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japanese hydrangea

Japanese hydrangea is a sought-after shrub for New Zealand gardens, renowned for its delicate blooms and effortless elegance. This captivating plant is part of the Hydrangea macrophylla and Hydrangea serrata families, featuring stunning mophead or lacecap flowers in shades ranging from soft pinks and blues to elegant whites. Japanese hydrangea varieties effortlessly combine form and function: they bring structure to borders, soften shaded corners, and add a touch of classic romance to summer gardens.

Gorgeous Hydrangea macrophylla 'Ayesha' pink flowers.

Hydrangea 'Ayesha'

5 from 1 customers

Hydrangea 'Ayesha' is a distinctive variety prized for its lilac-like flower clusters and subtle fragrance. The waxy, spoon-shaped petals and glossy green foliage give this shrub an elegant presence in shaded borders, woodland gardens, or containers.

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-mrs-kumiko-

Hydrangea 'Mrs Kumiko'

5 from 3 customers

Hydrangea 'Mrs Kumiko' is a graceful deciduous shrub admired for its elegant flower heads and lush green foliage. Flowering generously through summer, this beautiful hydrangea creates a refined display of seasonal colour that brightens New Zealand gardens and outdoor spaces.

From $27.95

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.00 m
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer
Tolerances: Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Paths & Steps
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Rock
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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 'Leuchtfeuer' pink and cream-coloured flowers.
Hydrangea 'Leuchtfeuer'

Hydrangea 'Leuchtfeuer' is a vibrant mophead hydrangea celebrated for its large rounded blooms in intense deep red to crimson tones. This striking...

From$27.95
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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
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...

From$36.95
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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$21.95
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Acer palmatum dissectum 'Tamukeyama'

Acer palmatum dissectum 'Tamukeyama' is one of the most admired Japanese Maples, prized for its finely dissected deep red foliage and graceful...

From$299.95
pachysandra-terminalis-5
Pachysandra terminalis

Pachysandra terminalis, commonly known as Japanese Spurge, is a hardy evergreen groundcover valued for its glossy dark green foliage and dense...

From$23.39
ligustrum-rotundifolium-4
Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium'

Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium' (Japanese Privet) is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its rounded glossy green leaves and dense compact growth habit...

From$24.77
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Acer palmatum 'Senkaki'

Acer palmatum 'Senkaki', commonly known as the Coral Bark Japanese Maple, is a beautiful deciduous tree prized for its brilliant coral red branches...

From$299.95
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Acer palmatum 'Seiryu'

Acer palmatum 'Seiryu' is a unique Japanese Maple admired for its finely dissected foliage and upright growth habit. Unlike many laceleaf maples...

From$299.95
Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon' tree in a garden.
Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon'

Acer shirasawanum 'Autumn Moon' is a standout Japanese maple admired for its glowing apricot and orange toned foliage that brings warmth and vibrancy...

From$299.95
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Acer palmatum 'Fjellheim'

Acer palmatum 'Fjellheim' is a compact Japanese Maple prized for its dense upright habit, fresh green foliage, and brilliant coral red stems that...

From$399.95
Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' specimen tree with colourful dark red foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'

Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood' (Bloodgood Japanese Maple) is one of the most reliable and popular Japanese maples, valued for its deep red foliage and...

From$299.95
iris-rose-queen-
Iris Rose Queen (Japanese Water Iris)

“Rose Queen” is a variety of Japanese Water Iris that produces spectacular flowers. The showy, two-tone pink blooms are borne atop sturdy stems in...

From$27.53
Acer palmatum Hanami Nishiki tree with lush green foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Hanami Nishiki'

Acer palmatum 'Hanami Nishiki' is a beautiful Japanese Maple admired for its delicately variegated foliage that emerges with soft pink, cream, and...

From$399.95
Acer palmatum dissectum 'Stella Rossa' tree with fine, dark purple foliage.
Acer 'Stella Rossa'

Acer 'Stella Rossa' is a striking Japanese Maple valued for its finely dissected deep red foliage and elegant cascading growth habit. The rich...

From$399.95
Acer palmatum 'Crimson Princess' tree with fine green foliage tinged with purple.
Acer 'Crimson Princess'

Acer palmatum 'Crimson Princess' is a stunning Japanese maple known for its deeply cut, cascading burgundy foliage that intensifies through the...

