Hydrangea 'Bluebird' Hydrangea serrata 'Bluebird' (L)

Water

The Mountain Hydrangea, commonly referred to as Hydrangea serrata 'Bluebird', should be watered deeply, ensuring the soil is kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. It's usually adequate to water this plant once or twice a week, but this might vary depending on climate and soil conditions. Each watering should be thorough enough to soak the root zone, which can mean using about 1 gallon per plant for younger plants, increasing up to 2 gallons for established shrubs during each watering session. During hot, dry spells, extra watering may be necessary to keep the soil moist.

Light

Mountain Hydrangea thrives in conditions where it receives morning sun and afternoon shade, which protects it from the harsh midday heat. The ideal spot is one that is bright yet sheltered, such as an eastern-facing location that catches the gentle morning light. Too much direct sunlight can lead to scorching of the leaves, while too little light can diminish blooming.

Temperature

The Mountain Hydrangea prefers temperate climates and fares best with temperatures ranging from 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, which accommodates most temperate regions. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures below this range may damage the plant, and protective measures should be taken if a sharp drop in temperature is expected.

Pruning

Prune your Mountain Hydrangea to maintain shape and encourage vigorous growth. The best time to prune is immediately after flowering in the late summer or early fall since it blooms on old wood. Remove dead or weak stems and cut back about one-third of the oldest stems to ground level to promote healthy, new shoots.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Mountain Hydrangea prefers moist, well-draining soil with high organic matter content. A mix of peat moss, compost, and a small amount of perlite or vermiculite works well. It thrives in acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5 to maintain its blue flower coloration.

Repotting

Mountain Hydrangea should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide more space for growing roots. Choose a pot slightly larger than the previous one.

Humidity & Misting

Mountain Hydrangea enjoys high humidity levels, ideally between 60% and 70%, which encourages lush growth and vibrant blooms.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Partial shade, protect from afternoon sun, moist soil.

• Hardiness zone

  6-9 USDA

Life cycle

Mountain hydrangea 'Bluebird' begins its life cycle as a seed, which when planted in well-draining soil with adequate moisture, will germinate to produce fragile seedlings. As it enters the vegetative stage, the plant develops roots and foliage, with leaves characteristic of the species. The growth continues to the formation of flower buds, often in response to increasing daylight and warmer temperatures in spring. Upon maturation, 'Bluebird' blooms, displaying its distinctive blue to pink flowers, which are influenced by the soil's pH level; acidic soils favor blue flowers, whereas alkaline soils promote pink hues. After pollination, if successful, these flowers will produce seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. The plant then goes dormant in the winter, conserving energy to restart the growth cycle in the following spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagating the Mountain Hydrangea 'Bluebird' is through softwood cuttings. This technique is typically undertaken during the late spring or early summer when the plant’s new growth is still tender and green, but sufficiently matured to withstand cutting. Gardeners cut a 3 to 5 inch (about 7.6 to 12.7 cm) portion from a healthy, non-flowering stem, making a clean, angled cut just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are removed, and the base of the cutting is often dipped into a rooting hormone powder to enhance root development. Then, the cutting is gently planted in a well-draining soil mix within a pot or a tray and kept under high humidity with some form of cover to retain moisture. Consistent but gentle watering is essential until the cutting has rooted, which can take several weeks. Once the new roots have established, the young plant can be gradually acclimated to less humid conditions and eventually transplanted into the garden.