.5" Container	1.89 dry quarts	2.08 dry liters

Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
2 Quart	2 dry quarts	2.2 dry liters
#1 Container	2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts	2.49 - 4.11 dry liters
5" x 5" x 12"	3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts	3.85 - 4.74 dry liters

Mature Plants (2-4 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#2 Container	1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons	5.24 - 7.75 dry liters
#3 Container	2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons	8.14 - 12.16 dry liters

Large Plants (3-5 years old)

Container Size	Actual Volume	Metric Equivalent
#5 Container	2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons	12.86 - 20.35 dry liters
#6 Container	5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons	23.12 - 26.42 dry liters
#7 Container	5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons	26.34 - 28.76 dry liters

Bare Root Plants

Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.

Common Sizes:

Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet

Important Notes

Container Volume Specifications

Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents

Growing Conditions

Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment

Seasonal Availability

Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
Container plants are available throughout the growing season
Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes

Questions?

For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.

Plant Profile & Growing Essentials

Cold hardy, Flowering, Hedge/Screen, Attracts pollinators, Container Friendly, and Drought resistant

Specifications

Botanical Name

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue'
Height

4-6 ft
Width

4-6 ft
Growing Zones

6-9
Sunlight
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color
- Blue
Leaf Color
- Green
Pollinator Friendly

Yes
Bloom Period

Early Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Late Fall

Planting & Care Instructions

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Provide 4 to 6 hours of morning sun with protection from the harsh afternoon heat. While this hydrangea grows well in partial shade, too much shade can lead to leggy stems and fewer flower clusters.
Soil: Use rich, well drained soil that is high in organic matter to mimic a forest floor. If you have sandy soil, mix in compost to help it hold onto the moisture these plants crave.

Watering Requirements

New plants need deep watering three times a week during their first year to establish a resilient root system. Mature Nikko Blues require consistent moisture, so aim to keep the soil feeling like a wrung out sponge. If the soil dries out too much, the large leaves will wilt quickly and the blooms will turn brown around the edges.

Pruning Tips

This variety blooms on old wood, which means the buds for next year are set shortly after the current flowers fade. Only prune immediately after the blooming period ends by cutting stems back to a pair of healthy buds. Avoid pruning in late winter or early spring, or you will accidentally cut off all of the upcoming season's flowers.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as the first green leaves appear. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers after mid summer because this triggers soft, new growth that cannot harden off before the first frost. Using an acidic fertilizer can also help maintain the signature deep blue color of the petals.

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Growing Zones 6-9

Find Your Growing Zone!

True blue is a challenging color to find in a low-maintenance plant, much less one that comes back year after year. Then to find one that thrives in your shade garden? It may seem almost impossible. But along comes the Nikko Blue Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue') and this shrub is the standard for blue flowers in your shade garden!

The white pompoms form in summer and soon transform into a solid blue as the plant matures. The mophead can grow up to 6 inches long, and as the blooms age, they change colors as they do while remaining on the plant until they dry and become a winter interest.

Nikko Blue is a fabulous bigleaf type and pH-sensitive type of Hydrangea, so it will be blue in acidic soils. Adding peat or aluminum sulfate to keep your soil lower in pH. But like all classic Hydrangeas, the flowers will lean toward lavender or even pink if the soil is less acidic.

Planting and Application:

It only takes a few of these beauties to fill up a bed. They quickly grow to 6 feet high and just as wide every year. They make great statement plants in your front yard under trees. They also thrive as foundation plants or backing up a classic cottage border. Use as foundation plants or hedges, backdrops to the garden or create lovely screening around seating areas.

A single specimen among your cottage garden or mixed shrub border adds a pop of color in the shade, while a pair of sentries on either side of your front entry stairs, or astride your driveway are a welcoming sight! A ring of these around your patio table will ensure you have guests joining you for dinner all summer long. Don't forget about the armloads of blooms you'll be bringing into your home, too! One flowerhead can fill a vase!

