Mountain hydrangea Hydrangea serrata 'Tiara' (L)
ABOUT
The Hydrangea serrata 'Tiara', commonly known as mountain hydrangea, presents with a lush, bushy appearance boasting broad, densely packed green leaves that have serrated edges, giving the plant its species name. Throughout its blooming period, this hydrangea variant produces delicate, lacecap flowers. These intricate blooms feature a center of small, tightly-clustered buds surrounded by larger, showy petal-like flowers, typically creating a two-toned effect that attracts the eye. The color of the flowers can vary from a cool blue to a romantic pink, with the possibility of purple shades as well, often influenced by the soil pH. The blooms are poised atop sturdy stems, contrasting vividly against the dark green foliage, creating a characteristic charm that is both elegant and robust. As a deciduous shrub, the mountain hydrangea showcases seasonal changes, with its leaves turning to warm hues in the fall before shedding.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Mountain Hydrangea, Tea of Heaven.
Common names
Hydrangea serrata 'Tiara' (L).
ToxicityTo humans
The mountain hydrangea, as Hydrangea serrata is commonly known, contains compounds that can be toxic to humans if ingested. Parts of the plant, including the leaves, buds, and flowers, contain cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide in the body when chewed or digested. Symptoms of poisoning from mountain hydrangea can include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, and sweating. In severe cases, ingestion might lead to dizziness, a rapid pulse, drop in blood pressure, convulsions, and even coma. However, severe poisoning is rare as significant quantities of the plant would need to be consumed to cause these extreme symptoms.
To pets
The mountain hydrangea is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Similar to humans, the plant's toxicity is due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides found in the leaves and flowers which can be poisonous if ingested by animals. Signs of mountain hydrangea poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, and depression. In more extreme cases, it might cause increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, seizures, or coma. If you suspect your pet has ingested part of a mountain hydrangea plant, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
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
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds ornamental value to gardens with its attractive flowers and foliage.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers visual interest throughout the seasons with blossoms in spring and summer, and sometimes colorful leaves in autumn.
- Versatility: Can be planted in various settings such as borders, foundations, or as a specimen plant.
- Habitat Support: Provides nectar for pollinators like butterflies and bees when in bloom.
- Shade Tolerance: Thrives in part shade conditions where other plants might not flourish as well.
- Soil Adaptability: Tolerant of different soil types, although it prefers moist, well-draining soils.
- Easy Propagation: Can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to create more plants for other areas or to share with friends.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Hydrangea-based inks: The intense pigments of the Hydrangea serrata 'Tiara' can be used to create natural plant-based inks for art and dyeing projects.
- Hydrangea water: Soaking the blossoms in water can impart a delicate aroma and slight acidity, which could be used for floral-infused water beverages or as a base for cocktails.
- Culinary decoration: The vibrant flowers can be used as an all-natural garnish for desserts and salads, providing both color and a unique presentation.
- Eco-friendly confetti: Dried Hydrangea petals make biodegradable confetti for weddings or celebrations, reducing environmental impact compared to synthetic alternatives.
- Natural fabric dyes: As with ink, the pigmented flowers are suitable for dying textiles, offering a range of blues, purples, and pinks depending on the pH levels of the dye bath.
- Hydrangea wreaths: Dried Hydrangea flowers can be assembled into decorative wreaths for doors or interior decoration, lasting much longer than fresh flowers.
- Garden mulch: After the blooming season, dried Hydrangea leaves and stems can be used as an organic mulch, which gradually decomposes and enriches the soil.
- Photography prop: The plant's lush foliage and colorful blooms provide a picturesque backdrop for photographers, particularly in portrait and macro photography.
- Pressing and scrapbooking: The flat shape of Hydrangea flowers makes them ideal for pressing and incorporating into scrapbooks or as bookmarks.
- Crafting and potpourri: Dried Hydrangea flowers can be included in homemade potpourri mixes for natural home fragrance, or used in various crafting applications.
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 that can include both joy and heartache, as the full blooms represent an outpouring of emotion.
