Hydrangea serrata Oamacha - Mountain Hydrangea

Hydrangea serrata 'Oamacha' is a doubly endearing Asian bush, which deserves a place in our gardens. Traditionally, its young leaves were dried and then infused to make a delicious sweet drink with liquorice and fruit flavours, consumed during Buddhist ceremonies. It is a beautiful specimen, with abundant flowering from the end of spring, and remarkable autumn colours. It prefers moist, non-limestone soils, and a half-shaded to gently sunny exposure. Of modest stature, it suits gardens of all sizes and adapts well to cultivation in large containers. 

Originating from Japan and Korea, Hydrangea serrata are very hardy plants, belonging to the Hydrangeaceae family. 'Oamacha' forms a ramified, bushy, and round plant, reaching 1 to 1.2m (3 to 4ft) in all directions, sometimes more depending on growing conditions. Flowering takes place from the end of May to July. It takes the form of numerous flattened inflorescences, 5cm (2in) in diameter, consisting of small vaporous fertile flowers, which are pink in neutral soil or bluish-mauve in acidic soil, and a crown of larger sterile white florets. The stems and petioles are tinged with red. They bear leaves that are smaller and more ovate than those of macrophylla hydrangeas, which tend to take on a purple hue when the plant is exposed to the sun, as well as at the end of the season. This hydrangea is deciduous. The foliage reveals different aromas, depending on whether it is consumed fresh, dried, or infused. When it is infused, it develops a bouquet of red fruits and liquorice on a background of herbaceous and woody notes. Hydrangeas are robust plants that can live at least 50 years.

It particularly appreciates moist soil and a semi-shady exposure. Hydrangeas are well known for brightening up the north side of houses, and this one will be happy with an east or west exposure that is not burning, in beds as well as in low hedges. This variety is well suited to container cultivation, which can be placed on a terrace or near a doorway. Hydrangeas are not strictly ericaceous plants; they appreciate soils rich in organic matter. Pair them with magellanica fuchsias 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.