Bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Pia') hy-DRAIN-jah mak-roe-FIL-lah Synonyms:  'Pink Elf' Genus:  Hydrangea 'Pia' is a dwarf Hortensia (or "mophead"), with globe-shaped flower heads made up of deep rose, 4-inch-wide flowers.  Care:  Grow in moist, but well-drained soil, in sun to partial shade. Provide shelter from drying winds. 'Pia' flowers on the previous season's wood. It can be maintained by cutting back just to the first pair of buds beneath the old flower in spring. Propagation:  Sow seed in a cold frame in spring; take softwood cuttings in early summer, hardwood cuttings in winter. Problems:  Gray mold, slugs, powdery mildew, rust, ringspot virus, leaf spots.

Overview

Height 1 ft. to 3 ft. Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Low Characteristics Showy Flowers, Showy Seed Heads Bloom Time Summer Flower Color Purple, Red Uses Beds and Borders, Cut Flower, Container, Dried Flower Style Cottage Garden Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Tolerance Frost Tolerant Type Shrubs