Hydrangea serrata Tiara - Mountain Hydrangea

Hydrangea serrata 'Tiara' is a Japanese hydrangea that will surprise you with its floribundity. From mid-June to September, its flat inflorescences, light as lace, adorned with sterile florets with pointed lavender blue sepals surround the fertile florets, pink to red. The foliage is not to be outdone, taking on a beautiful flaming purple-red colour at the end of summer. Very hardy, it adapts well to harsh climates. Its compact growth habit is well suited for cultivation in large containers, but it will also thrive in partially shaded flower beds.

Originating from Japan and Korea, Hydrangea serrata are very hardy plants belonging to the Hydrangeaceae family. They present themselves as highly branched, bushy, and rounded shrubs, with the 'Tiara' hydrangea reaching a height of about 1.20m (4ft) with an equivalent spread. It is distinguished by its dark green leaves, which are smaller and more ovate than those of Hydrangea macrophylla, and take on a beautiful purple-red hue from the end of summer. Extremely floriferous, its flat and airy panicles bloom from mid-June, with its sterile flowers, pointed in shape and ranging in colour from light blue to pink depending on the soil acidity, surrounding fertile flowers in bud form, in shades of pink to red. This very hardy variety can withstand temperatures as low as -25°C (-13 °F) and can even be used in more continental climates. Hydrangeas are robust plants that can live for at least 50 years.

Hydrangea serrata 'Tiara' particularly appreciates moist soils and partial shade. It will elegantly showcase its rounded silhouette and pastel flowering. Hydrangeas are well known for brightening up the north side of houses, and this variety will thrive in partially shaded areas, in flower beds, and as hedges. This variety is particularly well-suited for container cultivation, which can be placed on the terrace or near the entrance. Although these plants dislike calcareous soils, they are not strictly acid-loving plants. Pair them with Magellan fuchsias, annual impatiens, or plant spring-flowering bulbs in front of their rounded form. Enjoy their magnificent flowering in the garden or indoors for a long time.