I'm not sure what blue lacecaps are but this year I planted an "Endless Summer" variety because i saw one at yard sale house last year and it was dazzling. The woman said it just keps on blooming and blooming. Mine is very short, but it's already loaded with flowers! The color I think depeneds on your soil. My flowers start out white then turn blue. Very pretty plant! It's in the sun most of the day which might not be ideal, but it seems okay. My soil is pretty poor, but not as bad as some. I dig a hole (never a big one because of my back) add soil with manure and peat moss, then water like crazy at first...everything seems to do well for me that way...good luck

I love the lacecaps as well. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to keep them, though. This is their third year and only one of six has 'old growth' - the other five are coming back from the ground and it may be another year w/o blooms. :O(

I covered during our late frost but we may be just a zone too cold. I'm in NE TN so you may have better luck.

bluebird, which is a serrata, also beni gaku also a serrata. must must have acid fertilizer (2x/year), whether you want blue flowers or not and next to no afternoon sun except very dappled. to avoid fungal disease, a good 4 inches of mulch, pine needles if you can to avoid any soil contact.

j.

Here is a link to Wilkerson Mill Gardens, one of the most knowledgable hydrangea growers I know of - certainly for the south. They list the hardiness zones for each of their hydrangeas. The nuresery is not open all year, but I know it is open right now. I have heard that they will go way out of their way to answer questions for people. Maybe you can get a bunch of your questions answered here. They have some beautiful lacecaps.

Here is a link that might be useful: Wilkerson Mill