Hydrangea macrophylla 'Masja' (French Hydrangea)

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Masja' (French Hydrangea), 'Masja', is valued for its summer flower heads, bold foliage, and seasonal interest in PNW gardens.

Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) is the iconic mophead and lacecap hydrangea , large rounded summer flower heads in blue, pink, purple, or white, on bold glossy leaves. Flower color shifts with soil pH, giving these plants a chameleon-like garden role.

Part shade to dappled shade suits this species. Plant in moist, well-drained, humus-rich; pH affects flower color (blue in acid, pink in alkaline) soil. Hardy USDA Zone 5 to 9. Blooms on OLD WOOD , do not prune in spring or you remove flower buds. Cut spent flowers and crossing canes only, just after flowering. Site sheltered from late frosts that kill flower buds. Watch for leaf scorch in too-sunny exposure and powdery mildew in stagnant air.

Hydrangeas are not native to the PNW. For a similar large-flowering shrub from the regional flora, consider Holodiscus discolor (Oceanspray) , graceful summer-blooming PNW native with cascading panicles of cream-white flowers, supporting native bees and birds.