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hydrangea tricolor

Hydrangea tricolor is a stunning ornamental shrub prized for its uniquely variegated foliage and vibrant blooms. With leaves displaying intricate shades of green, white, and sometimes soft pink, this sought-after plant brings a playful yet elegant touch to New Zealand gardens. The showy, mophead flowers in summer are a magnet for garden enthusiasts, adding bursts of colour to borders, beds, and containers. If you’re searching for a hydrangea that stands out from the usual, hydrangea tricolor is an inspired choice. Read on to discover how to grow hydrangea tricolor, where to plant it, and which other hydrangeas complement its beauty.

Beautiful purple flowers on the Hydrangea Bloody Marvellous.

Hydrangea 'Bloody Marvellous'

5 from 1 customers

Hydrangea 'Bloody Marvellous' lives up to its name with spectacular deep red blooms that create a bold statement in any garden. This red-flowering, compact mophead variety pairs richly coloured flowers with lush green foliage, making it a standout in borders, containers, or mass plantings.

From $27.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.20 m
Spread: 1.20 m
Flowering time: Summer, Autumn
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Leuchtfeuer' pink and cream-coloured flowers.

Hydrangea 'Leuchtfeuer'

5 from 1 customers

Hydrangea 'Leuchtfeuer' is a vibrant mophead hydrangea celebrated for its large rounded blooms in intense deep red to crimson tones. This striking variety brings bold summer colour to New Zealand gardens and performs reliably in a range of climates.

From $27.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.50 m
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
Gorgeous Hydrangea macrophylla 'Ayesha' pink flowers.
Hydrangea 'Ayesha'

Hydrangea 'Ayesha' is a distinctive variety prized for its lilac-like flower clusters and subtle fragrance. The waxy, spoon-shaped petals and glossy...

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Hydrangea 'Bridal Bouquet' elegant cream-white flowers.
Hydrangea 'Bridal Bouquet'

Hydrangea 'Bridal Bouquet' is a graceful and timeless variety featuring pure white mophead blooms that evoke elegance and charm. This classic shrub...

From$21.95
hydrangea-macrophylla-alpen-gluten-
Hydrangea 'Alpen Gluten'

Hydrangea 'Alpen Gluten' is a striking deciduous shrub known for its large flower heads that bring bold colour and presence to NZ gardens. Flowering...

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A purple-blue Hydrangea 'Renate Steiniger' flower.
Hydrangea 'Renate Steiniger'

Hydrangea 'Renate Steiniger' is a stunning deciduous shrub admired for its vibrant rounded flower heads and lush green foliage. Flowering abundantly...

From$27.95
hydrangea-macrophylla-masja-
Hydrangea 'Masja'

Hydrangea 'Masja' is a compact deciduous shrub admired for its vibrant rounded flower heads and lush dark green foliage. Flowering abundantly through...

From$27.95
dichroa-blue-stars--1
Dichroa Blue Stars (Evergreen Hydrangea)

Dichroa 'Blue Stars' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its clusters of intense blue star shaped flowers followed by brilliant metallic blue...

From$30.29
hydrangea-macrophylla-geoffrey-chadbund-1
Hydrangea 'Geoffrey Chadbund'

Hydrangea 'Geoffrey Chadbund' is a beautiful deciduous shrub admired for its large rounded flower heads and lush green foliage. Flowering through...

From$27.95
Tulbaghia variegata 'Tricolor 'plant with elegant pink flowers.
Tulbaghia variegata 'Tricolor' (Society Garlic)

Tulbaghia variegata 'Tricolor' is a striking evergreen perennial valued for its narrow green leaves edged with cream and flushed pink. This...

From$11.50
Hydrangea 'Libelle' lacecap white and blue flowers.
Hydrangea 'Libelle'

Hydrangea 'Libelle' is a graceful lacecap hydrangea renowned for its pure white sterile florets that elegantly frame a centre of tiny fertile...

From$27.95
Hydrangea 'Harlequin' pink and white flower head above lush, green foliage.
Hydrangea 'Harlequin'

Hydrangea 'Harlequin' is a distinctive mophead hydrangea known for its large blooms edged in crisp white with vibrant pink to red centres. This eye...

