Hydrangea arborescens ’Haas Halo’ has lacecap flowers. I‘m not sure of size but thought I would toss it out there.

Thank you so much, for the great suggestion! I was not aware of this hydrangea before - thank you!!!

I’m not sure whether or not it has the lace cap blooms you’re looking for, but have a look at hydrangea serrata Arctic Pink, it’s hardy to zone 3!

Wow, those are both beautiful!

This is my 'Tuff Stuff' from today, just one bloom .... but, I've had decent good flowering when snow cover has been early and reliable throughout the winter, though the plant needs to be moved to better ensure that!

Invincibelle Lace Hydrangea. There are more paniculatas like Diamond Rouge, White Diamonds, Little Quick Fire. The newer Hydrangea Tuff STuff A-ha seems reliable for me in Zone 4. The older ones are not.

That 'Tuff Stuff Ah-Ha' looks especially very nice, sure wouldn't mind trying it! What helps this region out is despite the very cold winter lows, snow cover is generally quite reliable, last winter being an exception, though if one attempts such plants, we must give extra consideration to placement, as such where the winter sun does not hit or where additional snow will be shoveled upon the plant ... not that we'll always be successful, but at least a good chance if we select the correct plant material.

Thank you, pennlake and FrozeBudd for sharing your words of wisdom! THANKS!

Pennlake, what area do you live in please? I would love to see photos of your macs and serratas! Love your suggestion of Invincibelle Lace - thanks!

FrozeBudd, is winter sun bad even if the area has a lot of snow cover? Now, I really need to start to pay more attention to my backyard during winter to see where most of the snow is!!! Thanks!

Pennlake, yes, indeed, having some old wood survive on these is very important, even if it's four inches can make a big difference between a good show and very little to show for. I need to provide consistent better winter care to my 'Tuff Stuff' in order to see reliable flowering.

Ostrich, winter sun isn't bad as long as the snow sticks around to provide essential protection. Some of my backyard is angled a bit away from the winter sun and the snow piles up and stays right through to spring melt making it ideal for borderline hardy plants.

Thank you, FrozeBudd! Let me pay a bit more attention to my snow coverage this winter.... which is coming very soon.... SIGH!

I just wanted to update everyone here - I decided to go with Invincibelle Lace which was miraculously available in my area! I can't wait to see how she does next season!!! Thank you for your advice! :-)

Look at some of the Hydrangea paniculatas as pennlake suggested. Some are really full like Limelight, but others like QuickfireLittle Quickfire, and White Diamond are three I grow, and all have survied -23 with no snow cover. Since paniculatas form their flower buds in spring, you are unlikely to lose the flowers. While Quickfire can get considerably larger than 5’, in your zone it may be able to be kept in that range with judicious pruning after it reaches your prefered size. The other two will stay under 5’ IME.

Invincibelle Lace is a good choice for your zone.

So is Haas Halo

In addition to the hydrangeas, you could also try viburnum opulus 'compactum'. I love this shrub and have 5 of them. White lacecap style flowers in Spring, followed by red berries that hang on for long time. It is self pollinating. Leaves turn colors in the fall. Gets 3-4 feet high and 5-6 feet wide and very hardy.

Tim, I ended up planting 3 Invincibelle Lace, and I can't wait to see how they will do next spring! Thanks!

Ostrich, if they don’t bloom well for a couple of years, don’t worry. Many new plants spend a couple of seasons getting settled and growing new roots before they start blooming well.