Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
Blue Billow Hydrangea is the reliable bloomer that you have been looking for if you are a Northern gardener. The Lacecap blooms of Hydrangea serrata open slightly later than other varieties to ensure that any late season freezes don’t affect this wonderful variety. Gorgeous indigo blue blooms keep opening all summer with very little maintenance.
Blue Billow Hydrangea is a natural addition to any Cottage Garden planting. The large spread of this variety will fill in areas at the front of the garden and are lovely when planted along a walkway where the delicate flowerheads can be seen up close. Blue Billow has long lasting blooms that make great dried flowers for arrangements all winter long. The serrated leaf shape makes a good contrast to any broadleaf evergreens such as Rhododendron or perennials like Hosta and ferns.
Blue Billow Hydrangea Care
Hydrangeas like to have soil that is well drained and also consistently moist. They will not thrive in dry or drought conditions. A woodland setting is perfect for these showy shrubs. Past sun to part shade keeps the blooms coming all summer. An average loamy soil with an acidic to neutral pH is acceptable. Fertilizing with a well balanced, slow release feed is only needed at the beginning of the spring as growth begins.
Blue Billow has a fantastic deep blue flower that will change color depending on the pH of the soil it is planted in. Acidic soil (4.5 -6.0) will keep the blue true. A pH in the neutral to alkaline zone (7.0 -8.5) will change the flowers a reddish tone, giving them a purple appearance. Using a fertilizer for acid loving plants will help to preserve the indigo hue.
Pruning is only necessary at the end of the blooming period. Carefully, taking care not to remove the buds from next year's flowers. Hydrangea serrata blooms on the previous season's growth.
Blue Billow Hydrangea Spacing
Blue Billow is a low growing spreader. A height of 3-4 feet and width of 5-6 feet make for a great specimen plant. When planting as a group the spacing is recommended at 6 feet on center. This will ensure proper air circulation around the shrub to help keep pests and disease away.
Blue Billow Hydrangea Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 5 to 9 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Shade to Full Sun (3+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 3-4 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 5-6 Feet
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Growth Habit
- , Mounded, Spreading
- Water Needs
- Consistently Moist
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Blue
- Flower Description
- Sky Blue
- Bloom Time
- Early to Mid-Summer
- Blooms On
-
Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Right after flowering
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green, Red
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Fall Interest, Winter Interest, 3 Season Interest, Summer Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Blue Billow Hydrangea
- Botanical Name
- HYDRANGEA M.S. 'BLUE BILLOW'
- Brand
- Plants That Work
- Plant Type
- Shrub
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
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