Hydrangea macrophylla 'Veitchii'

This specimen was uncovered about 7-years ago in Wave Hill's Secret Garden by retired Director of Horticulture Louis Bauer during the rejuvenation of a nearby Phontinia and Eleagnus. Soon after, "the hydrangea finally had enough light to make a show and get our attention." The pure white sterile florets of the large lacecap flowers are laid out like numbers on a clock, surrounding a central cloud of white to pink or pale blue flowers (pH dependent). The sterile florets will redden on the underside and twist up as the flowers age.

After heated debate around the potting shed table this year, we decided it is 'Veitchii', one of the original Japanese hydrangea introductions in 1881. Brought to England by Charles Maries, an employee of James Veitch & Sons in Chelsea, London; one of the largest family-run nurseries in the 19th century.

This is an incredibly reliable, cold-hardy, and robust hydrangea-it can grow up to 5'x10'-whoa!

The white flowers are offset by lush dark green waxy leaves which are resistant to powdery mildew and Cercospora (a group of fungi that cause leaf spot and blights). Even with our cold winter in 2026, we still got flowers on this hydrangea. What is not to love!

Zone: 4-9

Deer resistance: no

Available for pick-up or delivery within 30 miles of Wave Hill ($100 delivery fee)