Hydrangea Nikko Blue A good, long-flowering blue mophead hydrangea bred in Japan, Hydrangea macrophylla Nikko Blue is a medium-sized, deciduous shrub with a rounded upright habit. Glossy, light green, toothed, oval leaves cover the bush, and, from midsummer until October, set off the big blue mophead flowers (pink or mauve on alkaline or neutral soils). Leave the attractive seed-heads on the bush over winter to prevent frost damage, cutting back to two healthy buds when spring comes. As with all hydrangeas, keep the soil reasonably moist. Site: Tolerates some exposureSoil: Well drained, humus-rich acid to neutral soil, preferably moistPosition: Full sun or partial shadeSeason of interest: Spring, summer, autumnHardiness: Fully hardyHeight: up to 6’ (1.8m) Spread: 8’ (2.5m)