Mountain Hydrangeas

With over 75 species of hydrangea and countless cultivators, mountain hydrangeas, also known as Hydrangea serrata, are a cult favorite that deserves more love. A cousin of the Bigleaf Hydrangea but more cold-tolerant, most varieties produce delicate lacecap flowers that bloom from summer to fall. If you want a unique, low-maintenance hydrangea, mountain hydrangeas are a wonderful option.

Mountain Hydrangeas Varieties

There are several types of mountain hydrangea but we’ve highlighted three of our favorites below.

Tuff Stuff Hydrangea: This variety of reblooming mountain hydrangea lives up to its name. It produces pink or blue lily-like blooms with robust and tough growth that can withstand even the worst conditions.

1. Hardiness: USDA zones 5 to 9

2. Size: 2-3 feet tall x 2-3 feet wide

3. Growth rate: Moderate

4. Sunlight: Part Shade/Part Sun (Zones 6-9); Full Sun (Zones 4-6)

5. What makes Tuff Stuff Ah-Ha unique:

a) Exceptionally resilient.

b) Reblooming.

c) Doubled or tripled sterile florets.

Bluebird Hydrangea: Alternatively known as “Bluebird Hydrangea,” this variety is a compact hydrangea shrub that produces delicate pink or blue lacecaps, depending on soil pH. It’s beloved for its long growing season and foliage that turns a striking red in the fall.

1. Hardiness: USDA zones 6 to 9

2. Size: 3-4 feet tall x 3-4 feet wide

3. Growth rate: Fast

4. Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade

5. What makes Bluebird Hydrangea unique:

a) Visual interest for multiple seasons.

b) Long-lasting flowers.

c) Reblooming.

Pink Dynamo Hydrangea: Pink Dynamo produces clusters of vibrant pink flowers that contrast its black and dark green foliage beautifully. If you’re looking for a specimen plant to add a splash of color and wow your neighbors, Pink Dynamo is it.

1. Hardiness: USDA zones 5 to 9

2. Size: 3-4 feet tall x 3-4 feet wide

3. Growth rate: Fast

4. Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade

5. What makes Pink Dynamo Hydrangea unique:

a) Eye-catching flower clusters.

b) Gorgeous dark foliage.

Mountain Hydrangeas Care

When to plant: Plant mountain hydrangea in the fall or early spring when the danger of frost has passed.

Soil: Mountain hydrangeas aren’t picky about soil as long as it drains well. However, soil pH can impact these beauties—acidic soil produces blue flowers, while alkaline soil leads to pink flowers.

Sunlight: Dappled sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon is ideal.

Water: Hydrangea are susceptible to root rot, so be careful not to overwater them. Mountain Hydrangea prefer moist soil. You’ll know it’s time to water them again when their soil is dry 4 inches down.

Hydrangea Serrata Benefits

Elegant flowers: Mountain Hydrangea’s delicate-looking lacecap flowers create a softer look than other hydrangeas. Also, hydrangea serratas change color depending on the soil pH, offering gardens another avenue for creativity.

Versatility: Its compact stature makes it well-suited for small gardens and containers. It’s often planted as a specimen plant or en masse along borders.

Cold hardy: Northern gardeners rejoice! Mountain Hydrangea’s flowerbuds can survive late frosts. If you want beauty without worrying about cold-weather surprises, this is your plant.

Common Questions About Mountain Hydrangeas

Do Mountain Hydrangeas like sun or shade?

A bit of both, actually. Mountain Hydrangea prefer full sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon. In cooler climates, they can handle full sun.

How big does a Mountain Hydrangea get?

A mature Mountain Hydrangea reaches between 2 and 4 feet tall.

How to plant Mountain Hydrangeas?

Hydrangea Serrata is easy to grow and maintain. Plant them in a location with well-draining soil, with morning sunlight and afternoon shade. Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the container they came in. Place the hydrangea in the hole so that the rootball is at the same depth it was in the container. Backfill and water well to settle the roots.

What zone do hydrangeas grow best in?

Hydrangeas grow in USDA zones 3 through 9, which accounts for most of the mainland United States outside the coldest areas in the North and warmest areas along the Southern and West Coast.

More Mountain Hydrangea Resources

Caring for Hydrangeas: Our Top 4 Tips for Success

Hydrangeas: The Complete Guide for Months of Blooms

Types of Hydrangeas: Which Hydrangea Should You Plant?