LIR is a Lacecap. For a donation, I received some from the UGA Research Center prior to general introduction. Other than having burgundy (red) stems and some leaf veins, I am unimpressed with them. Mine are grown in an area that receives several hours of morning sun and have been very slow growing, only about 3' tall after 3 years and with a very open growth habit. They have some coloration of leaves in the fall, but not outstanding.
They are generally higher priced at local nurseries here, being a new cultivar and patented, which requires a licensing agreement and a per plant royalty payment by the growers. They also have to purchase those red pots to market them in!
The price you paid is a bargain. I haven't seen those marked down that low here.
Rb

I got one of the earlier plants too (a cutting) from UGA Research at the ATL Garden Show years ago, before it was introduced. It's about 4 years old now.

I like the plant, but have to agree, it's not a big show stopper and the intense red fall color you see in the magazines I've yet to see in my garden. It does have nice fall color though, and my stems and veining did turn pretty dark.

In my garden it's a nice shaped blue lacecap. The habit is fairly open. I have it in high pecan shade and aside from fertizliing the whole garden 2X a year, don't really give it any special attention.

It does root readily, and I have managed to share cuttings with my neighbors.

Here's a big from last spring.

Thanks to those of you who were kind enough to share your opinion. Creech, your "Lady In Blue" is just plain gorgeous. Insofar as "red" is concerned, I think you are very fortunate to have such a lovely blue flowered plant. Hydrangeas color seems to be predominately dependent upon the soil. I have no way to take or send pictures, and I wish I did - as in the summertime here, some of my older hydrangeas are quite lovely, and some are over 10 feet tall with huge platter sized flowerheads. I don't have a clue about their names, but I haven't found a newer variety that has done nearly as well. Thanks again. I enjoy the pictures of all that others are growing. Donna