Mountain Hydrangea Hydrangea serrata 'Grayswood' (L)
ABOUT
Hydrangea serrata 'Grayswood' is commonly known simply as mountain hydrangea. This ornamental shrub is known for its attractive foliage and vibrant flower heads. The leaves are typically lush green, with a serrated edge, giving them a slightly textured appearance. In fall, they often transform, exhibiting shades of red or purple, adding a pop of color to the garden landscape. The most striking feature of the plant is its flowers, which grow in clusters known as corymbs. These blooms typically range from blue to pink depending on the acidity of the soil, with more acidic soils producing blue flowers and alkaline soils leading to pink hues. Each individual flower is relatively small, with four petal-like sepals that can be attractively variegated with lighter or deeper color toward the edges. The plant's flowering period is usually in the summer, when the dense clusters of blooms create a lush, rounded appearance. The stems are woody and supportive, allowing the plant to carry the weight of the flowers gracefully.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Hydrangeaceae.
Synonyms
Mountain Hydrangea, Tea of Heaven, Sawtooth Hydrangea, Grayswood.
Common names
Hydrangea serrata 'Grayswood' (L).
ToxicityTo humans
Hydrangeas, including Hydrangea serrata 'Grayswood', contain compounds that can be toxic when ingested. These plants have cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when chewed or digested. If parts of the hydrangea are consumed by humans, it may lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, cyanide poisoning can occur, which can result in dizziness, headaches, confusion, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath. While fatalities are rare, consuming large quantities could potentially be life-threatening, so it is vital to seek medical attention if ingestion occurs.
To pets
Hydrangeas, including Hydrangea serrata 'Grayswood', are toxic to pets. These plants contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can be harmful to both dogs and cats if ingested. Upon ingestion of hydrangea leaves, flowers, or buds, pets might exhibit symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and depression. In serious cases, the production of cyanide from these compounds may lead to increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and in extreme situations, seizures or coma. If you suspect your pet has ingested parts of a hydrangea, it is essential to contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. Prompt medical attention can prevent more detrimental health effects and improve the chance of recovery for your pet.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Japan Korea
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Adds aesthetic value to gardens with its attractive foliage and flowers.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers a seasonal display with its changing flower colors from spring through fall.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides shelter and breeding places for birds and insects.
- Pollinator-friendly: Attracts bees and butterflies, supporting pollinator populations.
- Shade Tolerant: Grows well in shaded areas where other plants might struggle.
- Erosion Control: Can help prevent soil erosion with its dense root system.
- Versatility: Suitable for a variety of garden styles including borders, foundation plantings, and as specimen plants.
Medical Properties- Diuretic: Hydrangea serrata is sometimes used in traditional medicine for its diuretic properties, which can help in increasing the flow of urine.
- Antilithic: The plant may have properties that help in preventing the formation of stones in the urinary tract.
- Antioxidant: Some compounds in Hydrangea serrata have shown antioxidant activity, which could help in protecting cells from damage.
- Anti-inflammatory: The plant may contain compounds with anti-inflammatory effects that might be beneficial for reducing inflammation in various conditions.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hydrangea serrata 'Grayswood' can be used in the practice of bonsai due to its attractive foliage and ease of pruning.
- The dried flowers of the Hydrangea serrata 'Grayswood' can be used to create long-lasting floral arrangements for interior decoration.
- Leaves from the Hydrangea serrata 'Grayswood' can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics, yielding a range of colors depending on the mordant used.
- During traditional tea ceremonies in some cultures, the leaves of the mountain hydrangea can be used as an ornamental element on the serving platters.
- Artists might use the flowers of Hydrangea serrata 'Grayswood' as subjects for botanical illustrations or photography, capturing their intricate detail.
- The blooming cycle of the mountain hydrangea can be used educationally to teach principles of botany and the changing seasons in nature studies.
- Hydrangea serrata 'Grayswood' can be included in a sensory garden, as their texture and color provide visual and tactile stimuli.
- In a rain garden, Hydrangea serrata 'Grayswood' can play a role in absorbing excess water and reducing runoff.
- As a symbol of gratitude, the mountain hydrangea can be given as a living gift to express heartfelt emotion.
- In crafting, the wood of the mountain hydrangea can be used for creating small wooden objects or inlays due to its fine grain.
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 heartfelt emotions, expressing gratitude or apology.
