For July, we would like to introduce you to Hydrangea serrata ‘Blue Bird’, the Blue Bird Lacecap Hydrangea — also called Blue Bird Mountain Hydrangea. This shrub has a soft look that I do not usually associate with Hydrangeas (unless you consider the Hydrangea aspera, which has soft, fuzzy leaves).

The Blue Bird’s flowers are a soothing, pale, sky blue that combines extraordinarily well with its soft, grass green foliage. The plant grows in a useful, loose, rounded mound — about 4 feet high and wide. Like all Hydrangeas, the Blue Bird reacts well to pruning and benefits from a yearly, well-timed, trim. Check how to best prune the variety in your garden.

In our maritime Pacific Northwest region, the Blue Bird Hydrangea can take full sun. However, part sun is optimal for best results. This cultivar should not be allowed to dry out during the summer.

When selecting a location for this and other Hydrangeas, don’t forget that they have a lot of “down time.” They’re dormant from fall through winter, and don’t look very attractive. Therefore they are best planted as part of a mixed border where other plants will fill in during the dormant months. Hydrangeas are elegant when planted en masse, but won’t be the best choice front and center during the off season.

With that in mind, the Hydrangea is a durable, versatile and easy-to-care-for plant that delivers, year after year. So it’s perfect for the novice or frustrated gardener who wants fast results with out a lot of work! You’ll find Hydrangeas available in a staggering array of species and cultivars.

To learn more about garden planning, landscape design, and easy plants for your garden, please contact us.