The Variegated Lacecap Hydrangea is a striking addition to any garden, prized for its distinct foliage and unique flower form. This plant offers year-round visual interest, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking beauty and versatility. It serves as a focal point or integrates seamlessly into borders and containers.
Understanding Variegated Lacecap Hydrangeas
Variegated Lacecap Hydrangeas, often varieties of Hydrangea macrophylla, feature leaves with a captivating two-toned pattern. The foliage displays a rich green center bordered by wide margins of white, cream, or sometimes gold. Some cultivars, like ‘Mariesii Variegata’ or ‘Maculata’, are known for their white-edged leaves, adding brightness to shaded garden areas.
The “lacecap” flower form distinguishes these hydrangeas from “mophead” varieties. Lacecap blooms consist of a flat, central cluster of small, fertile florets, surrounded by an outer ring of larger, showier, sterile florets. These outer florets create a delicate, lacy effect. Variegated Lacecap Hydrangeas grow as deciduous shrubs, reaching 4 to 6 feet in both height and width, forming a rounded, mounding habit.
Planting and Growing Care
Light Requirements
Variegated Lacecap Hydrangeas thrive in locations with partial sun exposure. The ideal spot provides morning sun followed by afternoon shade, protecting the foliage from intense heat. Too much direct afternoon sun can lead to leaf scorch, while excessive shade may result in leggy growth and fewer blooms. A minimum of four hours of direct sunlight per day is recommended for optimal flowering.
Soil and pH
These hydrangeas prefer moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. While tolerant of various soil types, good drainage prevents soggy conditions. Soil pH influences flower color in many Hydrangea macrophylla varieties. Acidic soil (pH 5.0-5.9) results in blue flowers, while alkaline soil (pH 7.0 or higher) promotes pink blooms. For variegated lacecaps, which often have pinkish-white flowers, color changes are more understated.
Watering
Consistent moisture is important for Variegated Lacecap Hydrangeas. The soil should remain evenly moist but never waterlogged. Deep watering encourages a robust root system. During hot or dry periods, these plants require more frequent watering to prevent wilting. Applying a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the plant helps retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing Variegated Lacecap Hydrangeas supports healthy growth and abundant flowering. An annual application of a slow-release shrub and tree food in late winter or early spring, as new growth emerges, is sufficient. Alternatively, incorporating organic compost into the soil each spring provides a steady supply of nutrients. Over-fertilization, particularly with high-nitrogen formulas, can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms. Cease fertilization two months before the first expected frost to allow the plant to harden off for winter.
Pruning for Health and Bloom
Pruning Variegated Lacecap Hydrangeas, which bloom on old wood, should occur immediately after they finish flowering in summer. This timing ensures next year’s flower buds are not inadvertently removed. Pruning helps maintain plant shape and encourages new, vigorous growth.
To prune, remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches at any time. For shaping or controlling size, cut back up to one-third of the oldest stems to the ground. Deadheading, the removal of spent flowers, is optional but can tidy the plant. Many gardeners leave spent blooms on the plant through winter for added visual interest.
Common Issues and Solutions
Variegated Lacecap Hydrangeas can encounter common problems, including foliage issues and pests. Leaf scorch, characterized by browned or crispy leaf edges, indicates too much direct sun exposure or insufficient watering. Providing afternoon shade and consistent moisture prevents this.
Pest infestations like aphids and spider mites can affect hydrangeas. Aphids, tiny soft-bodied insects, cluster on new growth and cause leaf distortion; a strong spray of water dislodges them. Spider mites, which thrive in dry conditions, cause stippling on leaves and fine webbing; increasing humidity and using insecticidal soaps manages them. Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew appear as a white, powdery coating on leaves, particularly in humid or poorly circulated areas. Ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering prevents fungal issues.