Azure Skies™ Bigleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla 'COF HM1’

Nature Hills Nursery

Stunning Azure Blue Blooms with Sturdy, Non-Flopping Stems for Season-Long Color
Thrives in Zones 5-8
Grows 3-5 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Blue, Pink Blooms From Early Summer to Early Fall
Perfect for Privacy Screen or Hedge

$88⁰⁸

Shipping calculated at checkout.

In Stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Find your Growing Zone

Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Azure Skies™ thrives in morning sun with protection from harsh afternoon rays. Aim for four to six hours of direct morning sunlight; too much late-day heat can cause the large leaves to wilt and may bleach the sky-blue flower color.
Soil: These hydrangeas prefer rich, loamy soil that stays consistently moist but never swampy. If you have heavy clay, mix in organic compost to improve drainage, or plant in a slight mound to keep the crown away from standing water.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, provide about one inch of water per week to ensure the root system anchors deeply. Once established, this hydrangea is moderately drought-tolerant, but inconsistent moisture will lead to smaller flower clusters and crispy leaf edges. You should increase watering frequency during mid-summer heat waves to maintain the turgidity of the stems and the vibrancy of the blooms.

Pruning Tips

Because this variety blooms on "old wood" produced the previous year, you should only prune immediately after the flowers fade in late summer. Avoid cutting stems back in late fall or early spring, as you will remove the dormant flower buds and lose your color for the season. Think of pruning like a light thinning; remove dead or crossing branches to improve airflow and keep the center of the shrub healthy.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins to emerge. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because they stimulate tender new growth that cannot harden off before the first frost. If you want to maintain the specific azure blue color, ensure your soil pH remains acidic by applying aluminum sulfate or a soil acidifier according to the package directions.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

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

Introducing to you the one and only Azure Skies™ Bigleaf Hydrangea bush (Hydrangea macrophylla 'COF HM1'). If you haven't guessed, it has big leaves and even bigger blooms! These flowers are known for making excellent cut flowers that are long-lasting! Who doesn't love a big blue Hydrangea?

These bloom in the early summer and again in late summer. You can expect these rounded mophead flowers all season long. Hydrangea bushes are extremely popular, maybe even the most popular bush! Their striking good looks and heavy blooms are the reason for this! Sturdy stems resist flopping and handsome foliage is quilted and toothy. Overall, these are highly ornamental flowering bushes for almost any landscaping project!

Like we said before, these strong and large flowers create a gorgeous cut flower. People love decorating their homes or desks with this pretty flower. An interesting aspect of this Bigleaf Hydrangea is the flower color. You can basically decide what you want! If you want a blue flower, plant them in acidic soils. If you want a fun pink flower, plant in a higher pH! Isn't that fun! Which will you choose? Pink or Blue Hydrangea?

Planting and Application:

This Bigleaf Hydrangea is most commonly used for hedges, mixed borders, cutting gardens, and as a backdrop to your perennial border. The size of this Hydrangea bush varies depending on your climate. Usually, this plant is around 5-6 feet tall but can be maintained smaller. There are endless possibilities!

Hedges, privacy and screening, rows along your property edges or along your home's foundation! Plant staggered rows as backdrops along garden beds and borders, or just have fun and plant clusters for bird-friendly mass plantings! The color is enough to be a fantastic focal point and they are tidy sentries for placing on either side of a set of stairs or astride your driveway!

Blue or Pink Depending on pH
Big Mophead Flower Clusters
Dark Green Foliage & Yellow Fall Color
Mid-Sized Compact Shrub
Hedge, Cut Flower, Specimen & Large Planter

#ProPlantTips for Care

Hydrangea care is simple and easy. You'll look like a gardening pro! The Azure Skies™ Bigleaf Hydrangea thrives in zones 5-8. Need to find your hardiness zone? Use our map to locate yours! Have a shady corner in your yard that only gets light a few hours a day? Perfect! This Hydrangea will love this spot. They thrive in partly shaded locations! Plant your new bush in well-drained soil. This is preferred among most plants as it will hold enough moisture, but not keep too much to where your roots will drown.

Part Shade/Partial Sun
Consistently Moist Well-Drained Soil
Prune Bigleaf Hydrangea After Flowering
Blooms on New Wood
Highly Adaptable Hardy & Carefree Once Established

Azure Skies™ Bigleaf Hydrangea is not going to remain in stock for long! Hurry and order this unique blue flowering ornamental from the Hydrangea experts at NatureHills.com!

Botanical Name

Hydrangea macrophylla 'COF HM1’
Class

Magnoliopsida, Cornales
Species

macrophylla
Cultivar

COF HM1
Growing Zones

5-8
Height

3-5 ft
Width

3-5 ft
Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade
Growth Rate

Moderate
Flower Color

Blue, Pink
Leaf Color

Green
Fall Color

Yellow
Bloom Period

Early Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall
Does Not Ship To

AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
Plant Sentry™

Compliant guaranteed
Easy returns

Hassle free returns policy
Live Chat

Talk to a real person

Growing Zones 5-8

Find Your Growing Zone!

Frequently Asked Questions

When are hydrangeas in season?

Hydrangeas bloom in early summer and again in late summer, providing flowers throughout the growing season. The Azure Skies™ variety produces large mophead clusters that make excellent long-lasting cut flowers. Plant in spring for blooms the same year.

What USDA hardiness zones is the Azure Skies™ Bigleaf Hydrangea suitable for?

Azure Skies™ Bigleaf Hydrangea thrives in USDA zones 6-9. This variety performs best in areas with moderate winters, as bigleaf hydrangeas can suffer dieback in harsh cold. Shop at Nature Hills to ensure you're getting a properly sourced plant for your zone.

How often should I water my Azure Skies™ Bigleaf Hydrangea?

Water Azure Skies™ Bigleaf Hydrangea deeply once or twice weekly, providing about 1 inch of water total. These shrubs need consistent moisture, especially during their early and late summer bloom periods. Check soil moisture 2 inches down and water when dry.

Is Azure Skies™ Bigleaf Hydrangea deer resistant?

Azure Skies™ Bigleaf Hydrangea is not deer resistant, as deer typically browse on hydrangeas when other food sources are scarce. The large, tender leaves and showy blooms are particularly appealing to deer. Protect your plants with deer repellent spray or fencing, especially during establishment.

Which plants pair well with Azure Skies™ in a garden design?

Azure Skies™ pairs beautifully with hostas, ferns, and astilbe in shade gardens, or with lavender and ornamental grasses in mixed borders. Its 5-6 foot height makes it perfect as a backdrop to shorter perennials. Plant with companions that appreciate similar moisture levels for best results when you shop at Nature Hills.

Should I prune Azure Skies™ and if so, when is the best time?

Prune Azure Skies™ in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Since this variety blooms on both old and new wood, avoid heavy pruning to preserve early summer flowers. Remove only dead or damaged wood and lightly shape as needed to maintain the 5-6 foot size.

What color are the blooms and do they change color based on soil pH?

The blooms change from blue in acidic soil to pink in alkaline soil, giving you control over the flower color. This pH-dependent color shift is a unique feature of bigleaf hydrangeas. Test your soil pH and amend accordingly to achieve your desired bloom color.

What are the most common diseases or pest problems with this variety?

Bigleaf hydrangeas are generally pest-resistant but can face aphids, spider mites, and occasional powdery mildew in humid conditions. Their sturdy stems and robust nature make them less susceptible than other hydrangea varieties. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.