What Grows There :: Hugh Conlon, Horticulturalist, Garden Advisor, and Photographer

Perennials With Great Fall Color

Posted by Hugh on September 10th, 2023

*Geranium sanguineum i*n December landscape

In general, perennials are not rated very high for their fall leaf color. This is very wrong as some produce stunning autumnal foliage colors. In addition, some ornamental grasses produce colorful floral heads (inflorescences).The first six are perennial dicots and the next six are grasses with awesome inflorescenses.

Bloody cranesbill (Geranium sanguineum) – short 9-12 inches high clump forming groundcover that bears purple flowers in May-June. Its deeply cut foliage green leaves turn shades of red after first frost. (Zones 3-8).

Red leaf mukdenia (Mukdenia rossii) – fanned, maple-like leaves emerge bright green in spring, age to bronze-green in summer, and finish green with bright red streaks in Fall. White bell-shaped flowers stand above the foliage in early spring. Use as a groundcover for woodland gardens, border edging, or add to mixed containers. (Zones 4-8)

Arkansas bluestar (Amsonia hubrichtii) – an erect, clump-forming perennial with clusters of 1/2 inch wide, 5-petal, powder blue flowers in late spring, feathery green summer leaves, and gradually turns golden yellow starting in late summer. Stems rise to 3 feet tall. Similar in appearance is Amsonia ciliata, minus conspicuous hairiness over the new leaves. (Zones 5-8).

Leadwort (Ceratostigma plumbaginoides) – 6-10 inch tall rhizomatous groundcover with blue flowers from late summer into Fall; clean medium green summer foliage turns bronze or red in fall. (Zones 5-9).

Autumn Fern (Dryopteris erythrosora) – glossy, copper-tinted new fronds emerge through the growing season into Fall; its frond color is perfect color for the Fall garden. (Zones 5-8).

Dwarf Variegated Solomon Seal (Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’) – 2-3 feet bright green elegant foliage that is splashed or streaked with white. Sweetly scented creamy white flowers form along its arching stems. Leaves turn an attractive gold color in Fall. (zones 3-8)

Muhlygrass (Muhlenbergia capillaries) produce loose, billowy inflorescences best described as pink clouds in early Fall. Pink muhly grows to 2.5 – 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide in flower. ‘White Cloud’ sports white flowers and grows more upright than pink muhly. New in 2022 was M. reverchanii Undaunted® that produces rosy pink floral sprays in early fall (USDA hardiness zones 6-10).

‘Black Mountain’ bluestem (Andropogon ternarius) varies across its natural range, growing up to 5 feet tall in some areas. ‘Black Mountain’ stays at 3 feet and under and grows more compact and refined than species. Flowering stems emerge bluish-green and develop reddish hues later in summer. Inflorescences (flower heads) have spikelets covered in silvery, white hairs. (Zones 6-9).

Several Varieties of Switch Grasses (Panicum virgatum) develop a great fall color. ‘Shenandoah’ – leaves develop rich black-burgundy tips in late summer; ‘Northwind’ – bright gold-streaked fall foliage; ‘Cheyenne Sky’ – dense, upright clump of blue-green blades turn wine red in early summer along with purple inflorescence in late summer. Leave switch grasses for winter interest. (Zones 5-9).

Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora) is a cool season plant and is one of the first ornamental grasses to emerge in spring and produces flowers and seeds early. Cultivars ‘Stricta’ and ‘Karl Foerster’ seed heads turn golden and shorter cultivar ‘Overdam’ turn tan in autumn. (Zones 4 – 9).

Swamp Hibiscus

Posted by Hugh on September 5th, 2023

Swamp hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus), aka scarlet rose mallow, is a hardy perennial plant that grows in swamps, marches and roadside ditches in the Southeastern U.S. (USDA hardiness zones 5-9). It can grow 6 to 8 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. Its 5- to 6-inch-long leaves are palmately lobed into 3, 5, or 7 parts. These finger-like lobes are slender and have jagged teeth along their margins. Deep red flowers are 5 to 6 inches wide appear in mid to late summer.; a white bloom form ‘White Texas Star’ is also available.

Plants are late starters calendar-wise. This herbaceous to semi-woody perennial dies back in the winter and returns in late May, generally following the emergence of (H. moscheutos).They’re fast growers and will reach 5-6 feet the first season. They can grow to be over 6 feet tall and may need staking, depending on their height and position. Swamp hibiscus bloom continuously, although blooms may last only 1-2 days. The plant also attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees.

