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Nikko Blue Bigleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue'

Regular price $1295
  • Out of stock
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Delivery and Shipping

Shipping

To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.

 

Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.

*If you have found your zone already, it will be highlighted in the table below.

Standard Shipping Rates

At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.

From To S&H
$0 $19.99 $24.99
$20 $49.99 $29.99
$50 $69.99 $34.99
$70 $99.99 $39.99
$100 $129.99 $44.99
$130 $149.99 $48.99
$150 $150+ Approx 28%

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Plant Highlights

Nikko Blue Bigleaf Hydrangea highlights at a glance!

Specifications

  • Brand
    Nature Hills' Choice
  • Botanical Name
    Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue'
  • Growing Zones
    6-9
  • Mature Height
    4 - 6 feet
  • Mature Spread
    4 - 6 feet
  • Sun Exposure
    Full Sun, Partial Shade
  • Moisture
    Moderate
  • Soil
    Well Drained
  • Growth Rate
    Medium
  • Flower Color
    True Blue
  • Pollinator Friendly
    Yes
  • Pruning Time
    Early Spring
  • Bloom Period
    Summer, Fall

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!

Customer Reviews

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M
Mackbeth
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

O
Over
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

O
Over
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

P
Pam
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

P
Pam
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