Bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Variegata') hy-DRAIN-jah mak-roe-FIL-lah Genus:  Hydrangea This mound-forming shrub has white leaf margins and blue or pink lacecap inflorescences. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Lacecap type with contrasting, white-edged leaves. Care:  Grow in moist, but well-drained soil, in sun to partial shade. Provide shelter from drying winds. This plant flowers on the previous season's wood, and can be maintained by cutting back just to the first pair of buds beneath the old flower in spring. Propagation:  Sow seed in a cold frame in spring; take softwood cuttings in early summer, hardwood cuttings in winter. Problems:  Gray mold, slugs, powdery mildew, rust, ringspot virus, leaf spots.

Overview

Height 3 ft. to 6 ft. Spread 3 ft. to 6 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Growth Pace Moderate Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium to Wet Maintenance Low Characteristics Showy Flowers, Showy Foliage, Showy Seed Heads Bloom Time Summer Flower Color Blue, Pink, Purple Foliage Color Variegated Foliage Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Cut Flower, Dried Flower Style Cottage Garden Seasonal Interest Summer Interest Tolerance Frost Tolerant Type Shrubs