Hydrangea serrata Annies Blue - Mountain Hydrangea

The Hydrangea serrata 'Annie's Blue' is a beautiful variety of Lacecap Hydrangea recently introduced to the USA. It offers particularly abundant flowering and a compact habit. Its large flat corymbs appear from the beginning of summer: they are of a deep ultramarine blue in acidic soil and rather mauve in basic soil. It is not too large, but it is ideal for a small garden or even a pot on the terrace, preferably in semi-shade or shade.

Hydrangea serrata are mountainous plants of cool and humid climate, resistant to cold (-20°C (-4 °F)), less sensitive to late frosts, belonging to the Hydrangeacea family. They enjoy rainy, cool climates away from the direct and scorching sun. Preferring partial or lightly shaded exposures, they will tolerate the sun if their base is cool. They appreciate acidic to neutral soils rich in humus.

The cultivar 'Annie's Blue' (Magic Seduction), obtained in the United States in 2012, has many strong, spreading stems, forming a rounded bush that can rise to 1.20 m (3 ft 11 in) high and spread over 1 m (3 ft 4 in) wide. Its deciduous foliage is dense and forms a beautiful background for the perennials that place themselves in front. It consists of dark green leaves, lanceolate with serrated edges adorned with clear and beautiful veins. These leaves tend to redden under the sun and become plum or violet. Above this ensemble, the flat corymbs repeat flower from June to July. Their shades, changing according to the nature of the soil, bring variety to the garden: in acidic soil, they will be of an intense dark blue; in normal soil, they will be mauve. They produce large sterile flowers surrounding fertile button-shaped flowers.

The Hydrangea 'Annie's Blue' is not invasive and ideal in front of bare or exposed walls, borders, entrances, and paths. Create variety by pairing with plants of different sizes, colours and flowers by choosing companions among the quercifolia or the macrophylla. At the foot, the shaded perennials will complete the picture in blue tones: the Brunneras, the perennial Geraniums or Heucheras to contrast with their colourful foliage.