Hydrangea serrata

The serrata hydrangea, known to enthusiasts as Hydrangea serrata, is a small bush, often with a rounded habit. Similar to the macrophylla hydrangea, the serrata hydrangea generally has darker and smaller leaves. Originally from the mountainous regions of Japan, it is generally highly hardy and recommended for regions with harsh winters. Its flowers, gathered in often flattened (lacecap) or rounded umbels, are single or double, and come in blue, mauve, pink, violet, or white depending on the varieties. Its deciduous, ovate and elongated leaves have finely dentate edges. With slow growth, the serrata hydrangea forms dense bushes, ranging from 1m (3ft) to 1.50m (5ft) in diameter. Easy to grow, it thrives in shade or partial shade, acidic, moist, and humus-rich soils. It will grow on the edge of woodland, under trees or bushes, alongside hostas, ferns, Epimediums or Japanese anemones.