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courtesy of Catherine Roberts

Hydrangea serrata 'Rivendell' – EXCLUSIVE! Brilliant yellow foliage on our selection that we've named 'Rivendell' for the Elfin kingdom in Lord of the Rings. We have been garden testing 3 keepers from a batch of gold leaf seedlings with which Jonathan surprised us; these are very beautiful with striking pure yellow foliage and light pink (or deep blue in acid soil) lace caps on strong stems for a long period in summer. What is especially exciting is that after 3 winters of varying intensity, 2 of the 3 cold periods with temperatures in the lower minus teens these plants appear to harbor surprising hardiness - they are sprouting from the very tips of old wood without any winter die back. This is virtually unheard of in upland Connecticut! This is exciting news for gardeners in USDA zone 5 who live inland and away from the extended growing season near the shoreline. The lace cap flowers are not large but they are nevertheless lovely and delicate. If you prefer deep blue flowers atop bright gold leaves then acidify the soil. The luminous foliage mellows to a bright glowing greenish gold in part shade. Though these came to us with the Hydrangea macrophylla moniker we believe them to be ​H. serrata or if H. macrophylla is in the genetics ​H. serrata ​is the dominant parent. Part shade in fertile, moisture retaining soil for best results. Sheltering is a plus. For gardeners towards the northern end of its range spring planting is advised.