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Key characteristics

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

Shrubs

Hydrangea serrata ‘Kiyosumi’

Kiyosumi Lacecap Hydrangea

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.

Light

Partial shade to full sun

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Early to mid-summer

Find this plant

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.