Hydrangea serrata subsp. yezoensis Veerle - Flat-headed hydrangea

The 'Veerle' Hydrangea is a beautiful improvement of the Hydrangea serrata subsp. yezohensis, a botanical species native to the mountainous regions of northern Japan. This very recent variety is interesting for its early flowering in late spring, abundant, perpetual flowering in summer, and vibrant colours. Its flat and light inflorescences are of a good size. Composed of large sterile florets surrounding a core of small fertile florets, they will take on shades of pink in neutral garden soil, or bluish-purple in acidic soil, turning purple after pollination. The autumnal colours of this bush are also superb. Space-saving, it easily finds its place in a small garden or even in a container on the terrace, preferably in partial shade or even in shade.

Hydrangea serrata are mountain plants from a cool and humid climate, resistant to cold (-20°C (-4°F)), less sensitive to late frosts, belonging to the Hydrangeaceae family. Taking the form of a highly branched, bushy, rounded to spreading shrub, the 'Veerle' hydrangea will reach approximately 1.10m (3ft 7in) in height and 1.40m (4ft 7in) in width, depending on the growing conditions. Its flat, airy panicles, 15 to 20cm (5.9 to 7.9in) wide, bloom from June, and fade in beautiful shades. If the shrub is lightly pruned after the first flowering, it will bloom again during the summer. The sterile flowers, larger in size, surround fertile flowers in the form of buds, which are much more numerous. The colour of the flowers depends on the acidity of the soil and the presence or absence of aluminum sulphate. They will be pink in neutral soil, without 'blueing' fertilizer or slightly acidic soil, but blue otherwise. They fade to a beautiful purple tone. This hydrangea distinguishes itself, among other characteristics, by its strongly dentate and pointed foliage, dark green in colour, which takes on beautiful red to purple hues in autumn before falling. They are smaller and more ovate than those of hydrangea macrophylla. They also turn red when the plant is exposed to the sun, although not burning. Note that hydrangeas are robust plants that can live for at least 50 years.

Appreciating moist soil and partial shade exposure in particular, the 'Veerle' Hydrangea brings a refined touch to a garden bathed in freshness. Its compact size allows it to be planted near the house, in the ground as well as in a container on the terrace or near the entrance, where it will be admired. Hydrangeas are well known for brightening the north side of houses. This one will thrive in a north, east, or west exposure that is not scorching, in flower beds as well as hedges. Although they fear limestone, hydrangeas are not strictly heather plants; they thrive in humus-rich, fertile, and moist soils. Pair them, for example, with Magellan fuchsias, annual impatiens, lilies, Pieris, Sarcococca, or plant spring-flowering bulbs in front of their round silhouette. Enjoy their magnificent flowering in the garden or in the house for a long time. Their dried flowers are fabulous in bouquets when kept away from light.