Mountain Hydrangea
Hydrangea serrata is a delicate and captivating flowering shrub with intricate lacecap blooms.
Hydrangea serrata, commonly known as Mountain Hydrangea or Tea of Heaven, is a deciduous shrub native to the mountainous regions of Korea and Japan.
Description and Growth Habit: H. serrata is similar in appearance to H. macrophylla but is generally smaller, with a height and spread of 2-4 feet. (60-120 cm). It has a rounded, mounding growth habit.
Flowers: The flowers bloom in lacecap form, with a central cluster of tiny, fertile flowers surrounded by a ring of larger, sterile flowers. The color of the flowers can be pink, blue, or purple, depending on the soil’s acidity. Acidic soils produce blue flowers, while alkaline soils produce pink ones. Borne in great quantity, the elegant blossoms of some cultivars have the wonderful habit of changing color 3 to 4 times per season. This captivating process will prevent your summer garden from becoming boring.
Foliage: The leaves are serrated (hence the name), ovate, and dark green. They turn yellow in the fall before dropping off.
Blooming Season: The blooming season is typically in early to late summer, but this can vary depending on the climate and specific cultivar.
Hardiness: H. serrata is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
Uses: Due to its compact size, it is well-suited for small gardens, borders, and containers. In traditional medicine, it is used to make a sweet tea in Japan.
Pollinators: Like other hydrangeas, H. serrata attracts a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
Toxicity: All parts of the plant can cause stomach upset if ingested and the leaves can cause mild skin irritation.
Deer and Rabbit: Hydrangeas are generally not a preferred food source for deer, but they may eat them if food is scarce. Rabbits may nibble on the stems and leaves.
Growing Hydrangea serrata can add a unique charm to your garden. Here’s why:
Attractive Flowers: The lacecap flowers of H. serrata are delicate and beautiful. They create a softer look compared to the bold mophead blooms of some other hydrangeas. Plus, the color-changing ability of the flowers based on soil pH is a fascinating aspect.
Compact Size: Being smaller than many other hydrangeas, H. serrata is excellent for smaller gardens, containers, and areas where space is limited.
Cold Tolerance: Its flower buds are less likely to be damaged by late frosts, making it a good choice for gardens in cooler climates.
Pollinators: Like other hydrangeas, H. serrata can attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to your garden, promoting biodiversity.
Versatility in Landscaping: Whether you need a specimen plant for a focal point, a border plant, or a component of a mixed planting, H. serrata can fulfill these roles.
Cultural Significance: If you’re interested in plants with cultural history, H. serrata has a long history of use in its native regions of Korea and Japan, where it’s been used to make a sweet tea.
Lesser Known Hydrangea: If you’re a plant enthusiast who likes to grow less common species, H. serrata can be a great addition to your garden. While it’s somewhat less well-known than H. macrophylla, it’s equally, if not more, appealing.
| Hardiness |
6 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
6 - 9 |
| Climate Zones | 3, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Shrubs |
| Genus | Hydrangea |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
| Height | 2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm) |
| Spread | 2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Landscaping Ideas | Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
Hydrangea serrata’s compact size and beautiful lacecap flowers make it a versatile plant for many garden designs. Here are a few ways you can incorporate it into your landscape:
Border Plantings: The compact growth habit of H. serrata makes it perfect for front-of-the-border plantings. Its lush green foliage and striking summer blooms can serve as a beautiful border for pathways or garden edges.
Container Gardens: Due to its smaller size, H. serrata is an excellent choice for container gardening. It can be a centerpiece in a mixed container or stand alone in a single pot. Just ensure that the container has adequate drainage.
Woodland Gardens: H. serrata is native to woodland settings, so it’s a natural fit for a woodland or shade garden. Combine it with other shade-loving plants like hostas, ferns, and astilbes for a lush, tranquil landscape.
Mixed Borders: H. serrata blends well with a variety of other plants. Try it in a mixed border with other hydrangeas, azaleas, rhododendrons, or ornamental grasses. Its lacecap flowers add a different texture that can contrast nicely with the larger flowers of other plants.
Cottage Gardens: The charm of H. serrata’s blooms is perfect for a traditional cottage garden. Pair it with classic cottage flowers like roses, peonies, and lavender for a romantic, nostalgic look.
