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Hydrangea serrata 'Blue Bird'

Sawtooth Hydrangea

Plant Type:

DECIDUOUS SHRUBS

Hydrangea serrata 'Blue Bird' - In acid ground this classic Sawtooth Hydrangea produces long season blue flattened domes. Strong stems offer lots of lace cap flowers. Foliage picks up red tones in the autumn landscape prior to leaf fall. When I say classic 'Blue Bird' is technically an heirloom having been bred in France more that a century ago; it remains a worthy, useful and fine shrub applicable to many landscaping possibilities. Part sun to dappled light or open shade in fertile, organic Ph acid soil that holds onto moisture. But make no mistake: this is not a shrub that will be happy in standing water. Established potted Sawtooth Hydrangea from cutting.


 


Height:

4-5 ft

Spread:

4-5 ft

Colors:

Blue

Zone:

5 to 9
What is my hardiness zone?

Characteristics and Attributes for Hydrangea serrata 'Blue Bird'

Season of Interest (Flowering)

  • Summer

Season of Interest (Foliage)

  • Spring / Summer / Autumn

Autumn Interest

  • Autumn Leaf Color

Nature Attraction

  • Honey Bees & Native Bees
  • Deer Resistant
  • Butterflies

Light

  • Sun Tolerant
  • Dappled Shade
  • Morning Sun / Afternoon Shade

Attributes

  • Shrub Border
  • Accent
  • Border
  • Specimen
  • Cottage Garden

Growth Rate in the Garden

  • Moderately Fast

Soil

  • Moist
  • Acid
  • Fertile
  • Humus Laden
  • Organic
  • Draining

Origins

  • Garden Origin

Propagated By

  • Cutting Grown

Genus Overview: Hydrangea serrata

This species originates in the mountains of Japan and Korea. Though it is purportedly hardier than H. macrophylla we seldom see flowers in USDA zone 5b; as such we are listing all of the following cultivars as better doers in zones 6 to 9. The ovate to lanceolate foliage tends to be narrower than its close cousin, H. macrophylla. The smaller leaves support an over all more delicate appearance. And as with H. macrophylla there are also both lace caps and mop heads occurring in this species and will be noted below. We've seen this group also listed as H. macrophylla var. serrata. All prefer fertile soil to sandy loam. All of the following cultivars are cutting grown.