Hydrangea serrata Hakucho - Mountain Hydrangea

Hydrangea serrata 'Hakucho' is a recently imported hydrangea from Japan, forming a small bush with modest development and a flexible habit. In summer, it produces light and flat inflorescences of pure white sterile double florets, surrounding small heads of white fertile flowers. Its faded flowers retain their beauty until winter. Its compact size adapts well to cultivation in large containers or in shaded beds, in non-limestone soil.

Originating from the mountains of Japan and Korea, Hydrangea serrata are very hardy plants, less sensitive to late frosts, belonging to the Hydrangeaceae family.

Hydrangea serrata 'Hakucho' forms a ramified, small, round bush, reaching about 80cm (32in) in all directions, depending on growing conditions. It is distinguished by its flexible habit and its dark green leaves, which are smaller, more dentate and more ovate than those of Hydrangea macrophylla. They take on a red hue when the plant is exposed to the sun, and in autumn. Its flat panicles, 8 to 10cm (3 to 4in) wide, bloom from the beginning of June, and fade in lovely pastel shades. The sterile double flowers surround a heart of fertile flowers in the shape of buttons. Hydrangeas are robust plants that can live at least 50 years.

Hydrangea serrata 'Hakucho' prefers moist soil and a partially shaded exposure. Hydrangeas are well known for brightening up the north side of houses. This one will be happy in a north, east or non-burning west exposure, in beds as well as in hedges. This variety is particularly suitable for container cultivation on a terrace or near a doorway. Even if these plants dread limestone, they are not strictly speaking ericaceous plants. Pair them with magellanica fuchsias, Japanese anemones, ferns, hosts, bamboo, or annual impatiens, or plant spring-flowering bulbs in front of their round silhouette. Enjoy their sumptuous flowering in the garden or in the house for a long time.