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Key characteristics

Family: Hydrangeaceae
Height: 3 to 5 feet
Width: 3 to 5 feet
Flower color: White flowers with pink to red centers
Foliage color: Green, with reddish tints in fall
Bloom time: Early to mid-summer
Light: Partial shade to full sun
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; prune after flowering if needed, generally minimal maintenance
Growing zone: USDA zones 6 to 9
Wildlife: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

Shrubs

Hydrangea serrata ‘Beni Gaku’

Beni Gaku Mountain Hydrangea

Hydrangea serrata 'Beni Gaku' is a deciduous shrub admired for its delicate lacecap flowers and beautiful color transitions. The blooms feature a central cluster of tiny, fertile flowers surrounded by larger, sterile florets that open white and gradually turn pink, then deepen to a rich red as the season progresses. This creates a striking multicolored effect within each bloom. The dark green leaves serve as an elegant backdrop to the flowers, and in the fall, the foliage turns a vibrant reddish-purple, adding seasonal interest.

Light

Partial shade to full sun

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Early to mid-summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Containers
Cottage Gardens
Cutting Gardens

Companion plants

Tickseed · Russian sage · Potentilla · Fountain grass · Basket-of-gold · Lily of the Nile

Design tip

Take advantage of ‘Beni Gaku’s’ changing colors by placing it where its flowers and foliage can provide evolving seasonal interest. The lacecap blooms progress from white to pink and rich red, while the dark green foliage develops reddish-purple tones in fall.