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Native alternative(s) for Hydrangea serrata 'Omacha Variegata':
Hydrangea cinerea 'Annabelle' Flower - Summer - Buncombe Co., NC
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Clematis integrifolia Plant form
Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' Hydrangea paniculata
Hydrangea serrata Hydrangea serrata

Hydrangea serrata 'Omacha Variegata'

Description

Omacha Variegated Hydrangea serrata is a compact cultivar of hydrangea with unusual leaves.  The foliage is heavily dusted gold with red stems which make this shrub an interesting specimen in a lightly shaded garden. Fall color of the leaves is a showy red/burgundy. The lacecap flowers begin white and turn pink or blue depending on soil acidity.

Little pruning is required for this hydrangea and should be done after flowering as it blooms on the previous season's stems.  Weak or winter-damaged stems should be pruned away in early spring.

Although this plant can be grown in sun or partial shade, it is a native of Asia and prefers cool growing conditions and will grow best in light to open shade. Plant it in a location with full morning sun and afternoon shade in fertile high organic matter soils. In warmer climates, a location protected from hot sun will keep the foliage and flowers from prematurely fading or scorching and it will flower more prolifically with consistent summer watering. 

More information on Hydrangea serrata.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Hydrangeas in the Garden
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#deciduous#full sun tolerant#small spaces#specimen#white flowers#pink flowers#small shrub#red leaves#deciduous shrub#blue flowers#woody#fall interest#moist soil#mounding#well-drained soil#multistemmed#rich soils#neutral pH#summer flowers#flowering shrub#gold leaves#dappled sunlight#foundation planting#variegated#rounded#border planting#acidic soils tolerant#Asian garden#dried arrangements#compact habit#fall color red#partial shade tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#woodland garden#container plant#patio#hedge
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#deciduous#full sun tolerant#small spaces#specimen#white flowers#pink flowers#small shrub#red leaves#deciduous shrub#blue flowers#woody#fall interest#moist soil#mounding#well-drained soil#multistemmed#rich soils#neutral pH#summer flowers#flowering shrub#gold leaves#dappled sunlight#foundation planting#variegated#rounded#border planting#acidic soils tolerant#Asian garden#dried arrangements#compact habit#fall color red#partial shade tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#woodland garden#container plant#patio#hedge
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Hydrangea
    Species:
    serrata
    Family:
    Hydrangeaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Japan
    Wildlife Value:
    This plant attracts bees and butterflies.
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Edibility:
    Leaves can be used to make a sweet Japanese tea.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Poisonous
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Mounding
    Multi-stemmed
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    3 feet-6 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Blue
    Pink
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Head
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Good Dried
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Cross
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Lacecap blooms are pH-sensitive, starting white and then aging pink or blue depending on the soil acidity. This plant blooms a little later in the spring than other Hydrangea serrata.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Variegated
    Leaf Feel:
    Rough
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    New leaves are golden yellow with a thin red margin. As they mature leaves become mottled with gold mostly toward the center. Leaves are ovate, sharply tipped with a red petiole.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Patio
    Small Space
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Asian Garden
    Cottage Garden
    Cutting Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Foundation Planting
    Hedge
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Problems:
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses