Hardier and more compact than H. macrophylla , this plant was previously listed with lacecap hydrangeas due to its flattened flower heads. However, this is a smaller, more compact plant with smaller leaves and flowers. The flowers have clusters of small florets in the center with a few larger, showy florets toward the outside of each cluster. Flower color varies from blue to pink relative to soil pH. There are also some cultivars with mophead form. Little pruning is required for this hydrangea and should be done after flowering as it blooms on the previous season's stems. The annual growth rate is about 18". Weak or winter-damaged stems should be pruned away in early spring. Plant in full sun to partial shade in fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Although this plant can be grown in sun or partial shade, it is a native of Asia and prefers cool growing conditions and will grow best in light to open shade. In warmer climates, a location protected from hot sun will keep the foliage and flowers from prematurely fading or scorching and it will flower more prolifically with consistent summer watering. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This hydrangea may be more susceptible to powdery mildew than Hydrangea macrophylla due to its thinner leaves. It also has some susceptibility to bud blight, bacterial wilt, and leaf spot and may occasionally be visited by aphids. More information on Hydrangea .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Fills a similar nicheHydrangea macrophylla 'Glowing Embers'Hydrangea serrata 'Omacha Variegata'Salvia rosmarinus
Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day) | Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
3 feet-6 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in. | Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
3 - Shrub (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Clumping; Rounded
Texture
Coarse
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Opposite
Leaf shape
Elliptical; Lanceolate; Ovate
Leaf margin
Dentate; Serrate
Leaf feel
Rough
Leaf size
3-6 inches long, 1-3 inches wide
Hairs present
Yes
Leaf detail
Acuminate, finely or coarsely serrate, dark green and usually glabrous above, veins beneath often have short hairs which curl or lie flat against the leaf.
Fall color
Red/Burgundy
Flower color
Blue; Pink; White
Flower value
Good Dried; Showy
Flower form
Head
Flower shape
Cross
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
Lacecap form has larger, showy florets at the periphery and tiny, fertile florets in the center. Flower color may vary from pink (alkaline) to blue (acidic) depending on soil pH.
Bloom time
Summer
Fruit type
Capsule
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
Japan, Korea
Attracts
Bees
Food & Medicine
Edible parts
Leaves
Harvest time
Fall
Fruit type
Capsule
Edibility
Leaves can be used to make a sweet tea. The leaves can also be distilled to create a sweetener.