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Hydrangea macrophylla 'Altona' stunning, blue flowers.
Hydrangea 'Altona'

Hydrangea 'Altona' is a classic mophead hydrangea admired for its large rounded blooms in rich pink to rosy red tones. This reliable variety brings...

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Hydrangea 'Alpengluhen' dark pink-red flower head above lush, green foliage.
Hydrangea 'Alpengluhen'

Hydrangea 'Alpengluhen' is a striking mophead hydrangea known for its vivid deep red flower heads and glossy dark green foliage. This classic variety...

OUT OF STOCK
Hydrangea 'Merritts Supreme' purple flower with lush, green foliage.
Hydrangea 'Merritt's Supreme'

Hydrangea 'Merritt's Supreme' is a spectacular mophead hydrangea admired for its exceptionally large rounded blooms in vibrant pink to blue tones...

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Hydrangea aspera pink and blue flowers above lush, green foliage.
Hydrangea aspera (Rough Leaf Hydrangea)

Hydrangea aspera is a striking deciduous shrub valued for its large velvety leaves and distinctive lacecap flowers in soft purple and blue tones...

OUT OF STOCK
Hydrangea 'Zaunkonig' purple flowers with blue florets.
Hydrangea 'Zaunkonig'

Hydrangea 'Zaunkönig' is a charming lacecap hydrangea admired for its delicate outer florets surrounding a vibrant pink to red centre. This elegant...

OUT OF STOCK
Hydrangea 'Todi' stunning pink flower with lush, green foliage.
Hydrangea 'Todi'

Hydrangea 'Todi' is a charming compact mophead hydrangea admired for its rounded blooms in soft pink to rosy tones that brighten summer gardens. This...

OUT OF STOCK
Hydrangea 'Charming' stunning pink and white flower head.
Hydrangea 'Charming'

Hydrangea 'Charming' is a delightful deciduous shrub admired for its soft pink mophead flowers that create a romantic summer display in New Zealand...

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Hydrangea 'You Me Emotion' pink flower head.
Hydrangea 'You Me Emotion'

Hydrangea 'You & Me Emotion' is a stunning deciduous shrub admired for its elegant double flower heads and lush green foliage. Flowering abundantly...

OUT OF STOCK
hydrangea-macrophylla-paris-2
Hydrangea 'Paris'

Hydrangea 'Paris' is a compact deciduous shrub admired for its vibrant flower heads and lush green foliage. Flowering abundantly through summer, this...

OUT OF STOCK
Hydrangea 'You Me Romance' pink flower.
Hydrangea 'You Me Romance'

Hydrangea 'You & Me Romance' is a stunning deciduous shrub admired for its elegant double flower heads and lush green foliage. Flowering abundantly...

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Hydrangea 'Mariesii' blue flowers.
Hydrangea 'Mariesii'

Hydrangea 'Mariesii' is a graceful deciduous shrub admired for its elegant lacecap flowers and lush green foliage. Flowering through summer, this...

OUT OF STOCK
hydrangea-macrophylla-perfection-
Hydrangea 'Perfection'

Hydrangea 'Perfection' is a stunning deciduous hydrangea admired for its large rounded flower heads and elegant long lasting blooms. This beautiful...

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Hydrangea paniculata 'Diamond Rouge' pink flower head.
Hydrangea 'Diamond Rouge'

Hydrangea 'Diamond Rouge' is a spectacular flowering shrub prized for its large cone shaped blooms that open creamy white before turning rich pink...

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Hydrangea quercifolia shrub with green foliage and white flowers.
Hydrangea quercifolia

Hydrangea quercifolia (Oakleaf Hydrangea) is a striking deciduous shrub admired for its large oak shaped leaves, elegant cone shaped flowers, and...

OUT OF STOCK
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Hydrangea 'Piamina'

Hydrangea 'Piamina' is a compact deciduous shrub admired for its vibrant double flower heads and lush green foliage. Flowering abundantly through...

OUT OF STOCK
Hydrangea 'Tardiva' white flowers.
Hydrangea 'Tardiva'

Hydrangea paniculata 'Tardiva' is a graceful deciduous shrub admired for its elegant late season cone shaped flower heads and lush green foliage...

