Hydrangea serrata Koreana - Mountain Hydrangea

Hydrangea serrata 'Koreana' is a small hydrangea with a unique appearance, resembling a large flowering cushion. It deserves a place in our gardens. Slightly suckering, this bush spreads. It is particularly floriferous between the end of spring and summer and its foliage ignites in autumn. Like all Hydrangea serrata, this variety produces flattened inflorescences whose colour changes depending on the nature of the soil. Of modest stature, it is suitable for gardens of all sizes and works wonders in a large border or at the forefront of a bed, in semi-shade. 

Originating from Japan and Korea, Hydrangea serrata are very hardy mountainous plants, belonging to the Hydrangeaceae family.

Hydrangea serrata 'Koreana' forms a low, round bush, reaching about 50 to 60cm (20 to 24in) in height and 1 to 1.3m (3 to 4ft) in width, sometimes more depending on growing conditions. Flowering extends from the end of May to July. It takes the form of numerous flattened inflorescences, 6 to 10cm (2 to 4in) in diameter, composed of tiny vaporous fertile flowers, pink in neutral soil or bluish-purple in acidic soil, and a crown of larger sterile florets whose colour matches. The stems and petioles of this hydrangea are tinted red. They bear leaves smaller and more ovate than those of Hydrangea macrophylla. The foliage develops red to burgundy tones at the end of the season. This hydrangea is deciduous and loses its leaves in winter. Hydrangeas can live for at least 50 years. 

It prefers moist and acidic soils, and an exposure in semi-shade. It will charm with its wide cushion shape and its pretty colours. Hydrangeas are well known for brightening the north side of houses, and this one will be happy in an east or west exposure that is not burning, in a border or in front of taller bushes. This variety is well adapted to container cultivation, which can be placed on a terrace or near a doorway. Even though these plants dread limestone, hydrangea are not strictly ericaceous plants; they appreciate soils rich in organic matter. Combine them with shrubby fuchsias (Fuchsia magellanica) or hellebores, or plant bulbs with spring flowering in front of their round silhouette. Enjoy their sumptuous flowering in the garden or in the house for a long time.