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Key characteristics

Family: Hydrangeaceae
Height: 3 to 5 feet
Width: 3 to 5 feet
Flower color: Lacecap flowers with blue or pink sepals (depending on soil pH) and small fertile florets in the center
Foliage color: Green with hints of red in fall
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; may benefit from light pruning after flowering
Growing zone: USDA Zones 5 to 9
Wildlife: Butterflies and pollinators

Shrubs

Hydrangea serrata 'Blue Bird'

Blue Bird Hydrangea

Hydrangea serrata 'Blue Bird' is a delicate lacecap hydrangea known for its airy, refined beauty. Its blooms, which appear from late spring to early fall, feature a halo of pale blue to lavender sterile florets encircling a center of fertile flowers in deeper blue or pink, depending on soil pH. The blooms are complemented by dark green leaves that often take on rich burgundy tones in the fall.

Light

Partial shade to full shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Shade Gardens
Woodland Gardens
Cottage Gardens
Cutting Gardens

Companion plants

Leucothoe · Solomon’s seal · Bergenia · Japanese plum yew · Hosta · Snowdrops

Design tip

Use ‘Blue Bird’ to bring soft color and an airy quality to shaded plantings. Its pale blue to lavender lacecap flowers stand out against dark green foliage, while rich burgundy fall tones extend its seasonal interest beyond flowering.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)