Swamp hibiscus is easily grown in the Mid-South (TN, NC, VA, KY, WV). Plant in locations with full sun to partial shade and with moist, occasionally wet soils. Propagation is through seed or stem cutting. This plant is slightly salt tolerant.

Flowers of swamp hibiscus appear in late summer to early fall and are large (up to 6 inches wide) and vibrant in color. Swamp hibiscus thrives in sunny, humid, and moist conditions. It grows well in loamy well-drained soils, but is equally at home in wet boggy sites, such as around a pond or edge of a stream. Set them at the back of a perennial border, against a courtyard wall, or in rain and pollinator gardens. The plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. Flowers are a wildlife food source. Deer may damage the brightly colored flowers.

Swamp hibiscus prefers hot and humid summers. If you garden in a northerly area, protect plant roots and crown with a 3-4 inch layer of organic mulch (grass clippings, fallen leaves, or yard waste) in late autumn. Swamp hibiscus can easily susceptible to leaf burn if seasonal rainfall is low. Avoid planting in a windy site.

In early spring fertilize with a 6-month slow-release formula like Osmocote or Nutricote. One pruning option to limit plant height is cut the previous year’s shoots down in late winter. Additionally, cut new spring growth back in early June (4-5 weeks after growth emergence) to encourage branching and lower overall shoots to 3-4 feet by summer’s end.

Plants may be damaged by stem canker, rust, leaf spots, aphids, and Japanese beetles. Swamp hibiscus will usually outgrow most injury by outgrowing these pests and present an attractive floral show. If grown partially shaded, tall plants may need staking.

About Penstemons

Posted by Hugh on August 30th, 2023

Some 40 years ago, Dr. Dale Lindgren, plant breeder at the University of Nebraska released ‘Husker Red’ penstemon (Penstemon digitalis). This pioneering variety has purple-green foliage and white flowers. New penstemon varieties continue through the breeding pipeline with larger and colorful blooms, more compact habit, or dark foliage. (Z 3-8).

Penstemons (Beardstongue) belong to the Plantain family (Plantaginaceae) and are native to North America; it also includes other flowering gems like snapdragons and foxglove plus 250+ beardtongue species. Many penstemon species include tiny alpine varieties and those that inhabit prairie soils. Most species and varieties grow 1 to 3 feet tall, but there are numerous exceptions size-wise.

Many species have lance-shaped foliage of varying widths and spikes of tubular flowers. Flower colors include pink, red, white, purple, and (rarely) yellow. Some species are short-lived perennials. Beardstongues need full sunlight to perform their best. Most tolerate summer temperatures into the 90s and moderate humidity levels. In general, they do not tolerate wet soil, especially over the winter months. They tolerate drought, but 1-inch of water weekly in the summer will keep plants vigorous and promote better blooming. (USDA 3-9).

Most perform well in fairly nutrient-poor soils and tend to put out too much tender growth in rich soil. Apply an organic fertilizer only once a year. Do not feed with manure.

Beardstongues attract spider mites which can be flitted away with a strong spray of water, insecticidal soap or neem oil. Botrytis leaf mold or powdery mildew are diseases. Good air circulation around plants is a plus and avoid watering plants overhead. Plants don’t need pruning. In late fall cut foliage back to 2-3 inches. They can be propagated by division, stem cuttings, and seed. Plants may self-seed freely.

P. digitalis ‘Husker Red’ grows about 2-1/2 feet tall, blooms in early to mid-summer with 1-inch tubular, pink-flushed white flowers; 4-5 inches long deep maroon leaves arranged in a basal rosette.

P. digitalis ‘Dark Towers’ has burgundy foliage throughout the summer, and deep-pink bell-shaped flowers.

P. digitalis ‘Midnight Masquerade’, a Dale Lindgren introduction, produces a sturdy clump of dark burgundy purple foliage and tubular purple-pink flowers.

P. digitalis ‘Blackbeard’ – lilac purple flowers with their white flaring tubes high above the low mound of deep eggplant purple leaves; 28-34 inches height; Walters Gardens introduction.

P. ‘Dakota Burgundy’ – shorter and more compact than ‘Dark Towers’ with glossy, purple-black foliage that plays off masses of tubular, lavender-violet flowers.

P. barbatus ‘Piña Colada’ – a series of 6 cultivars, with blue, rose, or white flowers on compact plants.

P. ‘Red Riding Hood’ – upright tubular red flowers on a low, bushy mound; strap-like green leaves that resemble pine needles; not recommended for humid Southern gardens.

