The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: Lilacina bigleaf hydrangea

Family: Hydrangeaceae (hydrangea family)

Synonym: Hydrangea macrophylla (Lacecap Group) 'Mariesii Lilacina'

Distribution: Species native to e. Asia

Hardiness: USDA Zone 6

Life form: Deciduous shrub/Subshrub

Comments: This strongly growing, deciduous shrub may reach 6' tall and wide, and has been cultivated in the U.S. for over a century. Leaves are opposite, medium-green in color, 3-8" long and give the plant a decidedly coarse texture. Flowers combine pink and blue florets, with sterile (ray) florets nearly 1" diameter and are held on long stalks. Easy to cultivate in the landscape or as a container specimen. Does best in acid soil.