Miss Saori Hydrangea

Light Needs

Part Sun to Full Sun

(5+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

2-3 Feet

Mature Spread

3-4 Feet

Growing Zones

6 to 9

Miss Saori Hydrangea has double white mophead flowers edged in rosy pink, giving each bloom a crisp, ribboned look. Hydrangea macrophylla 'Miss Saori' grows into a compact mound about 3 feet tall and wide, so it readily fits smaller beds, shaded borders, and containers. The flowers begin in summer and can last into fall, held above dark green foliage that may take on ruby or burgundy tones with more sun and cooler weather. We recommend placing it where you can appreciate the flower detail up close, such near patios, entry beds, and cutting gardens.

This Japanese-bred hydrangea was developed by Ryoji Irie of Kyoto and named for his wife. It won the Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show Plant of the Year award in 2014 for its distinctive flowers and compact form. Unlike many bigleaf hydrangeas, the white petals and pink edging stay fairly consistent across different soil pH levels, though color tones can vary slightly by site. Plant Miss Saori Hydrangea as a specimen, low flowering hedge, container shrub, cottage garden feature, or small foundation accent with afternoon shade.

Miss Saori Hydrangea Care

Plant Miss Saori Hydrangea in part sun to part shade, with morning sun and afternoon shade best in warmer climates. It grows best in rich, moist, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Avoid soggy soil, which can weaken roots and reduce flowering. Slightly acidic to neutral soil is ideal, though this hydrangea grows well in a pH range of about 6.0 to 8.0 when moisture and drainage are steady. 

Water deeply after planting to settle the soil around the root ball. Continue to water regularly to keep the root zone consistently moist during the first growing season. Established plants still need regular watering during heat, since bigleaf hydrangeas wilt quickly when the soil dries. Fertilize once in early spring with a balanced or rose-type fertilizer, and mulch 2 to 3 inches deep to cool the roots and conserve moisture. 

Prune Miss Saori Hydrangea lightly after flowering, removing spent blooms and any dead or damaged stems. Since this bigleaf hydrangea forms many buds on old wood, avoid hard cutting in fall or early spring. In colder zones, protect the crown with mulch and place container plants in a sheltered spot where flower buds are less exposed to winter wind.

Miss Saori Hydrangea Spacing

Space Miss Saori Hydrangea 2.5 to 3 feet apart for a full border or low flowering hedge. Allow 4 to 6 feet between plants when using each shrub as an individual mound. For containers, choose a pot at least 18 to 22 inches wide with drainage holes, and check moisture often during summer because potted hydrangeas dry faster.

For a shaded border, plant Miss Saori Hydrangea with primrose and foxglove, which enjoy rich soil and add early-season flowers before the hydrangea reaches peak bloom. Ferns can fill the lower layer with cool texture beneath the rounded hydrangea flowers. In containers, use fuchsia or wishbone flowers around the edge in bright shade and supply steady moisture during the growing season.

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