Omacha Variegated Serrated Leaf Hydrangea. This is another one of those cultivars that one would plant for its foliage as much as for its flowers. The inflorescence is a 3-4" white lacecap, but the new leaves emerge with a yellow reticulated type of variegation. As the leaves mature, the variegation is slowly diminished. I think this cultivar will get to around 3' in height. The "serrata" species of Hydrangeas seem to be more cold hardy for us than H. macrophylla. I don't know whether it is inherently more cold hardy or that it leafs out for us about 10-14 days later than the "macrophyllas." They are more delicate with their smaller leaves and more compact form. Where space is at a premium, this species would be the best choice. It performs well in morning sun and afternoon shade or filtered sun. If pruning is needed, prune immediately after flowering, this way one will not impede flower bud set for the following spring. Here in zone 8 they flower from May through June. I haven't seen any remontant flowering "serratas."
Zones 5-9
