Overview
Uses: Borders, foundation plantings, hedges, specimen, cut flower gardens, containers.
Benefits: Reblooms on both old and new wood, producing hundreds of flowers from early summer through fall even after harsh winters or untimely pruning. Intensely saturated bloom color ranges from rich pink to royal purple to blue depending on soil chemistry. Dark green, glossy foliage turns deep burgundy in fall for extended seasonal interest.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–9
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Life Cycle: Deciduous Shrub
Growth Habit: Mounding, Rounded — compact dome with dense branching.
Bloom Color: Pink, Purple, or Blue (varies with soil pH)
Foliage Color: Green, turning burgundy in fall
Mature Height: 3–4 feet
Mature Width: 3–4 feet
Bloom Season: Early summer through fall
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
Let’s Dance Lovable® earned its name — and the 2026 Hydrangea of the Year title — by being both stunningly beautiful and genuinely dependable. This reblooming bigleaf hydrangea produces large mophead flower clusters in vivid, deeply saturated colors that shift with soil chemistry: rich magenta-pink in alkaline soils, royal purple in moderately acidic conditions, and true blue where aluminum is readily available.
Because it flowers on both old and new wood, Let’s Dance Lovable® keeps blooming even after cold winters damage old growth or pruning mistakes remove buds that other hydrangeas would need. The result is a seemingly endless display of fresh flowers mixing with tightly bunched buds from early summer well into fall. Strong stems hold the heavy blooms upright without flopping.
The dark green, glossy foliage provides an attractive backdrop through summer and transitions to deep burgundy tones in fall, extending the plant’s ornamental value well beyond the bloom season. At 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, the compact, mounding habit fits comfortably in foundation beds, borders, and large containers.
Care
Let’s Dance Lovable® Bigleaf Hydrangea Care
Plant in a location that receives morning sun with afternoon shade for the best performance, especially in warmer zones. In cooler northern areas (zones 5–6), full sun is tolerated with consistent moisture. Bigleaf hydrangeas prefer moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Maintain a 2 to 3 inch layer of mulch over the root zone year-round to keep roots cool and moist.
Water consistently — bigleaf hydrangeas are not drought tolerant and will wilt quickly in dry conditions. Plants in full sun and warmer climates need more frequent watering. Fertilize once in early spring with a slow release fertilizer formulated for flowering shrubs.
Pruning is generally not recommended, as any cuts reduce flowering potential. Dead or damaged wood can be removed in early spring once new growth is visible. To influence flower color, add aluminum sulfate to the soil to encourage blue blooms, or lime to encourage pink blooms.
Size
What Size is the Let’s Dance Lovable® Bigleaf Hydrangea for Sale Online?
Our Let’s Dance Lovable® Bigleaf Hydrangea ships in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and is appropriately sized for its container at the time of shipment. If you have specific sizing or planting questions, please contact us.
How Large Does Let’s Dance Lovable® Bigleaf Hydrangea Grow?
Let’s Dance Lovable® reaches 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, forming a compact, rounded mound.
Additional Information
What is the botanical name of Let’s Dance Lovable® Bigleaf Hydrangea?
The botanical name is Hydrangea macrophylla ‘SMNHMTB’ (PP35317). It is part of the Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Flowering Shrubs collection.
Can I change the flower color?
Yes. Bigleaf hydrangea flower color is determined by soil chemistry. In acidic soils with available aluminum, blooms will be blue to purple. In neutral to alkaline soils, they will be pink to magenta. Add aluminum sulfate to encourage blue, or garden lime to encourage pink. Soil pH adjustments take time and may require several applications. Browse our Proven Winners® collection for more hydrangea options.
Why is Let’s Dance Lovable® the 2026 Hydrangea of the Year?
Let’s Dance Lovable® was named the 2026 Hydrangea of the Year for its combination of intensely saturated color, reliable reblooming on both old and new wood, and compact garden-friendly size. It delivers the kind of nonstop flower production that gardeners have struggled to achieve with older bigleaf varieties.
Does Let’s Dance Lovable® work in containers?
Yes. The compact 3 to 4 foot size and strong stems make it an excellent container plant. Use a high-quality potting mix, keep consistently moist, and provide morning sun with afternoon shade. Plants hardy in the ground may require winter protection when grown in containers in colder zones. Explore our Shrubs & Bushes collection for more flowering shrub options.
