Hydrangea macrophylla 'Libelle'

Libelle Bigleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Libelle’ is a deciduous shrub valued for its elegant lacecap flower heads with large white sterile florets surrounding clusters of fertile center flowers. This bigleaf hydrangea blooms in summer on old wood, creating a delicate layered appearance that often shifts to soft pink or pale blue tones depending on soil pH and maturity. Its dark green foliage provides a clean backdrop, and the open lacecap form gives it a refined, airy look in shaded gardens.

Type: Deciduous shrub
Mature Size: Width: 4–6 ft · Height: 4–6 ft
USDA Zones: 6a–9b

Form: Upright, rounded

Light: Part shade to filtered sun

Soil: Rich, moist, well-drained soil

Water: Medium; prefers even moisture

Wildlife: Attracts bees and other pollinating insects

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for woodland gardens, borders, foundation plantings, and mixed shrub borders where its lacecap flowers add a refined texture. The white blooms stand out especially well in shaded settings and are attractive for fresh-cut arrangements.

Care:
Plant in protected part shade with consistently moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Prune immediately after flowering if shaping is needed, since flower buds develop on old wood. Mulch roots in colder regions to help protect buds through winter.

Plant type

Flowering Deciduous Shrub

Height

4-6'

Width

4-5'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Fall, Late Summer, Summer

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Container, Foundation Plant, Mass Planting

Shape

Rounded, Upright

Bark

Smooth

Drought tolerant

No