Large Flowers Perfect for Cutting
Blooms for Months!
Mid-Sized Deciduous Compact Shrub
Great Foundation or Border Plantings
Best-Selling Hydrangea

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Hydrangea shrubs need partial sun or part shade, favoring afternoon shade in the hotter climates for best results. Plant in well-drained and highly organically enriched soil. If poor drainage is at all suspected, mound up the soil to raise the root system above the water line and plant into that mound. Top off with a 3-4 inch layer of arborist mulch chips. Prune back the old blooms in early spring removing any old or dead wood, but leaving nice viable stems for best flower production. Some like to remove the oldest flowering stems to the ground leaving the younger stems in place to bloom in the current growing season.

Partial Shade
Well-Drained Soil
Organically Enriched Site
Deadhead Often & Prune Immediately After Flowering
Blue or Pink According to pH

This is our most popular and best-selling Blue Bigleaf Hydrangea and Nikko is sure to sell out, so don't be left without this in your garden for another year. Buy now from NatureHills.com before this classic beauty is gone!

Beautiful Dried

I grew up in Connecticut, and the woman across the street had all colors of Hydrangea in front of her victorian home. They also made beautiful dried arrangments that kept their color.

Hello Mackbeth,

Thank you so much for sharing your lovely memory and kind feedback about the Nikko Blue Bigleaf Hydrangea! It’s wonderful to hear how hydrangeas bring back such nostalgic images of the Victorian homes in Connecticut—a truly timeless and charming plant indeed.

If you’re interested in making your own beautiful dried arrangements like your neighbor did, before the flowers fully wilt, try harvesting the blooms when they start to fade but are still vibrant. Hanging them upside down in a cool, dry, and dark place helps preserve their stunning hues. You can also gently mist the formations with a floral sealant spray to hold the color longer.

If you'd like, we’d be happy to send more tips or recommend hardy hydrangea varieties that lend themselves well to drying and long-lasting displays. Feel free to reach out anytime!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Flowering plant

Waited a couple of years but I got my blue flowers after you told me how. Thanks

Dear Over the Hill,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with your Nikko Blue Bigleaf Hydrangea! We're thrilled to hear that your patience and care were rewarded with those beautiful blue flowers after following our guidance. Hydrangeas can be a bit particular, especially when it comes to soil conditions and watering, so kudos to you for nurturing it over the years.

If you ever want to keep those blooms vivid and healthy, remember that maintaining slightly acidic soil pH (around 5.2 to 5.5) and consistent moisture is key. We’re always here if you’d like more tips or have questions when caring for your hydrangeas or other garden gems.

Thank you again for trusting Nature Hills to be part of your gardening journey—we’re excited to see what you grow next!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Flowering plant

Waited a couple of years but I got my blue flowers after you told me how. Thanks

Dear Over H.,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with your Nikko Blue Bigleaf Hydrangea! We’re truly delighted to hear that after patiently waiting a couple of years, you’re now enjoying those beautiful blue blossoms. Your dedication and care surely made all the difference.

If ever you want to keep your hydrangea thriving, remember that maintaining slightly acidic soil and providing consistent moisture will encourage those vibrant blues year after year. Should you need any tips on pruning or winter care, we’re always here to help!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Third time buying from these guys

I haven't had a bad experience. The hydrangeas came in great shape. Thank you!

Dear Pam,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with us! We’re thrilled to hear that your Nikko Blue Bigleaf Hydrangeas arrived in great shape once again—it truly means a lot to have such a loyal plant lover come back to Nature Hills. Hydrangeas are such a rewarding choice, blooming beautifully with proper care. If you ever want timely tips to keep your Bigleaf Hydrangeas thriving through the seasons, please don't hesitate to reach out. We’re always here with guidance on watering, pruning, or fertilizing to help your garden flourish.

Thanks again for trusting us with your garden dreams!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Third time buying from these guys

I haven't had a bad experience. The hydrangeas came in great shape. Thank you!

Dear Pam,

Thank you so much for being a loyal customer and returning to us for your Nikko Blue Bigleaf Hydrangeas! We're thrilled to hear that your plants arrived in great condition once again. Your consistent trust means the world to us, and it’s wonderful to know our care in packaging and shipping is shining through.

If you ever want tips to keep your hydrangeas thriving through Florida’s unique climate—like ensuring good drainage and morning sun exposure—we’re always here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out or explore our blog for seasonal care advice tailored to your region.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

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Under $50	$9.99
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$199+	FREE

Nikko Blue Bigleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue'

Plant Sentry™

Delivery and Shipping

Specifications