3 Nikko Blue Hydrangea Bush 12-24in Tall – Live Bare Root Plants – Outdoor

Overview

Transform your garden with the classic beauty of the Nikko Blue Hydrangea bare root plant. This offering includes three bare root plants, each measuring 12-24 inches tall, ready to establish themselves and bring a splash of vibrant blue to your landscape. The Nikko Blue Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) is a beloved deciduous shrub, renowned for its large, showy flower clusters that emerge in late spring and last through summer. Its ‘old fashioned’ variety status speaks to its enduring popularity and reliable performance, making it a staple in traditional and contemporary gardens alike. These live bare root plants are an economical way to introduce significant color and structure to your outdoor living areas, promising a stunning display for years to come.

The Nikko Blue Hydrangea bare root is an excellent choice for creating borders, mass plantings, or as a striking specimen plant. Its lush green foliage provides a beautiful backdrop for the iconic blue flowers, which can vary in intensity depending on soil acidity. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, these shrubs offer a rewarding growing experience, culminating in breathtaking floral arrangements and a captivating garden ambiance. Embrace the charm and elegance that only a well-established Hydrangea can provide.

Key Benefits

The Nikko Blue Hydrangea bare root offers numerous advantages for any garden enthusiast, combining visual appeal with robust growth.

• Stunning Blue Blooms: Enjoy large, showy clusters of vibrant blue flowers throughout the summer. The intensity of the blue can be influenced by soil pH, allowing for some customization of your garden’s color palette.
• Classic Garden Appeal: This ‘old fashioned’ variety brings a timeless elegance and traditional charm to any landscape, perfect for creating a classic garden aesthetic.
• Versatile Landscaping: Ideal for a variety of uses, including border plantings, mass plantings, foundation plantings, or as a beautiful specimen shrub. Its adaptability makes it a valuable addition to diverse garden designs.
• Deciduous Beauty: Provides seasonal interest with lush green foliage in spring and summer, followed by intriguing bare branches in winter, adding structural elements to your garden year-round.
• Easy to Grow: Known for its relatively low maintenance requirements once established, making it suitable for both experienced gardeners and beginners looking to add significant floral impact.
• Excellent for Cut Flowers: The long-lasting blooms are perfect for fresh floral arrangements, bringing the beauty of your garden indoors.
• Attracts Pollinators: While not a primary pollinator plant, the large flower heads can still attract some bees and other beneficial insects to your garden.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your Nikko Blue Hydrangea bare root plants is straightforward, ensuring a spectacular display of blooms each season. These shrubs thrive in locations with partial shade, ideally receiving morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Too much direct, intense sun can scorch the leaves and fade the flowers. In cooler regions, they can tolerate more sun. The ideal soil for Hydrangea macrophylla plant is rich, well-draining, and consistently moist. Amend heavy clay soils with compost to improve drainage, and sandy soils to enhance water retention. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (5.5-6.5) promotes the most vibrant blue flowers. To encourage blue coloration, you can amend the soil with aluminum sulfate or elemental sulfur; for pink, add dolomitic lime.

Watering is crucial, especially during the first year after planting and during dry spells. Ensure the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. Deep watering once or twice a week is generally better than frequent shallow watering. Fertilize in early spring with an all-purpose granular fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants, or a specific Hydrangea fertilizer, following package directions. Pruning should be done after flowering, as ‘Nikko Blue’ blooms on old wood from the previous season. Remove only dead, damaged, or weak stems, and shape as needed. Protect young plants from harsh winter winds, and apply a layer of mulch around the base to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. These plants are generally hardy in USDA zones 5-9. Watch out for common pests like aphids or spider mites, which can typically be managed with insecticidal soap.

Size & Details

This offering includes three Nikko Blue Hydrangea bare root plants, each measuring between 12 and 24 inches tall upon arrival. Bare root plants are dormant and ship without soil or a pot, making them lightweight and easy to plant directly into your garden beds or larger containers. When mature, these deciduous shrubs typically grow to a height and width of 3-6 feet, forming a rounded, full shape. Their growth rate is moderate, meaning they will establish and begin flowering within the first year or two, with full maturity reached in 3-5 years. The ‘old fashioned’ variety designation ensures a robust and reliable performer in your garden. For optimal results, plant these bare roots in spring or fall, allowing ample time for root development before the stress of summer heat or winter cold. This blue flowering shrub will become a prominent and cherished feature in your landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big do these Hydrangeas get? A: The Nikko Blue Hydrangea bare root plants typically grow to a mature size of 3-6 feet tall and wide, forming a beautiful, rounded shrub. They are considered a moderate grower, reaching their full size within a few years.
• Q: What condition will the plants arrive in? A: Your Nikko Blue Hydrangea bare root plants will arrive dormant, without soil or leaves. This is normal for bare root plants, and they are ready for immediate planting upon receipt to encourage healthy root development.
• Q: How much sunlight does the Nikko Blue Hydrangea need? A: These Hydrangeas prefer partial shade, ideally receiving morning sun and afternoon shade. In cooler climates, they can tolerate more sun, but in hotter regions, afternoon shade is crucial to prevent leaf scorch.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The Hydrangea macrophylla plant ‘Nikko Blue’ is an outdoor deciduous shrub, best suited for garden beds, borders, or large outdoor containers where it can grow to its full potential.
• Q: How can I ensure blue flowers? A: To maintain or enhance the blue color of your blue flowering shrub, ensure your soil is acidic (pH 5.5-6.5). You can amend the soil with aluminum sulfate or elemental sulfur. Soil with a higher pH will tend to produce pinker blooms.
• Q: When is the best time to plant these bare roots? A: The ideal time to plant bare root Hydrangeas is in early spring after the last frost, or in the fall before the ground freezes. This allows the roots to establish before extreme temperatures.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: Yes, the ‘Nikko Blue’ is considered relatively easy to care for, making it a great choice for gardeners of all experience levels. Consistent watering, proper sunlight, and occasional feeding are key.
• Q: What USDA zones are suitable for this plant? A: This old fashioned Hydrangea is hardy in USDA Zones 5-9, meaning it can withstand winter temperatures in these regions. Protection may be needed in the colder end of its range.
• Q: How often should I water my Nikko Blue Hydrangea? A: During the first year and dry periods, water deeply 1-2 times per week to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Established plants may require less frequent watering, depending on rainfall.
• Q: Can I grow this Hydrangea in a pot? A: Yes, you can grow the Nikko Blue Hydrangea bare root in a large container (at least 15-20 gallons) with good drainage. Potted Hydrangeas may require more frequent watering and protection during winter in colder zones.