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Hydrangea serrata or hydrangea macrophylla is commonly known as the mountain hydrangea. It has blue or pink lacy florets and looks amazing on hydrangea flower arrangements.
Because its flower heads are flat, it was originally classified alongside lacecap hydrangeas. It is similar to bigleaf hydrangeas, but much hardier and more tolerant of harsh environmental conditions than the bigleaf variety.
How to care for a mountain hydrangea?
Grow mountain hydrangeas in moist (not soggy) and well-drained soil. This variety grows in full sun to partial shade. It will not bloom when it is planted in full shade. If your geographical location is prone to drying winds, provide shelter for your hydrangeas. Only young mountain hydrangeas can be killed by the onset of late frosts. Protect them by covering them completely with paper bags.
Mountain hydrangeas are low-maintenance garden shrubs. Very little pruning is needed to maintain them. Do a little pruning after flowerings, and that’s it. As for winter-damaged stems, prune them during early spring.
How to propagate a mountain hydrangea?
To propagate, you must plant seeds during springtime. As for softwood root cuttings, perform it during early summer. Hardwood root cuttings must be done in winter. Mound layering must be performed in the spring.
What are the common issues encountered by gardeners who cultivate mountain hydrangeas?
1. Gray mold
Humid, cool, and wet conditions are conducive for gray mold. Gray mold is hard to control once it starts, and it looks very unsightly. Avoid damaging the surface of the hydrangea because those damaged areas become vulnerable to gray mold.
2. Slugs
Slugs can be easily controlled organically by either picking them all up or sprinkling salt on them. Sprinkling salt on slugs will kill them without using harsh chemicals.
3. Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew is common on all hydrangea varieties. It is characterized by white spots. To prevent powdery mildew, do not clump hydrangea bushes when you plant them. Always provide adequate spacing between the shrubs so that air will circulate between them.
4. Rust
The rust spot on your mountain hydrangea is caused by a certain type of fungus. High humidity and the lack of air circulation encourage the growth of the yellowish fungal spores on hydrangea leaves.
5. Leaf spots
Frequent late summer rain usually brings about the outbreak of leaf spots. Periods of drought hinder the growth of this fungal disease. Leaf spot formation does not kill hydrangeas, but it makes the plant look ugly. To control the spread, always remove the diseased leaves that have fallen off the plant.
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