Emerald Lace Hydrangea

Light Needs

Part Sun to Full Sun

(5+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

4 - 5 Feet

Mature Spread

3 - 4 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 9

Emerald Lace Hydrangea stands apart for its deeply cut green foliage before the first flowers appear. Hydrangea arborescens 'Emerald Lace' grows about 4 to 5 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide, forming a deciduous shrub with an airy, rounded presence. White lacecap flowers appear in summer on new wood, giving the plant a refined woodland look. We use it for shade gardens for its unique foliage character.

This unusual smooth hydrangea was discovered in Illinois by Stan Tyson in 1990 and is also known as Green Dragon or Riven Lace. The ragged, irregularly lobed leaves create a texture unlike standard smooth hydrangeas, and the white lacecap flowers are useful for cutting and drying. Because Emerald Lace Hydrangea blooms on new wood, winter damage is less likely to remove the summer flower display. Plant it in woodland gardens, shaded borders, native-style plantings, cottage gardens, rain garden edges, and mixed shrub beds with regular moisture.

Emerald Lace Hydrangea Care

Plant Emerald Lace Hydrangea in bright shade to partial shade, with full sun suitable only if soil stays consistently moist and afternoon heat is limited. It grows best in rich, well-drained soil with steady organic matter. This smooth hydrangea adapts to various soil pH levels, but droughty soil should be avoided because foliage quality declines in dry conditions.

Maintain even moisture through the first growing season. Established plants still need regular water during hot or rainless weather, especially in sunnier sites. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced slow-release shrub fertilizer or topdress with compost. Mulch over the root zone to conserve moisture and keep the shallow roots cooler in summer.

Prune Emerald Lace Hydrangea in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Since it flowers on new wood, stems can be cut back hard to refresh the plant and encourage strong new shoots. Remove weak, damaged, or winter-killed stems at the same time for a cleaner clump.

Emerald Lace Hydrangea Spacing

Space Emerald Lace Hydrangea 36 to 48 inches apart in mixed borders or woodland-style groups. Allow 4 to 5 feet between plants when each shrub should mature with a defined rounded outline. For containers, choose a pot at least 20 to 24 inches wide with drainage holes, and keep the potting mix evenly moist during dry, warm weather.

In shaded borders, grow Emerald Lace Hydrangea with astilbe and Jacob’s Ladder, which enjoy similar moisture and add finer flowers around the lacecap blooms. Ferns can fill the lower layer with woodland texture and match the same bright shade conditions. For containers, use dead nettle or lobelia around the edge and apply regular water to keep the planting fresh.

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