Sawtooth Hydrangea Hydrangea serrata 'Beni-yama' (L)
ABOUT
The 'Beni-yama' is a flowering shrub known for its distinctive and attractive blooms. This variety typically bears large clusters of flowers that can exhibit a changeable color palette depending on the soil's acidity. In more acidic soils, the flowers usually appear in a rich blue, while in neutral to alkaline soils, they take on a pinkish hue. The leaves of the 'Beni-yama' are another of its charming features, presenting a lush green hue with a slightly serrated edge, which gives the plant a delicate texture. As the seasons shift into autumn, the foliage undergoes a transformation, showcasing a vibrant display of red and purple colors, which adds to the plant's ornamental value. One can't ignore the sturdy and broadly rounded nature of this shrub, which allows its colorful blossoms to stand out prominently. Its stems and branches create an elegant scaffolding that supports the weight of the flower clusters, ensuring that they are displayed to their best advantage. Aside from its floral display, the 'Beni-yama' exhibits a robust seasonal adaptation, presenting features that can withstand various environmental conditions, although it does favor a position with some shade. This hardiness makes it a popular choice among gardeners who wish to introduce a touch of color to their garden with a plant that offers visual interest across multiple seasons.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Hydrangeaceae.
Synonyms
Mountain Hydrangea, Tea of Heaven.
Common names
Hydrangea serrata 'Beni-yama' (L).
ToxicityTo humans
Hydrangeas, including Hydrangea serrata 'Beni-yama', contain compounds that release cyanide when they are chewed or broken, which can lead to toxicity if ingested in large amounts. The severity of the symptoms can vary, but they may include stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, large ingestions could result in more severe symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, and an increased heart rate. However, serious poisoning is rare in humans because the amount of plant material that would need to be consumed is quite large.
To pets
Hydrangeas, including Hydrangea serrata 'Beni-yama', are toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. The plant contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when the plant material is chewed or otherwise broken down. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, and depression. In severe cases, it can result in more serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures. If you suspect your pet has consumed any part of a hydrangea plant, it's important to seek veterinary care immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
Spread
2-4 feet (0.6-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscape Aesthetics: 'Beni-yama' Mountain Hydrangea adds visual interest to gardens with its vivid foliar color changes and large, attractive inflorescences.
- Habitat Support: It provides nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, helping to support local ecosystems.
- Seasonal Interest: This variety offers a long season of interest with flowers that bloom from late spring through summer, and foliage that changes colors in the fall.
- Versatility in Landscaping: The shrub can be used in a variety of landscaping scenarios, including as a specimen plant, in borders, or as part of a mass planting.
- Erosion Control: The root system can help stabilize soil on slopes and prevent erosion.
- Privacy Screening: When planted in groups, it can provide a dense screen for privacy in residential gardens.
- Shade Tolerance: 'Beni-yama' Mountain Hydrangea can tolerate partial shade, making it suitable for woodland gardens or shaded areas.
- Cultural Significance: Hydrangeas have long been cultivated in gardens and hold various cultural meanings, such as gratitude and grace, which can add a layer of personal significance to a garden.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation.
- Antioxidant: Has potential antioxidant properties due to the presence of flavonoids.
- Diuretic: Traditionally used in some cultures to promote urine production and relieve water retention.
- Liver health: Believed to have hepatoprotective qualities which could aid liver function.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hydrangeas can be used for crafting natural dyes as the flowers contain pigments that produce beautiful shades of blue, purple, or pink, depending on the soil pH.
- The dried flowers of the hydrangea can make attractive arrangements in vases or as part of wreaths, holding their shape and color for an extended period.
- Artists may use the varied and vibrant colors of the hydrangea flowers as inspiration for paintings, textiles, and other creative projects.
- Bonsai enthusiasts sometimes choose the hydrangea for creating miniature tree landscapes due to their compact size and responsiveness to pruning.
- As a symbol of gratitude and heartfelt emotion, hydrangeas are given as gifts in certain cultural contexts, beyond their horticultural appeal.
- Gardeners can use the hydrangea's change in blossom color as a natural soil pH indicator, altering the growing conditions to achieve the desired flower color.
- Textile designers might incorporate the distinct lacecap flower patterns of the hydrangea into fabric prints for clothing or home decor.