- Understanding: The variation in the colors of the petals can represent an understanding of another's emotions or empathy.
- Grace and Beauty: With its lush floral clusters, the hydrangea is often associated with both grace and beauty.
- Frigidity and Disinterest: In some contexts, giving hydrangeas can indicate disinterest or a sense of coldness in a romantic context.
- Abundance: The full, round shape of hydrangea flowers suggests abundance and prosperity.
- Gratitude: The exuberance of the flowers can also convey heartfelt thanks and appreciation.
- Boastfulness: In Victorian flower language, hydrangeas sometimes represented boastfulness or bragging.
WaterMountain hydrangeas, including the 'Grayswood' variety, prefer consistent moisture and should be watered deeply once a week, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. During particularly dry periods, water twice a week with about 1 gallon per plant each time to maintain hydration. Reduce watering in the fall and winter when the plant is dormant, but don't let the soil dry out completely. Always water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage and flowers dry, which helps prevent leaf spot and other fungal diseases.
LightMountain hydrangeas like 'Grayswood' thrive in partial shade with some morning sun and afternoon protection. These plants can tolerate full sun in cooler climates, but in hotter regions, they benefit from being planted in a spot that receives dappled shade or is shielded from the intense afternoon sun. A north or east-facing garden that offers light shade under tall trees or alongside a building is ideal for promoting lush foliage and vibrant blooms.
TemperatureMountain hydrangeas, such as 'Grayswood', grow best in regions with mild summers and winters, preferring a temperature range between 60°F and 70°F. They can withstand temperatures as low as 5°F but sustained cold below this can damage the plant. Likewise, temperatures exceeding 80°F may stress 'Grayswood', so providing some shade during the hottest part of the day can help maintain its health.
PruningPruning mountain hydrangeas like 'Grayswood' is done to shape the plant, encourage new growth, and remove spent flowers or dead branches. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring before the new growth emerges. Remove only about a third of the oldest stems to rejuvenate the plant while preserving the current year's flowers, as 'Grayswood' blooms on old wood. Deadheading, or the removal of old flower heads, can be done immediately after blooming to improve the plant's appearance and promote continued blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMountain Hydrangea prefers well-draining, rich, moist soil with high organic matter content. A recipe for the best soil mix would include equal parts of garden soil, peat moss, and perlite to ensure good drainage and aeration. The pH should be kept moderately acidic, around 5.5 to 6.5, as this will enhance the blue coloration of the flowers; however, this variety can tolerate a pH up to 7.5.
RepottingMountain Hydrangea should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to provide it with fresh soil and more space for root growth. It's best to repot in the late winter or early spring before new growth starts, taking care not to disturb the roots more than necessary.
Humidity & MistingMountain Hydrangeas flourish in environments with moderate to high humidity. To maintain optimal conditions, the humidity level should be around 50-60%. These hydrangeas appreciate a moist environment, s o providing a humidity tray or occasional misting can be beneficial, especially during the drier winter months or in arid climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil consistently moist.
Outdoor
Partial shade to full sun, mulch well, water during dry periods.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleHydrangea serrata 'Grayswood', commonly known as mountain hydrangea, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in the spring, provided they are exposed to moist, well-draining soil and partial to full shade. After germination, the seedlings emerge and grow into young plants, developing a robust root system and foliage during the first growing season. The young plants mature over several years and begin to exhibit the characteristic large, serrated leaves and delicate lacecap flowers, which bloom in the summer, attracting pollinators and setting the stage for seed production. Following pollination, seeds develop and are dispersed in late summer or autumn when the flowers fade and die back. The plant enters dormancy during the winter months, conserving energy and withstanding cold temperatures. The life cycle repeats itself each year as the plant emerges from dormancy in the spring, producing new growth and continuing its perennial life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
Hydrangea serrata 'Grayswood' is commonly known as the mountain hydrangea and its most popular method of propagation is softwood cuttings. This is usually done in late spring or early summer, when the new growth is still tender and green but has not yet turned woody. To propagate by this method, a gardener would snip off a 3 to 5 inch long cutting just below a leaf node, remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Then the cutting is planted in a moist potting mix, ensuring at least one node is below the surface where roots will form. The environment should be kept humid, often using a plastic cover over the container to maintain moisture, and placed in indirect sunlight until roots have developed, which takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks. After rooting, the new mountain hydrangea plant can be transferred to a more permanent location.
