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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.

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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. Its compact growth habit and reliable flowering make it ideal for cottage gardens, borders, feature planting, and shaded landscapes. Hydrangea 'Mrs Kumiko' thrives in moist fertile conditions and provides softness, texture, and long lasting visual appeal in both traditional and contemporary garden designs.

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
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. Ideal for borders feature planting and cottage style landscapes, it is perfect for gardeners wanting dramatic floral impact.

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
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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...

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Hydrangea paniculata 'Levana'

Hydrangea 'Levana' is a spectacular deciduous shrub admired for its enormous cone shaped flower heads and lush green foliage. Flowering abundantly...

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Hydrangea 'Bombshell' amazing white flowers above lush, green foliage.
Hydrangea 'Bombshell'

Hydrangea 'Bombshell' is a compact, mounding shrub that produces masses of white, star-shaped flowers with soft lime centres. Flowering from early...

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A Hydrangea 'Strawberries and Cream' red and cream flower.
Hydrangea 'Strawberries and Cream'

Hydrangea 'Strawberries and Cream' is a stunning deciduous shrub admired for its beautiful flower heads featuring soft pink and creamy white tones...

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A large Ilex crenata 'Convexa' shrub with dense, green foliage.
Ilex crenata Convexa (Japanese Holly)

Ilex crenata 'Convexa' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its small glossy dark green leaves and naturally dense growth habit. Often used as an...

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Fatsia japonica

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Pachysandra terminalis

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

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Ligustrum 'Rotundifolium'

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

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Acer palmatum Senkaki (Acer Senkaki)

Acer palmatum Senkaki is a stunning Japanese Maple or Coral Bark Maple due to its striking and delicate foliage. Small, soft looking leaves emerge...

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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...

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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...

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Acer palmatum Fjellheim (Fjellheim Japanese Maple)

Acer palmatum Fjellheim is an impressive Japanese Maple featuring a rich display of delicate foliage held on colourful stems. Leaves on this small...

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Carex 'Everlime' plants for sale at The Plant Company nursery.
Carex 'Everlime' (Lime Grass Plant)

Carex ‘Everlime’ (Japanese Sedge) is a popular evergreen sedge valued for its graceful arching green foliage edged with bright lime cream margins...

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Cryptomeria japonica

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

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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...

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Hydrangea 'Mrs Kumiko'

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acer, Carex, Cryptomeria, Fatsia, Hydrangea, Ilex, Iris, Juniperus Ligustrum and Pachysandra, or related Categories - Conifer Trees, Grasses, Groundcover Plants, Iris Plants, Deciduous Shrubs Evergreen Shrubs and Maple Tree.

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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.


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Our most famous blooms include Ficus benjamina 'Starlight' and Corokia 'Bronze King', but some of our best-kept secrets are Olive 'El Greco', Rose Raspberry Ice, and Hebe 'First Light' — underrated beauties ready to shine.
–The Plant Company

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