Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Variegata'
Variegated Hydrangea
- Family
- Hydrangeaceae
- Height
- 4 to 6 feet
- Width
- 4 to 6 feet
- Flower color
- Light pink (alkaline soil), pale blue (acidic soil)
- Foliage color
- Green with creamy white margins
- Bloom time
- Early summer to late summer
- Light
- Partial shade to full sun
- Water
- Regular
- 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 macrophylla 'Variegata' is a distinctive lacecap hydrangea admired for its elegant variegated foliage and delicate flowers. Its large, flat flowerheads bloom from late spring through summer, featuring clusters of small fertile flowers surrounded by showy, sterile florets in soft shades of blue or pink, depending on soil pH. The leaves are green with creamy-white edges, creating a beautiful contrast that adds year-round ornamental value even when the plant is not in bloom.
'Variegata' is celebrated for combining floral beauty with striking foliage. This unique combination has made it a popular choice among gardeners looking for plants that provide both seasonal blooms and consistent visual interest. Its graceful appearance reflects a tradition of cultivating hydrangeas not only for their flowers but also for their decorative foliage.
Works well in
Shade Gardens · Foundation Plantings · Cut Flower Gardens · Cottage Gardens
Companion plants
Yew · Oregon grape · Corydalis · Hosta · Anemone · Foamflower
Design tip
Use ‘Variegata’ to brighten darker areas of a border where its creamy leaf margins can provide contrast even when the shrub is not flowering. Its lacecap blooms add a lighter, more delicate layer without obscuring the decorative foliage.