Mass Plantings: For a dramatic effect, consider planting a mass of H. serrata. When in bloom, a group of these hydrangeas can be truly stunning.
Wildlife Gardens: Since hydrangeas attract a variety of pollinators, they can be a great addition to a wildlife-friendly garden.
Remember to consider the needs of H. serrata when designing your garden. It prefers partial shade and consistently moist, well-draining soil. A site with morning sun and afternoon shade is often ideal. You may also want to think about the color of the flowers and adjust the soil pH accordingly if you prefer blue or pink blooms.
Hydrangea serrata, with its beautiful lacecap flowers, pairs well with a variety of other plants. When choosing companion plants, consider plants with contrasting textures or colors that will enhance the beauty of the hydrangea. Here are some plants that make excellent companions for Hydrangea serrata:
Hosta (Hosta spp.): The broad, often variegated leaves of hostas provide a beautiful contrast to the delicate flowers and smaller leaves of H. serrata. Plus, hostas also thrive in similar conditions of part shade and well-drained soil.
Ferns (Various species): Ferns can add a soft texture and deep green color that complements the hydrangea’s blooms. Many ferns also prefer shady to partly shady conditions.
Astilbe (Astilbe spp.): Astilbe’s feathery plumes provide a contrast in texture, and its love for similar conditions (part shade and moist soil) makes it a good companion.
Rhododendrons and Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.): These shrubs offer showy flowers that can complement the more understated beauty of H. serrata. They also prefer similar acidic soil conditions.
Bleeding Hearts (Dicentra spp.): With their unique heart-shaped flowers, bleeding hearts can add a different shape and texture to a garden alongside H. serrata.
Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra): This grass’s cascading habit and golden or variegated foliage can provide a nice contrast to the hydrangea’s flowers and foliage.
Lungwort (Pulmonaria spp.): Lungwort’s silver-speckled foliage and spring flowers provide lovely contrast, and it enjoys similar woodland conditions.
Japanese Anemone (Anemone hupehensis): Blooming later in the summer or early fall, these can help extend the bloom season in your garden.
Heuchera (Heuchera spp.): With their variety of foliage colors, heucheras can create beautiful contrasts or harmonies with H. serrata’s flowers.
Remember that all these plants prefer similar conditions to H. serrata – part shade to shade, and well-drained, moist soil. Some, like rhododendrons and azaleas, also prefer acidic soil, which is great if you’re aiming for blue hydrangea flowers.
Hydrangea serrata is a relatively easy plant to grow, provided you give it the right conditions. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Site Selection: H. serrata does best in part shade, with protection from harsh afternoon sun. A location with morning sun and afternoon shade is ideal. It prefers rich, well-drained, moist soil.
Soil Preparation: Prepare the planting hole by digging a space twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball of your plant. The soil should be rich and well-draining. If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, you may want to amend it with compost or other organic matter to improve its texture and fertility.
Planting: Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill with the excavated soil and firm it gently around the roots.
Watering: Water the plant thoroughly after planting. H. serrata prefers consistently moist soil, but it doesn’t like to sit in water. Depending on your climate and soil, you may need to water once or twice a week during dry periods.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to help conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the stem to prevent rot.
Fertilizing: Feed your H. serrata in early spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer. If you want to influence the color of the flowers, use a fertilizer formulated for hydrangeas that allows you to adjust the soil pH.
Pruning: H. serrata blooms on old wood, so pruning should be minimal and done in late summer after flowering, if necessary. Remove dead or weak wood, and prune for shape if desired.
Winter Care: In colder regions (zones 6 and below), you may want to provide some winter protection by wrapping the plant in burlap or using a rose cone.
Remember, the color of the flowers can be influenced by the pH of the soil. Acidic soil (pH below 7) will produce blue flowers, while alkaline soil (pH above 7) will produce pink flowers. Some varieties may not be as susceptible to pH changes as others.
paylessimages / 123RF Stock Photo
| Hardiness |
6 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones |
6 - 9 |
| Climate Zones | 3, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
| Plant Type | Shrubs |
| Genus | Hydrangea |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Early, Mid, Late) |
| Height | 2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm) |
| Spread | 2' - 4' (60cm - 120cm) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Landscaping Ideas | Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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