Hydrangea serrata Shôjo - Mountain Hydrangea

Hydrangea serrata ‘Shôjo’ is a particularly striking hydrangea due to the colour contrast of its flowers against its leaves. Its large, delicate, flat inflorescences, endowed with sterile pink to light blue florets surround fertile blue florets on dark green foliage that develops a magnificent brown-red colour at the end of summer. Its compact size adapts well to cultivation in large containers or in shaded or sunny flower beds, in non-limestone soil.

Originating from Japan and Korea, Hydrangea serrata are very hardy plants, belonging to the Hydrangeaceae family. Presenting itself as a ramified, bushy and rounded shrub, 'Shôjo' will reach approximately 1m (3ft) in height and spread, depending on growing conditions. It stands out for its dark green leaves, smaller and more ovate than those of Hydrangea macrophylla. They take on a beautiful red hue from the end of summer. Very floriferous, its flat, airy panicles bloom from the beginning of June, and fade in lovely shades. The sterile flowers are of a light blue to pink colour depending on the acidity of the soil and surround fertile flowers in the shape of buttons, of a light blue colour. This very hardy variety can even be used under more continental climates. Hydrangeas are robust plants that can live at least 50 years.

Hydrangea serrata 'Shôjo' particularly appreciates moist soils. Hydrangeas are well known for brightening up the north side of houses. This one will be happy in a sunny but not burning exposure, or in half-shade, in flower beds as well as hedges. This variety is particularly suitable for container cultivation on a terrace or near a doorway. They are not strictly ericaceous plants. Combine 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.