Background

​Native to the mountainous regions of Japan and Korea, H. serrata is a woodland understorey plant adapted to colder higher altitude climates but sheltered from direct scorching sun. 

 

Introduced to Europe during the mid-to-late 19th century, often initially classified merely as a subspecies of H. macrophylla. Early cultivars include 'Preziosa' and 'Bluebird'

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Cultivation

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• Position & Soil: Prefers dappled shade and shelter from cold winds. Soils should be moist, rich, and well-drained

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• Pruning: Requires minimal pruning; trim dead bloom heads back to healthy buds in spring.

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• Achieving Blue Flowers: Flower colour is dictated by soil pH and active aluminium availability. Acidic soil (ph<5.5) releases aluminium, turning flowers blue; neutral to alkaline soils result in pink. If soil is naturally alkaline, grow plants in ericaceous compost in containers and drench regularly with aluminium sulphate ("blueing powder"), using rainwater instead of hard tap water.

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• Propagation: Easy to propagate via softwood cuttings taken in late spring or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer.​​​​