Hydrangea serrata Blue Deckle - Mountain Hydrangea

Hydrangea serrata 'Blue Deckle' is a small shade bush offering flat flowers of a unique blue!

Awarded in spring 1992 at the Courson plant days, 'Blue Deckle' forms a small bush, 2m (7ft) high and wide. It bears deciduous leaves, which are tapered and sometimes brightly coloured in autumn in sunny locations. In June, it produces flowers in a unique light blue colour. Small tightly packed fertile flowers are grouped in the centre of the inflorescences, themselves surrounded peripherally by a crown of sterile flowers. These open on the current year's wood. The colour of the flowers varies depending on the nature of the soil and the presence or absence of aluminium sulphate.

Originating from Japanese mountains, Hydrangea serrata is hardy down to -15°C (5°F) and thrives in light, acid or neutral soil, that is neither heavy nor wet. Plant in partial shade or sun without the hot midday hours that could burn the flowering.

Plant Hydrangea serrata 'Blue Deckle' in a bed, on its own, or in a pot. Use it to compose spectacular flowering hedges. Pair it with other ericaceous soil plants like other hydrangea varieties, rhododendron, and azalea. Paulownia tomentosa is highly beneficial to hydrangeas as their turgid roots feed those of the bushes installed in the undergrowth.