Variegated Bigleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Variegata Mariesii'

Saxifragaceae (Saxifrage Family)

▲▼ mature plant

▲  leaves

 Location on campus: in triangle bed between Hill and Ellis Hall, along sidewalk that runs on the north side of these buildings

Hydrangea macrophylla: Bigleaf Hydrangea, Florist’s Hydrangea; Cultivar 'Varigata Mariesii' is a cultivar of Bigleaf Hydrangea

      leaves opposite, deciduous, simple, ovate with serrated margins and pointed tip; 4-8" long and 2/3 as wide with fleshy texture; dark green above and glabrous to slightly pubescent underneath-- cultivar 'Variegata Mariesii' has variegated, white-edged leaves

      stems light shiny gray or brown, seldom branching, often dying back each winter; pith is large and white

      grows 3-6' tall as a rounded shrub of many upright, unbranched stems; but often dies back to ground annually

      flowers are white, flat-topped corymbs “lacecaps” (sterile & fertile flowers) or ball-like corymbs (all sterile flowers); but flowers on previous season's growth, and 'Variegata Mariesii' dies back to ground each winter, so this cultivar does not flower in southwest Missouri

      part shade to full sun conditions (more shade further south in range); prefers cool, moist, even conditions in moist, well-drained, fertile soilsC add extra peatmoss or organic matter & mulch plants well

      fast growth rate