P. hirsutus ‘Pygmaeus’ – lavender blooms with white lips above dense green leaves on this dwarf plant that reaches up to 6 inches tall. (Z 3-9).

P. heterophyllus ‘Electric Blue’ – vivid blue flowers and compact form to 18 inches tall. (Z 6-9).

Pine-Leaf Penstemon (P. pinifolius) – summer blooming with loose spires of 1-inch narrow scarlet tubular flowers; needlelike foliage; 8-10 inch tall, perfect for dry rock gardens. (Z 4-10).

For additional information, check out The American Penstemon Society website.

Why Crape Myrtles Is Not Blooming

Posted by Hugh on August 23rd, 2023

No flowers On Your Crape Myrtles? Look at these five common problems:

1. Not Adequate Sunlight

Crape myrtles need 6-8 hours of full sun a day. Too much dry heat will cause poor flowering as well as leaf scorch.

2. Too much /Too Little Soil Moisture

Crape myrtles are tolerant of moderate drought, dry weather spells lasting 2-3 weeks. They bloom poorly if planted in wet soggy soils. but coping with prolonged drought can be at the expense of flowering ability. Mulching with composted bark or wood chips aids to conserve soil moisture.

Water crape myrtles deeply and at 7–10 day intervals until rains return. Irrigate the tree root zone and not overhead to avoid fungal leaf diseases.

3. Fertilize Crape Myrtle

If crape myrtles are not blooming or producing only a few flower clusters, they may be nutritionally hungry. Similarly, excessive fertilizing can actually delay blooming or cause fewer blooms than normal. The culprit here is usually too much nitrogen in the soil. This will cause your Crape Myrtle to grow lots of shoots and leaves, often at the expense of blooms.

Feed your crape myrtles, but don’t overfeed. Spread 2-3 handful of an all-purpose fertilizer like a 5-10-5 that is low in nitrogen. A crape myrtle planted on your lawn may be receiving too much high nitrogen. Or the lawn grass may be absorbing the fertilizer and the crape myrtle may be starved of nutrients.

4. Poor Pruning Of Crape Myrtles is a key reason why the crape myrtle is not blooming. Has a landscape company or you have committed “Crape Murder” by severely cutting them back to 5-8 feet? This is butchering your tree or shrub. Crape myrtles need very little annual pruning other than clipping off the old flowers and seedheads.

“Crape Murder” – don’t let this happen to you!

Severe cutting back crape myrtles destroys their natural look. New willowy shoots sprout from the stumps in spring; sprouts are generally too weak to hold new flowers. Also, bloom numbers are fewer. Crape myrtles need very little pruning. In late winter you may choose to prune away dead, diseased, weak or crossing branches.

5. Select The Right Variety For Your Landscape

Measure the planting site (height and width) before purchasing a crape myrtle. Select the correct variety that will best grow into the space. This will reduce also annual maintenance, particularly the need to prune.

Some of the best crape myrtle cultivars are ‘Natchez’ (white blooms), ‘Acoma’ (white), ‘Muskogee’ (light lavender), ‘Dynamite’ (red), ‘Zuni’ (medium lavender), ‘Hopi’ (pink), and ‘Sioux’ (clear pink). All seven cultivars display high mildew-resistant varieties. Finally, choose a variety that is hardy, disease-resistant, and matches your desired height and color.

Several of these factors may be inter-related — 1. soil moisture and fertility and 2. sun/shade and pruning. Crape myrtles are best grown in USDA hardiness zones 6b to 9.

Summerific Hibiscus Are Awesome

Posted by Hugh on August 16th, 2023

Among my favorite summer flowering perennials are the hardy herbaceous hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos). During the early days of August, Walters Gardens, a premier perennial plant breeder, requests garden writers to celebrate and promote their awesome product line of Summerific hardy hibiscus. Last week, the first week of August, was dubbed Summerific Week. It’s never too late to promote a great plant.

Summerific® Hibiscus, aka rose mallow, get noticed for their flower power. Plants are indeterminate, e.g., they produce flower buds at the internodes along the length of the stem, not just near the top of the plant. The individual blooms are 5- 8 inches wide and available in many colors.

Summerific Week is a promotion that these hibiscus are fabulous summer flowering perennials. These herbaceous hibiscus grow fast but are long-lived garden plants. They have various leaf shapes and colors and are cold hardy to Zone 4.

