Pop Star® bigleaf hydrangea is making waves in the gardening world, much like a pop star in the music industry. This stunning shrub is part of the popular Endless Summer® series, known for its showy features and outstanding performance. Since its introduction in 2001, each addition to the Endless Summer® series has surpassed expectations, with Pop Star® now taking the spotlight as the top performer.
Bred with specific objectives in mind, Pop Star® was designed to be compact, disease-resistant, easy to grow, and to produce increased remontant flowers that bloom earlier in the season. Bailey Nurseries, the breeder behind this exceptional hydrangea, has successfully achieved these goals. Pop Star® is not only compact and cold hardy, but it also blooms on old wood, even in Zone 4. It boasts disease-resistant foliage and vibrant electric-blue or pink flowers (depending on the soil pH). Additionally, Pop Star® has a faster rebloom speed compared to other hydrangeas that flower repeatedly.
One of the standout features of Pop Star® is its ability to produce an abundance of blooms at a rapid rate for its size. While it may be compared to Endless Summer® Twist-n-Shout® (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘PIIHM-I’) due to its lacecap form, Pop Star® sets itself apart with its compact size. Reaching 18 to 36 inches tall and wide, Pop Star® is ideal for the front of a border or in containers, while Twist-n-Shout® grows larger and is better suited for deeper plantings.
In both home gardens and public spaces like the University of Tennessee Gardens in Jackson, Pop Star® has proven itself to be a reliable bloomer. Even after facing extreme conditions, such as being frozen to the ground during a winter freeze, Pop Star® bounced back resiliently. It was the first hydrangea in the garden to form flowers on new growth after the freeze, showcasing its vigor and adaptability.
Lacecap hydrangeas like Pop Star® are often overlooked at nurseries and garden centers in favor of mophead varieties with larger, showier blooms. However, lacecaps offer a unique beauty with their delicate, true flowers in the center of the bloom that attract pollinators. Their elegance and reliability make them a top choice for landscape plantings, and Pop Star® is no exception.
When it comes to growing conditions, Pop Star® thrives in morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled shade throughout the day. In cooler climates, it can tolerate more sun exposure. The hydrangea prefers moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter for optimal growth and performance.
Pop Star® bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘BAILMACSIX’) is recommended for Zones 4-9 and thrives in partial shade with average, moderately moist, well-drained soil. Native to Japan, this stunning hydrangea adds a touch of elegance to any garden or landscape setting.
In conclusion, Pop Star® bigleaf hydrangea is a true star in the gardening world, captivating audiences with its compact size, disease resistance, and prolific blooming habit. With its vibrant flowers and reliable performance, Pop Star® is sure to steal the show in any garden setting. Whether planted in borders, containers, or mixed beds, this exceptional hydrangea is a must-have for gardeners looking to add a touch of star power to their landscapes.
