Mountain Hydrangea Hydrangea serrata 'Miranda' (L)
ABOUT
The Hydrangea serrata 'Miranda', commonly known as mountain hydrangea, is a deciduous shrub that showcases a mesmerizing display of foliage and flowers. The leaves of this variety are notable for their oval shape with a serrated edge, suggestive of the name 'Miranda'. These leaves are a rich green color, often with a distinctive variegation that can include shades of cream and yellow along the margins, providing a striking contrast and a visual highlight in any garden setting. The charm of the mountain hydrangea is further magnified when it blooms. The plant produces large, showy flower clusters known as corymbs or umbels. They offer a beautiful range of colors from blue to pink, varying with the soil pH - more acidic soils will yield blue flowers, while alkaline soils lean towards pink variations. The flowers are filled with numerous, smaller, star-shaped florets which densely pack the rounded clusters, creating a lush, full appearance. These blossoms can add a romantic touch to the garden from late spring to early fall, attracting pollinators and providing a delightful visual spectacle for the passerby.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Hydrangeaceae.
Synonyms
Mountain Hydrangea, Tea of Heaven, Sawtooth Hydrangea.
Common names
Hydrangea serrata 'Miranda' (L)
ToxicityTo humans
Mountain hydrangea, like other members of the Hydrangea genus, contains compounds that can be toxic to humans if ingested. The plant has been reported to contain hydrangin, a cyanogenic glycoside. When any part of the plant is ingested, the body can convert this compound into hydrogen cyanide, which is poisonous. Symptoms of hydrangea poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and in severe cases, respiratory issues, lethargy, or convulsions. While serious cases are rare, it is advisable to seek medical attention if ingestion occurs and symptoms develop.
To pets
Mountain hydrangea is toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. The plant contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide into the body when ingested. Symptoms of poisoning in pets can include gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea, lethargy, depression, and in severe cases, more serious symptoms like difficulty breathing and increased heart rate. If you suspect your pet has ingested hydrangea, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal poison control service immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
2-4 feet (0.61-1.22 meters)
Spread
2-4 feet (0.61-1.22 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Japan Korea
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds visual interest to gardens with its large, colorful blooms and lush green foliage.
- Seasonal Color: Offers a changing color display as the flowers may shift shades based on soil pH, often from pink to blue.
- Shade Tolerance: Thrives in partially shaded areas where other sun-loving plants might struggle.
- Attracts Pollinators: Blooms attract bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Versatility: Suitable for planting in borders, as a specimen plant, or in mass plantings for greater impact.
- Long Blooming Period: Provides flowers from late spring to early fall, ensuring a long season of interest.
- Easy Propagation: Can be easily propagated from cuttings, making it simple for gardeners to create new plants.
- Durability: Generally hardy and can withstand colder climates, making it suitable for a range of gardens.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, aside from occasional pruning and watering.
- Cultural Significance: Often used in celebrations and festivals in some cultures, adding a layer of traditional value.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Crafting Natural Dyes: Hydrangea can provide a range of colors for textile dyeing, depending on the soil pH and plant parts used, offering hues from pink to blue to purple.
- Edible Blossoms: Some cultures use the flowers in moderation to add flavor and color to certain dishes or to infuse teas, though one should ensure they are free of pesticides and consult with a professional as some parts can be toxic.
- Garden Design: Hydrangea serrata 'Miranda' is often used for borders, as its attractive foliage and compact size make it ideal for edge planting in ornamental gardens.
- Photography Subjects: The intricate blossoms and lush foliage of the hydrangea make it a popular subject for photographers practicing macro and nature photography.
- Pressed Flower Art: The flowers of the hydrangea can be pressed and used in crafting bookmarks, greeting cards, and other decorative items that require delicate floral embellishments.
- Wedding Decor: Hydrangeas are commonly used in wedding bouquets and decorations for their full, lush look and their ability to fill out arrangements.
- Feng Shui: Some practitioners of Feng Shui believe hydrangeas can bring positive energy to a space when placed correctly, promoting peace and harmony.
- Symbolic Gifts: In certain cultures, hydrangeas are given as gifts to express heartfelt emotions, apologies, or gratitude, as different colors can symbolize different meanings.
- Home Crafts: The wood of older hydrangea stems can be used to create small home crafts or as supports for other plants due to its sturdiness.
- Soil Acidifier Indicator: Hydrangeas serve as a natural pH indicator for gardeners, as the color of their flowers can indicate the acidity of the soil in which they are growing.
