Preziosa Hydrangea

Hydrangea 'Preziosa' is a compact deciduous shrub with rounded flower clusters that age from rose-pink to reddish purple. Its young leaves emerge bronze or purple-tinted, mature green, and develop red autumn tones, as described by [the RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/97793/hydrangea-preziosa/details) and [Chicago Botanic Garden](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-information/plant-finder/hydrangea-serrata-preziosa-preziosa-mountain-hydrangea). ## Identity and garden use References place the named selection differently: RHS lists Hydrangea 'Preziosa' and gives H. serrata 'Preziosa' as a synonym, while Chicago Botanic Garden files it under H. serrata. RHS reports mature size of 1–1.5 m; Chicago Botanic Garden gives 3–4 feet, so allow roughly 3–5 feet for this rounded shrub. The garden lists it for borders and containers, and the Chicago profile records USDA zones 6–9. ## Growing conditions Provide full sun or part shade and moist, well-drained soil; RHS lists clay, loam, or sand. For plants treated as H. serrata, [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hydrangea-serrata/) advises light or open shade in warmer climates to limit fading and scorch. ## Maintenance Preziosa blooms on old wood, so limit shaping to just after flowering. Mulch the root area in colder climates and avoid late-season pruning that could remove next year’s buds.