Bluebird Hydrangea Hydrangea serrata 'Santiago' (PBR) (L)

Names

• Family

  Hydrangeaceae.

• Synonyms

  Mountain Hydrangea, Tea of Heaven, Sawtooth Hydrangea.

• Common names

  Hydrangea serrata 'Santiago' (PBR) (L)

Toxicity

• To humans

  The common name for Hydrangea serrata 'Santiago' is mountain hydrangea. Mountain hydrangeas contain a compound called hydrangin, which can be toxic if ingested. However, poisoning from hydrangeas is rare. If large quantities of the plant, particularly the leaves and flowers, are consumed, they may cause gastrointestinal upset, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In more severe cases, ingestion can lead to depression, lethargy, and confusion. It is advisable to keep any part of this plant out of the reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.

• To pets

  Mountain hydrangea can be toxic to pets if ingested. The plant contains compounds such as cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when chewed or digested. Symptoms of toxicity in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and in severe cases, could potentially lead to more serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing or seizures. As pets, particularly dogs and cats, can be more likely to chew on plants, it's important for pet owners to ensure these plants are kept out of reach to prevent accidental poisoning.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Varies

• Height

  2-4 feet (60-120 cm)

• Spread

  2-4 feet (60-120 cm)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  6

• Native area

  Asia

General Benefits

• Aesthetic Appeal: Hydrangea serrata 'Santiago' provides ornamental value with its beautiful lacecap flowers that can range in color from blue to pink depending on the soil pH.
• Seasonal Interest: The plant offers visual interest throughout the growing season, with flowers blooming from early summer to fall.
• Garden Versatility: This hydrangea is suitable for a variety of garden settings, including borders, foundation plantings, and as a specimen plant.
• Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity in the garden.
• Compact Size: Being a compact shrub, it is especially suitable for smaller gardens or limited spaces.
• Shade Tolerance: It is capable of growing well in partial shade, providing options for gardeners with less sunny landscapes.
• Easy Propagation: Hydrangea serrata 'Santiago' can be easily propagated from cuttings, making it easy for gardeners to create new plants.
• Easy Pruning: Pruning is generally simple as it blooms on old wood, requiring minimal maintenance to keep the plant healthy and well-shaped.

Medical Properties

• Hydrangea serrata, commonly known as mountain hydrangea, has been traditionally used in folk medicine for its diuretic and lithotripic (helping to dissolve kidney stones) properties.
• The plant may possess anti-malarial qualities due to the presence of certain active compounds, although more research is needed to confirm this potential use.
• Some cultures have used mountain hydrangea for its possible anti-inflammatory effects to treat conditions such as arthritis and prostate issues, but scientific backing for such uses is limited.
• The roots of mountain hydrangea have been employed in herbal medicine for their potential effect on urinary tract issues such as infections and bladder stones, though these uses lack rigorous clinical studies.
• There is historical use of mountain hydrangea for managing blood sugar levels, although this is not supported by contemporary scientific studies and should not be taken as medical advice.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Hydrangea serrata 'Santiago' leaves can be used to create a natural green dye for fabrics or paper, which is often explored in artisanal crafts and eco-friendly production methods.
• The dried flowers of the Hydrangea can be used in potpourris to impart a subtle fragrance and add a touch of color to the mixture.
• Wood from mature Hydrangea shrubs can be carved into small decorative items or utilized in marquetry, given its fine grain when properly treated.
• Hydrangea flowers can serve as a pH indicator in educational science experiments, as the color of the blooms can indicate the acidity or alkalinity of a solution.
• The bark and branches of the Hydrangea can be used in small-scale basket weaving or as a natural component in wreath-making due to their flexibility when young.
• In photography and cinematography, the blooms can be employed for set decoration to create particular aesthetics or evoke certain seasons.
• Pressed Hydrangea flowers are often used in homemade paper making for a decorative touch, imparting their silhouettes and hues within the paper sheets.
• Hydrangea flowers are sometimes frozen into ice cubes to add an elegant, floral touch to drinks for special events and occasions.
• The shrub's dense foliage can be maintained as a natural privacy screen or a noise buffer in urban gardens.
• Artists may use the range of colors found in Hydrangea blossoms as a palette for painting or as inspiration for color schemes in visual art.

Feng Shui

The plant Hydrangea is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The plant Hydrangea is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Heartfelt Emotions: Hydrangea serrata, commonly known as mountain hydrangea, often symbolizes deep and heartfelt emotions due to its abundant and lush blooms.
• Gratitude: Mountain hydrangea is associated with expressions of gratitude, making the flowers a popular gift to express thanks.
• Apology: In some contexts, the hydrangea can represent an apology or a request for forgiveness, possibly due to the plant's ability to change color based on soil pH, which can be seen as emblematic of change or transformation.
• Vanity or Frivolity: Historically, in certain cultures, the mountain hydrangea has been associated with vanity and superficiality because of its showy, ornate blossoms.
• Understanding: The plant is also sometimes a symbol of understanding and comprehension, perhaps attributed to its dense, multi-flowered appearance, suggesting a fullness of insight.