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- Gratitude: Hydrangeas often symbolize sincere and heartfelt emotions of thankfulness to another person.
- Understanding: They represent a deep understanding and can be given as a token of appreciation for being comprehended by someone else.
- Frivolity: The fullness of the hydrangea’s bloom is sometimes associated with boastfulness or bragging; within certain contexts, it can indicate vanity or frivolity.
- Heartlessness: In certain cultures, hydrangeas can symbolize disinterest or coldness of heart, often due to their lack of edible fruit or nectar yielding flowers.
- Abundance: The lavish, spherical shape of hydrangea flowers can also denote abundance and prosperity.
- Beauty: With its appealing aesthetics, hydrangeas are often connected to the concept of beauty, either in a general sense or in the realm of aesthetics and appearances.
- Perseverance: Hydrangeas thrive in various soil types and conditions which can indicate a person's ability to persist through difficult circumstances.
WaterMountain hydrangeas, such as 'Miranda', prefer consistently moist soil, so regular watering is key. Water them deeply, ensuring the soil is saturated, once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. In hot, dry periods, you may need to water every couple of days. Use about 1 gallon of water per plant for each watering session. During the winter, reduce the frequency as the plant requires less moisture when dormant.
LightMountain hydrangea 'Miranda' thrives best in dappled sunlight or partial shade. It should be protected from the intense afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves, so a spot that receives morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal. Too much shade can lead to reduced flowering, so aim for a balance of light and shade throughout the day.
TemperatureThe mountain hydrangea 'Miranda' prefers temperatures between 60°F and 75°F but can tolerate a range from about 50°F to 80°F. They should be protected from extreme heat and frost, as temperatures below freezing can damage the plant, and excessive heat can cause stress. Generally, they are hardy in USDA zones 6 to 9.
PruningPrune mountain hydrangea 'Miranda' immediately after flowering to remove spent blooms and encourage bushiness. This plant blooms on old wood, so avoid heavy pruning in late winter or early spring to not remove flower buds. Annual thinning of older stems can also help rejuvenate the plant. The best time for major pruning is immediately after the blooms fade in summer.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMountain Hydrangea prefers moist, well-draining soil with a rich organic content. The best soil mixture can be made with equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite. The ideal pH for this plant is slightly acidic, usually around 5.5 to 6.5, which can influence the flower color. It's beneficial to incorporate compost or aged manure into the soil mixture to enhance fertility. Regular mulching can help maintain moisture and soil temperature.
RepottingMountain Hydrangeas should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide room for root growth. It's best to repot in the spring before the growing season starts, ensuring minimal stress to the plant. When repotting, choose a container only slightly larger than the previous one to avoid water retention issues in excessively large pots.
Humidity & MistingMountain Hydrangea thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally around 50-60%. They can benefit from a humid environment, which mimics their natural habitat. However, they can still do well in typical household humidity levels if provided with adequate watering and moisture retention practices.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and maintain moist soil.
Outdoor
Partial shade, protect from afternoon sun, moist soil.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleThe mountain hydrangea 'Miranda' begins its life cycle when a seed germinates in spring, ideally in well-drained, moist soil with partial shade. Germination leads to the development of a seedling, which, with proper care, matures into a vegetative plant showcasing its characteristic green leaves with yellow variegation. With the arrival of late spring and early summer, the mature plant enters its flowering stage, producing clusters of delicate flowers that can range in color from blue to pink, depending on the soil's acidity. After pollination, usually by insects, these flowers develop into small capsules containing seeds, thus completing the reproductive stage by late summer or fall. During autumn, the plant's foliage can exhibit a shift towards more vibrant tones before the leaves fall off as it enters dormancy for winter. The cycle recommences with the return of spring, where new growth emerges, reinitiating the cycle of growth and reproduction.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Hydrangea serrata 'Miranda', commonly known as the Miranda Mountain Hydrangea, is typically propagated through softwood cuttings taken in the late spring or early summer when the plant's new growth has not yet become woody. To do so, a 4 to 6-inch cutting from a healthy branch is selected, with the lower leaves removed and the cut end dipped in rooting hormone to encourage the development of new roots. The cutting should then be placed in a pot containing a mixture of peat and perlite or sand, which provides good drainage and aeration. The pot is kept moist and in indirect light until roots have developed, usually in 3 to 4 weeks. At this point, the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to direct sunlight and eventually transplanted outdoors.
