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Bluebird Lacecap Hydrangea

Hydrangea serrata 'Bluebird'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Japan, Korea

Toxicity

Toxic to dogs and cats

The Story

Plant Bio

Hydrangea serrata, or mountain hydrangea, is a compact deciduous shrub with delicate lacecap flowers and a more refined habit than its macrophylla cousins. 'Bluebird' is a classic cultivar known for its flattened flower heads with a center of tiny fertile flowers surrounded by a ring of larger, sterile florets that are vivid blue in acidic soil or pink in alkaline soil.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The delicate, airy lacecap flowers of 'Bluebird' provide a more subtle and naturalistic beauty than mophead types. Its foliage often turns attractive shades of red and purple in the fall, extending its seasonal appeal.

Its relatively compact size makes it suitable for smaller gardens, foundation plantings, and large containers. The flowers are excellent for cutting and using in fresh arrangements.

The central fertile flowers of the lacecap bloom are an accessible and valuable source of pollen and nectar for bees, hoverflies, and other beneficial insects, making it a better choice for pollinators than many sterile mophead varieties.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with morning sun and afternoon shade
Prepare moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter
Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball
Set the plant in the hole, keeping the top of the root ball level with the soil
Backfill with soil, and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets
Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant

Pro Tip

To achieve the best blue flower color, amend the soil with aluminum sulfate or use fertilizers formulated for blue hydrangeas.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially in the first year and during dry spells.
Amend soil to be acidic for blue flowers.
Protect from harsh afternoon sun to prevent wilting.
Remove spent flowers to keep the plant looking tidy.

Don't

Don't prune heavily in spring or fall, as it blooms on old wood.
Avoid planting in dry, poor soil.
Don't let the plant wilt repeatedly, as this stresses it.
Avoid high-phosphorus fertilizers if you want blue flowers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Graceful accent in a woodland gardenElegant foundation planting on the north or east side of a houseKey component of a mixed shrub border

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Hosta Astilbe Ferns Heuchera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bluebird Lacecap Hydrangea questions

What zones can Bluebird Lacecap Hydrangea grow in?

Bluebird Lacecap Hydrangea is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Bluebird Lacecap Hydrangea deer resistant?

Yes — Bluebird Lacecap Hydrangea is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Bluebird Lacecap Hydrangea bloom?

Bluebird Lacecap Hydrangea typically blooms in early summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Bluebird Lacecap Hydrangea need full sun?

Bluebird Lacecap Hydrangea does best in part shade.