Identifying Lacecap Hydrangeas: A Different Kind of Bloom

Hydrangeas with flat flower heads — showy sterile florets around a center of tiny fertile flowers — are lacecaps (Hydrangea macrophylla normalis). The outer petals attract pollinators; the inner flowers produce seed.

Popular Varieties

• 'Blue Wave' (H. macrophylla)
• 'Bluebird' (H. serrata)
• 'Mariesii Variegata' (H. macrophylla)

Specialty nurseries like Wilkerson Mill Gardens offer extensive lacecap selections for collectors.