Hydrangea longipes var. longipes NJM 11.052

A collection from Guizhou of this unusual species. Early to flower, in June, with lacecap flowers pale lilac, surrounded by white sterile florets. Related to H. aspera, this is most evident in the foliage being hairy and broadly ovate, though with exceptionally long leaf stalks and, as a bonus, flushed bronze when young. A large deciduous shrub for reasonable well drained humusy soil, not too dry.