Rose mallow boasts huge, vibrantly colored flowers. Give them lots of water and full sun (6+ hours). Full sun means more flowers. Grow rose mallows in a good garden loam and do not allow plants to wilt severely. Give them lots of space as plants are robust growers. Most Summerific® varieties grow at least 4-5 feet tall and wide.

Creeping Jenny – Accent /Weed

Posted by Hugh on August 13th, 2023

Topiary at Columbus Ohio Conservatory – Creeping jenny (top) & *Ficus pumila* (sides)

Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’, aka creeping yellow loosestrife, golden moneywort, and several more colloquial names). It is an herbaceous, semi-evergreen perennial in the primrose (Primulaceae) family native to Europe (USDA hardiness zones 3-8). Introduced in North America this ornamental ground cover grows aggressively. Be careful what you invite into your garden as this fast-growing plant can quickly take over a large part of your garden.

Creeping Jenny prefers moist partly shaded areas, but it grows almost as well in the sun, spreading quickly into lawns and planting beds. Also called ground ivy, this low-growing “creeper” is valued for its foliage, which makes colorful ground cover.

Kidney-shaped or rounded leaves lay low to the ground along vining stems or runners. Growing only a few inches in height, stems branch out. Leaves root readily when nodes contact soil and develop into a broad carpet. Aggressive creeping jenny also spreads via a slender rhizome.

It prefers moist areas such as wet meadows, swamps, banks of streams and ponds, along edges of roads and ditches. Among gardeners creeping jenny is becoming an invasive weed and ecological threat because of its competitive nature. It spreads both vegetatively and by seed dispersal. The tiny yellow cup-shaped flowers form at the leaf axils and are rarely noticed.

For its ornamental value, Golden Creeping Jenny can be used in containers, hanging baskets, and rock walls or as a ground cover. It will likely spread aggressively into borders or nearby lawns; creeping Jenny is difficult to control. After a harsh winter the plant’s recuperate potential is incredible.

Control of Weedy Creeping Charlie: Hand pulling or hoeing is difficult. Most effective control is any broadleaf herbicide that contains triclopyr, generally in combination with 2, 4-D, and Dicamba.

Summer Blooming Trees

Posted by Hugh on July 30th, 2023

Other than crape myrtles, few trees bloom in July and August. Here are four exceptions: Chaste tree, Sourwood, Golden Raintree, and Franklinia.

Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus) is a 10-15 feet tall, vase-shaped, deciduous shrub or a small 15-20 feet tree. The species is native from southern Europe and Asia. It is often mistaken as a purple-flowering crape myrtles which are so common locally. Its grayish green foliage is palmately compound and aromatic if you crush the leaf. Airy panicles composed of tiny, fragrant, lavender to pale violet flowers (to 12″ long) appear in early to late summer and attract numerous bees and butterflies.

Ben Franklin tree (*Franklinia alatamaha*)

Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum), aka lily of the valley tree, is a deciduous native tree found in the TN, VA and NC woodlands. A member of the Heath plant family, which includes azaleas, rhododendrons, and mountain laurels, sourwood prefers an acidic soil. The tree (or multi-branched shrub) grows 20-25 feet tall (50 feet or higher in the wild). Finely-toothed, 5-8 inch long, glossy green leaves produce one of showiest red fall hues. Terminal 4-8 inch long panicles of white lily-of-the-valley flowers drape off branch tips in early summer. Flowers are slightly fragrant. Long-lasting dried flower panicles are present through September, and attract many bees. Sourwood honey is a tasty result sold at local gift shops.

Goldenrain Tree (Koelreuteria paniculata) is a medium-sized, open-branched, deciduous tree with a rounded crown. Native to China, it grows 30-40 feet tall and almost as wide. Its pinnate or bipinnate compound leaves, up to 18 inches across, are comprised of 7-17 irregularly lobed leaflets. The bright green, blemish -free summer foliage turns yellow in fall. Bright yellow flowers (each 1/2 inch wide) appear in early July as part of terminal 12-15- inch panicles. Flowers give way to brown lantern-like, papery seed capsules in fall. Caution: the non-native tree produces many seedlings and is listed “invasive” in some states.

Franklinia (Franklinia alatamaha) is known as the “Ben Franklin tree”. This small native tree is finicky to establish. It produces showy 2 – 3 inch pure white camellia-like flowers with showy golden yellow stamens from mid-August thru September. The blooms are sweetly-fragrant. Narrow, oblong-obovate, glossy dark green 3-5 inch long leaves turn multi-shades of orange, red and purple in autumn. Branching is upright and spreading to create an open airy. Franklinia is extinct in the wild and sold by native plant nurseries.