OUT OF STOCK
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Hydrangea 'Fireworks'

Hydrangea 'Fireworks' is a unique lacecap hydrangea known for its double star shaped florets that create a striking layered effect. Flowering through...

OUT OF STOCK
Crassula ovata Tricolor plant.
Crassula ovata 'Tricolor'

Crassula ovata 'Tricolor' is a striking variegated succulent known for its green, cream, and pink tinged leaves. It brings year round colour and...

OUT OF STOCK
A 'Annabelle' Hydrangea informal hedge with masses of white flowers.
Hydrangea 'Annabelle'

The ‘Annabelle’ Hydrangea is a stunning deciduous shrub admired for its large, snowball-like white flower heads that appear from summer into autumn...

OUT OF STOCK
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Immaculata' white flowers above lush, green foliage.
Hydrangea 'Immaculata'

Hydrangea 'Immaculata' is an elegant lacecap hydrangea admired for its delicate white outer florets surrounding a soft creamy centre. This refined...

OUT OF STOCK
Hydrangea 'Bloody Marvellous'

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Dichroa, Hydrangea, and Tulbaghia, or related Categories - Perennials, Deciduous Shrubs, and Evergreen Shrubs.

Search hydrangea tricolor

What Makes Hydrangea Tricolor Unique?

Hydrangea tricolor’s appeal starts with its foliage. Unlike traditional hydrangeas, its leaves are decorated with streaks and margins of creamy white and pale pink. Gardeners will appreciate how this plant brings subtle year-round interest, even when not in bloom. The mophead flowers, typically in pastel hues, create a striking contrast against the variegated leaves. Hydrangea tricolor is well-suited for semi-shaded areas of the garden, thriving with morning sun and afternoon shade. This makes it an ideal choice for woodland gardens or shaded borders, where it brightens darker corners and pairs well with other shade-loving plants.

Growing and Caring for Hydrangea Tricolor

Hydrangea tricolor prefers moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Planting in partial shade helps protect its delicate leaf variegation from scorching, preserving the plant’s signature look. Regular watering is key during dry spells, especially through the warm months. Feed with a balanced fertiliser in early spring to support healthy foliage and abundant flowering.

Pruning hydrangea tricolor is simple and best done after the flowering season. Remove spent blooms and any dead or damaged wood to maintain a tidy shape. Because hydrangeas flower on older wood, avoid heavy pruning to ensure robust blooms each summer.

Landscaping Ideas with Hydrangea Tricolor

Hydrangea tricolor’s variegated foliage makes it an eye-catching focal plant, perfect for strategic placement where seasonal colour is most wanted. It plays beautifully alongside other hydrangea varieties with complementary colours and forms. Consider pairing with Hydrangea Garten Baudirektor Kuhnert for dramatic, rich blue blooms or Hydrangea 'Trophy' for soft, creamy flowers. The romantic pink and white blooms of Hydrangea 'Harlequin' offer a harmonious blend, while double-flowered Hydrangea 'You Me Together' adds depth to mixed planting schemes. The lime-to-cream blossoms of Hydrangea 'Candlelight' make a lovely companion, balancing hydrangea tricolor’s foliage with their subtle hues.

Where to Plant Hydrangea Tricolor

This hydrangea flourishes in sheltered spots, away from harsh wind and direct midday sun. It’s ideal for foundation beds, courtyard gardens, or as a container specimen on patios. Hydrangea tricolor blends effortlessly into cottage gardens, woodland planting, and even contemporary landscapes.

Whether you’re new to hydrangeas or looking to expand your collection, hydrangea tricolor promises beauty and versatility for every garden. Explore other unique hydrangeas to broaden your floral palette and create a garden that’s vibrant year-round.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

Illustration of plant leaves.
You’ve probably heard of our garden favourites like Corokia 'Geenty's Green' and Ficus Tuffi, but did you know we also grow hidden gems like Westringia 'Blue Gem', Blueberry 'Pink Icing', and Leptospermum 'Pageant'?
–The Plant Company

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