From$299.95
Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen' specimen tree with purple-red cascading foliage.
Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen'

Acer palmatum 'Crimson Queen' is a highly admired weeping Japanese maple known for its finely dissected burgundy foliage that retains rich colour...

From$299.95
cryptomeria-japonica-2
Cryptomeria japonica

Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese Cedar) is a majestic evergreen conifer valued for its tall upright form and soft rich green foliage. It brings...

From$270.40
Juniperus procumbens 'Nana' (prostrate Juniper) growing as a tidy ground cover.
Juniperus procumbens Nana (Japanese Dwarf Juniper)

Juniperus procumbens 'Nana', commonly known as the Prostrate Juniper, is a ground-hugging conifer that forms a carpet of blue-green, needle-like...

From$34.43
hydrangea-macrophylla-fireworks-
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
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 '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...

OUT OF STOCK
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
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Hydrangea 'Perfection'

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

OUT OF STOCK
Hydrangea 'You Me Forever' blue flowers.
Hydrangea 'You Me Forever'

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

OUT OF STOCK
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
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Hydrangea 'Blaumeise'

Hydrangea 'Blaumeise' is a striking lacecap hydrangea known for its rich blue flower heads that create a refined and elegant display in NZ gardens...

OUT OF STOCK
Hydrangea paniculata 'Kyushu' shrub with masses of white flowers.
Hydrangea 'Kyushu'

Hydrangea 'Kyushu' is a graceful deciduous shrub admired for its elegant white lacecap flowers and lush green foliage. Flowering 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...

OUT OF STOCK
Hydrangea 'Ayesha'

Did you find what you are looking for?

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

Search japanese hydrangea

Features of Japanese Hydrangea

What makes the Japanese hydrangea so special? This ornamental shrub stands out with its lush, serrated foliage and long-lasting, textural blooms. Japanese hydrangeas like Hydrangea Mrs Kumiko and Hydrangea Mariko are known for their compact growth habits, making them perfect for smaller gardens or container planting. Many varieties display subtle changes in flower colour depending on soil acidity, offering a unique garden experience as petal hues transition throughout the season.

Best Japanese Hydrangea Varieties

Several exceptional cultivars embody the allure of Japanese hydrangea. For gardeners searching for something a little different, Hydrangea Ayesha delights with uniquely cupped petals, while Hydrangea Merveille Sanguine enchants with deep, ruby-red blooms. Hydrangea Mrs Kumiko, bred in Japan, stands out for its pristine white flowers with scalloped edges. Hydrangea Kyushu offers a lacecap style, ideal for adding a gentle, naturalistic touch to woodland or shade gardens.

Growing and Caring for Japanese Hydrangea

One of the great advantages of Japanese hydrangea is its adaptability. These hydrangeas thrive in partial shade with well-drained, moisture-retentive soil. Incorporating compost or mulch annually helps maintain the rich, acidic soil that Japanese hydrangeas love, encouraging vibrant flower displays and healthy foliage. Regular watering during dry spells is key, especially for younger plants. Prune lightly after flowering, focusing on removing spent blooms and shaping the plant—avoid heavy pruning in late autumn, as hydrangeas often flower on old wood.

Uses for Japanese Hydrangea in the NZ Garden

Japanese hydrangea is incredibly versatile. These shrubs create beautiful hedges or specimen plants, and their blooms are superb for floral arrangements—fresh or dried. For mixed borders or shade gardens, combine varieties like Hydrangea Mariko and Hydrangea Ayesha for a tapestry of colour, shape, and texture from midsummer into autumn. Japanese hydrangeas complement classic cottage gardens, subtropical plantings, or modern, minimalist designs.

Ready to enjoy the elegance of Japanese hydrangea in your own space? Explore our collection of unique hydrangea varieties, including Hydrangea Kyushu, and discover the perfect shrub to transform your garden.

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.

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Our most famous blooms include Corokia 'Geenty's Green' and Ficus Tuffi, but some of our best-kept secrets are Quercus robur 'Fastigiata', Amelanchier canadensis, and Rose Flower Carpet Pink — underrated beauties ready to shine.
–The Plant Company

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