- Gratitude: The lavish, generous shape of the hydrangea's blooms is frequently associated with expressing thanks or being grateful for understanding.
- Grace and Beauty: With their lush, spherical flower heads, hydrangeas are commonly used to represent both grace and beauty in various floral contexts.
- Perseverance: Hydrangeas have the ability to bloom in various soil conditions, which can symbolize persistence and the ability to endure through hard times.
- Boastfulness or Vanity: In some cultures, however, hydrangeas can have a negative connotation, representing boastfulness or vanity due to their showy appearance.
- Apology or Penitence: In Japan, hydrangeas have been used to express an apology or to show penitence for a mistake, based on their association with gratitude and understanding.
WaterMountain hydrangeas, like the Hydrangea serrata 'Tiara', generally prefer consistently moist soil. It's best to water them deeply, which encourages the roots to grow deeper, about once or twice a week depending on the weather conditions; during hot or dry weather, more frequent watering may be necessary. Each watering session should provide enough water to soak the soil around the plant to a depth of 8 inches. Use roughly 1 to 2 gallons of water per plant for each watering. However, it’s essential to ensure that the soil drains well and doesn’t stay soggy to prevent root rot.
LightThe ideal light conditions for Mountain hydrangea consists of partial shade with morning sunlight and afternoon protection from the intense sun. They thrive best when placed in a location that receives dappled sunlight throughout the day or full morning sun followed by partial shade in the afternoon. A spot that mimics the filtered light found in their natural woodland habitat would be the most suitable.
TemperatureMountain hydrangeas are hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures but perform optimally when the temperature is between 60°F and 75°F during the growing season. They can generally withstand minimum winter temperatures down to around 0°F, making them suitable for USDA hardiness zones 6 to 9. Sudden fluctuations in temperature, especially spring frosts, can damage new growth, so protection might be necessary if unexpected cold snaps occur.
PruningPruning Mountain hydrangea is mainly done to maintain shape and encourage vibrant blooms. It's best to prune right after flowering has finished, though this hydrangea blooms on old wood, so be cautious and only prune out dead or weak branches, and shape lightly if required. Over-pruning can result in reduced blooms the following season, so trim no more than a third of the plant at most and do so annually or biannually.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMountain hydrangeas like 'Tiara' thrive in rich, porous, moist but well-draining soil with high organic content. A soil pH of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal for these plants, as it often influences the bloom color, leading to either pinkish or bluish flowers.
RepottingMountain hydrangeas typically need repotting every 2 to 3 years or when they outgrow their current container, but doing so in spring before they hit their growth period is best.
Humidity & MistingMountain hydrangeas prefer a humidity level that mimics their native mountainous and woodland habitats; consistently moist air without being overly damp is beneficial.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, moist soil, and regular watering.
Outdoor
Plant in filtered sun, keep soil moist, and protect from harsh winds.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleHydrangea serrata 'Tiara', commonly known as mountain hydrangea, begins its life as a seed, which under appropriate conditions of moisture and temperature, will germinate and produce a small seedling. The seedling stage is followed by vegetative growth, where it develops a root system and foliage through photosynthesis. As it matures, the plant enters the flowering stage, where it produces characteristic blue to pink lacecap flowers, depending on the soil pH. After pollination, typically by bees or other insects, the flowers develop into capsules containing seeds. The seeds are eventually dispersed, and those that land in favorable conditions will germinate, continuing the cycle. During the winter, the plant may enter a period of dormancy, shedding leaves and conserving energy, but with the return of warm weather, it will resume growth and re-enter the vegetative stage.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Hydrangea serrata 'Tiara', commonly known as Mountain Hydrangea, is through softwood cuttings. This process is typically done in late spring or early summer when new growth is still tender. A cutting with two to three pairs of leaves is snipped from a healthy parent plant, just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then inserted into a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite to provide adequate drainage and moisture retention. The pot is kept in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight, and the soil is consistently kept moist. Roots usually develop within 4 to 6 weeks, at which point the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before transplanting.
