About
Hydrangea involucrata is a low-growing, compact, deciduous shrub to around 100 cm with ovate, dark-green foliage. Lacecap clusters of blue to pink fertile flowers surrounded by white sterile florets appear throughout summer. A neat and ornamental hydrangea for a sheltered, moist, partly shaded border or large container.
About the genus
Hydrangea are deciduous or evergreen shrubs, or self-clinging climbers, with flowers in clusters usually comprising both small fertile and larger, showier sterile florets. They are grown for their dramatic and long-lasting flowerheads and often good autumn colour.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, South-facing, East-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
Native toE Asia
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets (dogs, cats): Harmful if eaten. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any moist but well-drained soil in partial shade or grow in sun if soil remains reliably moist. Improve chalky soils with organic matter to support good growth. See shrubby hydrangea cultivation for further advice
PruningSee pruning group 4 for further advice and video guide
PropagationPropagate by seed in containers in a cold frame in spring; propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or hardwood cuttings in winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, capsid bug, hydrangea scale and vine weevil
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to a leaf spot, powdery mildews, grey moulds (Botrytis) and honey fungus (rarely)