Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla
Also called Mophead, Lacecap and Bigleaf hydrangea
Garden plant · ShrubsIt wilts dramatically in an afternoon and recovers by morning. Water it for the SOIL, not for the drama.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Medium
- Water
- Every 2 daysWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Part shade — shelter from afternoon sun
- Feed
- Every 30 days
- Humidity
- Average
- Hardiness
- Hardy — a cold winter RHS H5, to -15°C
- Size
- 1.5 m tall · 1.5 m across
- Lifecycle
- Shrub
- Origin
- Japan
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
Affects dogs, cats, horses. Signs: vomiting, lethargy and diarrhoea. Despite the cyanide compounds in it, real cyanide poisoning is rare; it usually stops at an upset stomach.
PeopleIrritates skin
Leaves, buds and flowers.
HandlingTake care handling it
RHS lists Hydrangea as a skin allergen.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-08-03.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.