Hydrangea macrophylla 'Lady in Red'

Lady in Red Bigleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Lady in Red’ is a deciduous shrub known for its elegant lacecap flower heads and distinctive red stems and leaf veins. This bigleaf hydrangea blooms from late spring through summer with flat lacecap flowers that may appear pink, blue, or rose-red depending on soil pH. The dark green foliage has striking red veins and petioles, and the plant develops rich burgundy-red fall color, giving it strong multi-season interest.

Type: Deciduous shrub
Mature Size: Width: 3–5 ft · Height: 3–5 ft
USDA Zones: 5a–9b

Form: Compact, mounded, rounded

Light: Full sun to partial shade (best with morning sun and afternoon shade)

Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained soil

Water: Medium; prefers consistently moist soil

Wildlife: Attracts bees and other pollinating insects

Features & Landscape Uses:
Notable for its red stems, red-veined foliage, and lacecap flowers that mature to deeper red tones. Excellent for woodland gardens, borders, foundation plantings, and mixed shrub beds. The foliage also provides attractive reddish-purple fall color, which is uncommon among many bigleaf hydrangeas.

Care:
Plant in part shade with evenly moist, well-drained soil. Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots. Flower color can shift with soil pH—acidic soils produce bluer tones while alkaline soils encourage pink to red hues. Prune only after flowering since buds form on old wood.

Plant type

Flowering Deciduous Shrub

Height

3-5'

Width

3-5'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Fall, Late Spring, Summer

Flower color

Pink

Leaf color

Dark Green

Attracts

Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Container, Foundation Plant, Mass Planting

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Drought tolerant

No