Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Hydrangea serrata ‘Kiyosumi’
Kiyosumi Lacecap Hydrangea
- Family
- Hydrangeaceae
- Height
- 4 to 6 feet
- Width
- 3 to 4 feet
- Flower color
- Pink to red outer sterile florets with small white or pale pink inner fertile flowers
- Foliage color
- Green with a slight reddish tint in fall
- Bloom time
- Early to mid-summer
- 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 serrata 'Kiyosumi' is a deciduous shrub known for its delicate lacecap flowers and subtle, changing colors. The blooms feature a central cluster of small, fertile flowers surrounded by a ring of larger, sterile florets that open white and gradually shift to soft pink, and then deepen to a rich red as they mature. This creates a beautiful, multi-tonal effect within each flower head. The foliage is dark green, with leaves that often develop red or burgundy tints as the season progresses, adding to the plant's overall charm.
'Kiyosumi' is especially valued for its graceful form and the elegant, understated beauty it brings to woodland gardens, shaded borders, or as a soft accent in mixed plantings. Its layered colors and delicate blooms provide an extended season of interest from summer well into fall.
Works well in
Shade Gardens · Woodland Gardens · Cottage Gardens · Cutting Gardens
Companion plants
Skimmia · Japanese forest grass · Epimedium · Pieris · Trillium · Foamflower
Design tip
Use ‘Kiyosumi’ where its delicate color changes can be appreciated at close range. Its lacecap flowers progress from white to soft pink and rich red, while the dark green foliage develops red or burgundy tints, creating a subtle transition of color through the season.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at Bellevue Botanical Garden.
