Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Hydrangea involucrata
Bracted Hydrangea
- Family
- Hydrangeaceae
- Height
- 3 to 4 feet
- Width
- 3 to 4 feet
- Flower color
- Soft pink to blue, with outer sterile florets and inner fertile ones
- Foliage color
- Dark green, with a slightly textured surface
- Bloom time
- Late summer to early fall
- Light
- Partial shade to full sun
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; prune after flowering if needed
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 6 to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
About this plant
Hydrangea involucrata is a deciduous shrub known for its delicate, lacecap flowers and unique texture. The blooms appear in late summer, featuring a central cluster of small, fertile flowers surrounded by larger, showy sterile florets, typically in shades of pale lavender, blue, or white. These flowers are held above the foliage on slender stems, creating an airy, elegant display.
The leaves are soft, ovate, and covered with fine hairs, giving them a velvety texture. The foliage is a deep green, providing a lush backdrop to the flowers and adding to the plant's overall appeal. Hydrangea involucrata is particularly valued for its late-season blooming and its ability to add a touch of refinement and subtle beauty to shaded or partially shaded garden areas.
Works well in
Shade Gardens · Foundation Plantings · Cut Flower Gardens · Cottage Gardens
Companion plants
Leucothoe · Yew · Viola · Astilbe · Hellebores · Ferns
Design tip
The airy lacecap flowers give Bracted Hydrangea a lighter presence than densely flowered hydrangeas. Its slender flower stems and velvety foliage create contrasting textures, adding detail and softness without making a shaded planting feel visually heavy.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at Bellevue Botanical Garden.
