Discovered on the slopes of Mount Aso in Japan, Hydrangea serrata Mount Aso is a low-growing, compact, mound-forming shrub, more compact and cold-hardy than Hydrangea macrophylla. Clusters of lacecap flower-heads are borne midsummer to autumn, bluish in very acidic soils, and pink in neutral to alkaline soils. Leaves are handsome, dark green, and oval, with toothed edges; they turn shades of red, orange and purple before falling in autumn. A slow-growing shrub, it can be used almost like ground-cover.
Site: Tolerates some exposure Soil: Any reasonably well drained, moist soil Position: Light or dappled shade Season of Interest: Spring, summer, autumn Hardiness: Hardy Height: 2’6” (80cm) Spread: 3’3” (1m)
