What can I plant instead of Bigleaf Hydrangea?

Common Elderberry, New Jersey Tea, Thin-Leaved Snowberry, Chokecherry are native plants that fill the same garden role as Bigleaf Hydrangea and feed local wildlife.

Native alternatives to Bigleaf Hydrangea | Hortus

Why swap it

The florist hydrangea is grown for big mophead blooms that offer little nectar. These native shrubs carry generous flower clusters that pollinators actually use, plus berries for birds.

Native plants to grow instead

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1
Common Elderberry
Sambucus canadensis
a native shrub for the same spot in the border
Helps at-risk wildlife
Its flute-like song is fading from our woods. Native shrubs raise the caterpillars it needs to feed its chicks.
Brings back: Wood Thrush, Canada Warbler
2
New Jersey Tea
Ceanothus americanus
a native shrub for the same spot in the border
Helps at-risk wildlife
This endangered butterfly can only raise its young on New Jersey Tea. Plant the shrub, save the butterfly.
Brings back: Mottled Duskywing
3
Thin-Leaved Snowberry
Symphoricarpos albus
a native shrub for the same spot in the border
A larval host plant. The caterpillars it raises are the primary food source for baby songbirds.
4
Chokecherry
Prunus virginiana
a native shrub for the same spot in the border
Helps at-risk wildlife
Its flute-like song is fading from our woods. Native shrubs raise the caterpillars it needs to feed its chicks.
Brings back: Wood Thrush, Eastern Whip-poor-will
5
Nannyberry
Viburnum lentago
a native shrub for the same spot in the border
Helps at-risk wildlife
A bright yellow warbler in decline. Native shrubs raise the caterpillars it feeds to its young.
Brings back: Wood Thrush, Canada Warbler
6
Grey Dogwood
Cornus racemosa
a native shrub for the same spot in the border
Helps at-risk wildlife
Its flute-like song is fading from our woods. Native shrubs raise the caterpillars it needs to feed its chicks.
Brings back: Wood Thrush
7
Eastern Buttonbush
Cephalanthus occidentalis
a native shrub for the same spot in the border
A larval host plant. The caterpillars it raises are the primary food source for baby songbirds.
8
Purple-Flowering Raspberry
Rubus odoratus
a native shrub for the same spot in the border
A larval host plant. The caterpillars it raises are the primary food source for baby songbirds.

Showing the 8 strongest of 64 native plants that fill the same role. Browse the full native library →

See what your yard could bring back

Map the plants you grow, get a free report card of the pollinators and species at risk your garden supports, and find a native-plant nursery near you.

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