Mountain Hydrangeas (Hydrangea serrata) have unique, lace centered blooms in shades of pink, blue, & purple. Blue and pink flowering types colors can be changed by adjusting soil pH. They are compact growers that can rebloom and will produce flowers on old and new wood. They grow best in protected, partial shade near homes, in a landscape border, as a specimen, or as a hedge.
- Bloom Colors: White blooms that can fade to shades of pink & mauve
- Bloom Time: Summer
- Sun Needs: Part Shade
- Best For: Woodland & landscape borders, specifmen planting, massed in the landscape
Care Tips
- Light: 3+ hours of sun in the morning only & though they will grow in less sunlight – you may see less blooms
- Water: Once planted, water deeply & thoroughly the first season until well-established. Moist soil is great but wet soil will cause root rot.
- Tips: Mulch around the base of the plant to help keep weeds down & moisture in (but do not pile mulch around the trunk). Water around the roots to avoid wetting the blooms and causing premature bloom fade. You can deadhead them in the summer/fall to encourage new blooms.
Fertilizing
Hydrangeas need a good source of nutrition to produce dense blooms. Fertilize Hydrangeas twice per year, once in early spring (March-April) when new foliage begins to sprout and once again mid-summer (June-July). You can use a variety of granular fertilizers on Hydrangeas such a Fertilome’s Gardener’s Special or Espoma’s Plant Tone.
If you want to change the soil ph, you can add lime to sweeten the soil and turn the blooms pink or Aluminum Sulphate to acidfy the soil and turn the blooms blue.
Pruning
Prune in early spring, as new growth begins to appear.
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