Collection: Lacecap Hydrangeas

What is a Lacecap Hydrangea?

A lacecap hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) is a type of hydrangea plant known for its distinctive flower arrangement. Unlike traditional hydrangea mophead varieties, which have dense, globe-shaped clusters of flowers, lacecap hydrangeas have a more open, flat-topped inflorescence that resembles a lace doily. The flower head consists of a ring of large, showy sterile florets surrounding a center of smaller fertile florets.

How to Care for Lacecap Hydrangeas

Caring for lacecap hydrangeas involves a combination of proper planting, watering, fertilizing, and pruning. Here are some general guidelines for caring for lacecap hydrangeas

• When planting a lacecap hydrangea, choose a location with well-drained soil that receives partial to dappled shade. Lacecap hydrangeas generally prefer morning sun and afternoon shade.
• Dig a hole that is as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
• Incorporate organic matter into the soil, such as compost, to improve drainage and fertility.
• Plant the hydrangea at the same depth it was in the nursery container.

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during hot and dry periods.
• Water the hydrangeas at the base, avoiding overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.

Fertilizing:

• Feed your lacecap hydrangeas with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth begins.
• Use a fertilizer with a ratio close to 10-10-10 or a specialized hydrangea fertilizer.
• Avoid excessive use of high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they may promote leafy growth at the expense of flower production.

Soil pH:

• Adjust the soil pH to influence the flower color. Acidic soil (pH 5.5 or lower) tends to produce blue flowers, while alkaline soil (pH 6.5 or higher) results in pink flowers. You can use additives like aluminum sulfate for blue flowers or lime for pink flowers.

Protection from Extreme Conditions:

• Provide protection from extreme weather conditions. In hot climates, hydrangeas benefit from afternoon shade, and in cold climates, they may need protection from harsh winter winds.

When to prune Lacecap Hydrangeas

Pruning for lacecap hydrangeas involves minimal intervention. Dead or damaged wood can be removed throughout the year. Light shaping for size control is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. When the blooming season ends in late summer or early fall, spent flowers can be tidied up. However, avoid significant pruning during this period to preserve buds for the next year's blooms, as lacecap hydrangeas flower on old wood. Observation of the plant's flowering pattern and reference to care instructions can help determine specific pruning needs.

Lacecap Hydrangeas Varieties

Lacecap hydrangeas come in all different colors. Here are a few popular recommendations.

• If your looking for a white lacecap hydrangea we recommend Haas Halo Hydrangea. This variety has strong sturdy stems and blue/green attractive foliage. This plant produces pure white lacecap flowers.
• Blue lacecap hydreangeas are the most popular. Their blue flowerheads stand out from your garden beautifully. We recommend Endless Summer® Twist-N-Shout® Hydrangea. You will need acidic soil for the bluest results!
• Light-O-Day® Hydrangea is a pink, white and green combination and a top-performing variegated variety.