Tuff Stuff™ Mountain Hydrangeas (H. serrata) are a stunning lacecap series of Mountain Hydrangea). This species is indigenous to the cooler mountainous altitudes of Korea and Japan. They produce almost nonstop blooms from early summer right into autumn. Tuff Stuff are exceptionally cold hardy compared to big-leaf hydrangeas (H. macrophylla) (USDA hardiness zones 4-9). Their stunningly beautiful lacecap flowers bloom early in summer on old wood, then continue on new wood. Their true landscape appeal is their fertile flowers which attract pollinators.

Currently, three cultivars are offered in the Tuff Stuff™ series from Proven Winners (PW):

Tiny Tuff Stuff™ produces lacecap flowers comprised of double sepals mostly blue in color. Due to their small size and compact habit, group several in a shady woodsy landscape. Their distinctive shrub habit, 1.5 – 2 feet tall and wide, makes them a perfect choice in patio and deck container and for planting in a front border. (zones 5-9). These shallow-rooted hydrangeas prefer some morning sun and afternoon shade, compost amended, well-drained soil, and moisture relief during summer dry spells.

Tuff Stuff Ah-Ha® is an outstanding rebloomer, forming floral buds on both old wood in spring and new shoots in summer through fall. Their massive dinner plate-sized lacecap clusters of large pink/blue waterlily-like doubled florets on slender sturdy stems. (USDA hardiness zones 5-9).

Tuff Stuff Top Fun is the newest in the series, growing 2 – 3 feet tall and wide. Rated an exceptional rebloomer, it bears showy hot pink lacecap blooms, supported by bright burgundy stems. Add its blue-green foliage that develops a burgundy tinge when cool weather returns at the start of autumn. Top Fun also rates exceptional in cold hardiness. (zones 4-9)

Tuff Stuff™ Mountain hydrangeas demand consistent moisture and a bit more shade than other species of hydrangeas. Flower color is pH sensitive. They tolerate more sunlight in a well-drained soil that is kept moderately moist but not standing in water. It is heat and salt tolerant.

Newly purchased plants grow quickly, blooms from the very first year, and offers no trouble! Tuff Stuff hydrangeas are a valuable wildlife food source, attracting butterflies and beneficial insects in summer, and their seeds attracting songbirds in late fall. Their colorful sterile florets make long-lasting cuts for fresh and dried arrangements.

Flower color (blue/pink) varies depending on soil pH. In acidic soils with abundant aluminum (a naturally occurring soil mineral), color will tend more to purple-blue. In alkaline soil or those lacking in aluminum, flowers will be a deep pink.