- Photographers often utilize hydrangeas as a subject due to their full, rounded flower heads which offer a visually pleasing and romantic backdrop or focal point.
- Edible hydrangea petals can be used as a unique garnish for desserts or cocktails, although it's crucial to ensure they are free from pesticides and confirm their edibility.
- The wood of mature hydrangea shrubs can be carved into small objects or used in intricate woodworking projects, taking advantage of its sturdy nature.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Mountain Hydrangea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Mountain Hydrangea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Heartfelt Emotions: Hydrangeas often symbolize deep feelings and sincere emotions that are rooted in the heart. 'Beni-yama' being a variant with its richly colored blooms can extend this symbolism further.
- Gratitude and Apology: In Japan, hydrangeas have been used to express apologies or gratitude. They are often given when someone wants to demonstrate genuine appreciation or wishes to apologize for a misdeed.
- Understanding: They can symbolize a deeper understanding or enlightenment, possibly due to the plant's complex structures and many mini blossoms that make up the whole flower head.
- Frigidity or Disinterest: However, in some cultures, hydrangeas can represent frigidity or a lack of genuine romantic interest, where the giver might be sending a message of rejection.
- Abundance: Because the bushes produce numerous flowers and can grow quite large, hydrangeas can also symbolize abundance or wealth.
- Perseverance: The ability of hydrangeas to adapt to different soil types and their lush growth might also serve as a symbol for steadfastness and determination.
WaterMountain hydrangea should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to partly dry between waterings. During hot or dry spells, increase watering frequency to twice a week. Each watering session should provide enough water to soak the root zone, which corresponds to about 1 to 1.5 gallons for an established plant. Ensure consistent moisture, especially during the growing season, to prevent stress and encourage healthy blooms. Avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases; instead, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation at the base of the plant.
LightMountain hydrangea prefers dappled shade or morning sun followed by afternoon shade. The ideal spot would protect the plant from hot, midday sun, which can scorch its leaves. Bright, indirect light encourages robust growth and vibrant flower color. Avoid deep shade as it may lead to weaker blooming and leggy growth.
TemperatureMountain hydrangea thrives in a temperature range of 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit but can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit in winter dormancy. The ideal growth temperature is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Proper mulching helps to insulate the roots against extreme temperatures.
PruningPrune mountain hydrangea to maintain shape and size, remove dead or crossing branches, and encourage new growth. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove only the oldest stems to rejuvenate the plant without reducing the current year's blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMountain hydrangeas thrive in rich, porous, moist soil with good drainage and prefer a soil pH that affects their flower color—acidic soil (pH below 6) will usually result in blue flowers, while more alkaline soil (pH above 7) can lead to pink flowers. A mix of peat, compost, and perlite can create an ideal environment.
RepottingMountain Hydrangeas should generally be repotted every 2-3 years to ensure they remain healthy with room to grow. The best time to repot is in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingMountain hydrangeas prefer high humidity conditions; maintaining humidity levels around 50% to 60% is favorable for these plants as it helps mimic their natural humid forest habitats.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light with moist soil.
Outdoor
Plant in part shade with daily watering.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleMountain hydrangea 'Beni-yama' begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate in a suitable moist, well-drained soil, typically in partial to full shade. The seedlings grow and develop into juvenile plants, featuring green foliage that turns reddish-purple in fall. As the plants mature, they enter the vegetative stage, producing large leaves and woody stems. During spring to early summer, the mature plants bloom, presenting clusters of pink to blue flowers, depending on soil pH, with the color influenced by the presence of aluminum ions in acidic soils. After pollination, the flowers give way to small capsule-like fruit that release seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Throughout the year, the plant experiences periods of growth and dormancy, with the above-ground portions dying back in winter, while the roots remain alive to sprout again in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Hydrangea serrata 'Beni-yama', commonly known as 'Beni-yama' Mountain Hydrangea, is best propagated through cuttings. This method is popular due to its simplicity and high success rate. To propagate, take a cutting of about 4 to 6 inches (approximately 10 to 15 cm) from a healthy, non-flowering stem in early summer. Strip off the lower leaves, leaving a few at the top, and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite, ensuring the cut end is buried a couple of inches into the soil. Then water the cutting and cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Place the pot in indirect light and wait a few weeks for roots to form before gradually acclimating the new plant to outdoor conditions.
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