Nikko Blue Hydrangea

5 Gallon

$56.00

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Nikko Blue Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Nikko Blue'

The quintessential blue hydrangea, celebrated for its massive, intensely colored flower heads and classic garden charm.

$56.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Nikko Blue Hydrangea is the iconic, time-tested classic that defines the traditional blue mophead hydrangea for generations. It is renowned for producing exceptionally large, rounded clusters of vivid blue flowers in acidic soils, creating a breathtaking display in late spring to early summer. While it blooms primarily on old wood, its unparalleled flower size and intensity of color in the right conditions have secured its place as a beloved garden treasure. For many, it remains the standard against which all other blue hydrangeas are measured.

Iconic, True Blue Color: Famous for its large, vibrant sky-blue to sapphire-blue mophead flowers when grown in properly acidified soil. In alkaline soil, flowers are a pleasing pink.
Exceptionally Large Flower Heads: Produces some of the largest and most impressive flower clusters of any traditional mophead hydrangea.
Classic Landscape Presence: Matures into a robust, rounded shrub (4-6 ft tall and wide), perfect for creating a classic cottage garden look or as a lush foundation planting.
Primary Bloom on Old Wood: Its spectacular main flush of flowers develops on buds set the previous year, requiring careful siting to protect from late frosts.
Long-Lasting Cut Flowers: The strong-stemmed, giant blue blooms are outstanding for fresh-cut arrangements and can also be dried for winter décor.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Features:Foliage: Large, ovate leaves with coarse texture and serrated edges, deep green color.Flowers:Four-petaled florets with distinctive white eye centers.Large lacecap clusters (8-12" diameter).pH-responsive colors: soft pink (alkaline) to intense cobalt blue (acidic).Classic "snowflake" flower pattern
Mature Height: 4-6 ft
Mature Width: 4-6 ft
Growth Rate: Fast
Blooming Period:First bloom: Late spring.Rebloom: Midsummer.Flowers primarily on old wood with some new wood production
Key Advantages:Legendary blue color - industry standard for true blue hydrangeas.Lacecap elegance - delicate floral architecture.Vigorous growth - quick landscape impact.Time-tested performer - reliable since 1960s introduction.Excellent cut flower - long-lasting in arrangements
Landscape Uses:Japanese-style gardens. Woodland borders.Specimen planting.Cut flower gardens

Q: Why didn't my 'Nikko Blue' bloom this year?
A: The most common reasons are winter bud kill from frost (less likely in Zone 9a) or improper pruning. Since it blooms on old wood, pruning at the wrong time (late summer, fall, or spring) will remove the flower buds. Prune only immediately after it finishes flowering in summer.

Q: How can I make sure it blooms blue in my garden?
A: Our alkaline soil will produce pink flowers. To achieve blue, you must consistently acidify the soil with applications of aluminum sulfate or a dedicated hydrangea blueing product, starting well before bloom time.