Hydrangea serrata Kiyosumi - Mountain Hydrangea

Recently imported from Japan, Hydrangea serrata 'Kiyosumi' is a unique variety. At the start of summer, it produces flat inflorescences endowed with sterile florets bordered with bright pink surrounding fertile pink florets. This small bush has a round and compact habit. It is covered with beautiful dentate foliage, which is purplish when young. To be grown in a shady bed or in a large container on a terrace.

Originating from the mountains of Japan and Korea, Hydrangea serrata are very hardy plants, less sensitive to late frosts, belonging to the Hydrangeaceae family.

Hydrangea serrata 'Kiyosumi' forms a ramified, round bush, reaching about 1.2m (4ft) in all directions, depending on cultivation conditions. It distinguishes itself among other characteristics by its beautiful strongly dentate and pointed foliage, which is purplish when young, before turning dark green. The leaves are smaller and more ovate than those of Hydrangea macrophylla. They take on a red hue when the plant is exposed to the sun and in autumn. Its flat, airy panicles, 12 to 15cm (5 to 6in) wide, bloom from June, and fade in beautiful shades. The contrasting pink and white sterile flowers surround dark pink fertile flowers in the shape of buds. The colour of the flowers is determined by the presence or absence of aluminium sulphate in the soil. Note that hydrangeas are robust plants that can live at least 50 years.

Hydrangea serrata 'Kiyosumi' brings a unique touch to the garden. It prefers moist soil and a partially shaded exposure. Hydrangeas are well known for brightening up the north side of houses. This one will enjoy a non-burning north, east or west exposure, in beds as well as in hedges. This variety is particularly suitable for container cultivation, which can be placed on a terrace or near a doorway. Even though these plants fear limestone, they are not strictly ericaceous plants. Combine them with fuchsia magellanica 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.