Hydrangea serrata
Mountain hydrangea
Plantedin2009 to test the hardiness of a sheltered spot in the garden. For added protection, a large flowerpot covered the shrub during the winter months, and the shrub bloomed profusely in those years.
When the shrub grew larger, a garden blanket replaced the flowerpot, unfortunately it wasn’t enough protection, and the shrub stopped producing flowers.
When fall arrived, I gave the shrub the same treatment as I give my roses. I cut the stems down to a third and covered the stubs with shredded leaves when the soil froze. Then, during the winter months, I piled on snow for extra protection from icy winds. In the spring, when buds appeared, I removed the mulch, and finally the shrub bloomed again.
After reading the instructions on the White Flower Farm website, I realized that the lack of pruning may have contributed to the blooming problem.
Lesson learned.
