Simply irresistible, Hydrangea serrata 'Beni-Gaku' is a compact, deciduous shrub laden with large lacecap flowers, up to 6 in. across (15 cm), that change color over time. The flower heads are composed of large, showy sterile sepals radiating around a central cluster of tiny fertile florets. Emerging white, the sepals mature to pink with deep red edges. The small fertile florets emerge dark purple and open to light blue. As the season progress, all these colors are present at the same time, creating a lovely tricolor effect. Blooming from early to late summer, the profuse blossoms are beautifully framed by the foliage of narrowly-ovate, pointed, mid- to dark green leaves tinged with red. Equally beautiful, the foliage turns bronze and reddish-purple in the fall. An old Japanese variety, 'Beni-Gaku' is an outstanding landscape shrub for lightly shaded gardens. Great for cutting, its flowers can be used in dried flower arrangements.

• This deciduous shrub has a round, bushy habit, typically growing up to 3-4 ft. tall and wide (90-120 cm)
• A full sun or part shade lover, it is best grown in rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerant of sun if the soil remains moist.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Watch for aphids, capsid bug, hydrangea scale and vine weevil.
• Perfect from foundation plantings to container plantings. Massed in a sheltered location or as an accent plant.
• To change the color of your Hydrangea, add aluminum sulfate to the soil to make the flowers bluer or add lime to the soil to make them pinker. Treatment should occur ahead of time (late fall or early spring)
• This beautiful deciduous shrub should be pruned after flowering by cutting back the stems to a pair of healthy buds. Prune out weak or winter-damaged stems in early spring.
• Hydrangea serrata species is native to Japan and Korea.
• May cause mild stomach ache if ingested, contact with foliage may aggravate skin allergies.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.