General care recommendations: all four trees prefer a moisture, mildly acidic, well-drained soil and full sun (morning sun for franklinia).

Vintage Large-Growing Oakleaf Hydrangeas

Posted by Hugh on July 24th, 2023

‘Snowflake’ Oakleaf hydrangea at JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh, NC

Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is an upright, broad-rounded, suckering, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub that typically grows 4-6 feet (less frequently to 8 feet) tall. It is a wonderful flowering shrub with multi-season interest. It is native to the Southeastern U.S. and tolerates hot, humid weather. Oakleaf hydrangeas aren’t quite as cold-hardy as other hydrangea species (USDA hardiness zones 5-9).

In recent years most attention has been directed to the compact varieties (cultivars) which have flooded the nursery marketplace over the past twenty years. Yes, they are sensational and are ideal fits in small gardens. For gardeners with space to enjoy the larger cultivars, here are three “oldies”, — still sensational oakleaf hydrangeas.

‘Snow Queen’ is one of the most popular oakleaf hydrangeas. It grows 6-10 feet tall and wide and bears 4- to 12- inch-long panicles of creamy white double flowers in early summer. Its floral display is long-lasting into early fall. Fall leaf color turns gradually to red to burgundy to purple. It was introduced by the former Princeton Nursery in NJ.

Fall Color of ‘Snow Queen’ oakleaf at Longwood Gardens

‘Snowflake’ is noted for its double white flowers. It typically grows 5-8 feet tall and wide (less frequently to 12 feet tall under optimum growing conditions). Snowflake struts large pyramidal flower panicles consisting mostly of showy sterile flowers with multiple bracts or sepals which give the panicle a double-flowered appearance. It blooms in June for 6-8 weeks, gradually fading to pink and then brown in late summer. Distinctive, deeply-lobed, coarse, deep green, oak-like leaves (to 8 inches long) acquire attractive shades of maroon and purple in autumn. Snowflake was introduced in the early 1970s by Aldridge Nursery in AL.

‘Alice’, largest of the three cultivars, struts large 10 to 14-inch white arching floral panicles, the blooms later turning rose color. Additionally, enormous deep green, oak-like foliage, some up to 8 inches long and usually disease-free foliage and its superior fall color. Alice was introduced by Dr. Michael Dirr. The shrub averages 6 to 8 feet in height but can achieve 12 feet tall and wide in the South.

Oakleaf hydrangeas grow in moist, fertile, well-drained soil in sun to part shade. Shrubs appreciate a 3–4-inch layer of organic mulch to conserve soil moisture. They bloom on old wood. enerally, little pruning is usually needed. If pruning is needed, do so immediately after flowering. Winter damaged stems may be pruned in early spring.

In cold parts of USDA 5, set plants in a sheltered location or protect with a burlap blanket. Otherwise, flower bud numbers may be a lot less or shrub will die to the ground in harsh winters below -10°F. A winter mulch blanket will also help. Attractive peeling cinnamon-color bark adds interest in the winter after the leaves have dropped.

2023 Carex Evaluation From Mt Cuba

Posted by Hugh on July 18th, 2023

Pennsylvania Sedge (*Carex pensylvanica*)

The native plant research team at Mt Cuba Center in Hockessin, DE has recently published the results of a 3-year Carex (sedge) study in which they evaluated 70 species and cultivars. The study included a number of under-planted Carex species and varieties.

One grouping was grown in full sun and a second planting was tested under 60% shade cloth. Sedges were grown in clay soil that had a high moisture retention and high moisture retention. The study determined the optimum environment for each variety. Ratings took into account many factors including habit, floral display, disease resistance, hardiness, and foliage quality.

In a separate one-year study, sedges were evaluated as a sustainable alternative in lawn and turfgrass areas. Some were mowed or others not. Some low-growing species needed mowing only one or twice annually.

Carex varieties that grew much like traditional grass and could be mowed for improved aesthetics and foot traffic included: Carex woodii (Wood’s sedge), Carex eburnea (bristle-leaf sedge), Carex socialis (low woodland sedge), Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania sedge), and Carex jamesii (James’ sedge).

An underutilized species, Wood’s sedge (C. woodii) was the top performer in the entire study. Wood’s is similar to the popular C. pensylvanica also with a low-growing slow-spreading habit. Wood’s sedge is superior to C. pensylvanica from both garden utility and ornamental standpoints. Wood’s sedge forms a denser mat of foliage than C. pensylvanica and is better at suppressing weeds. Wood’s fine-textured foliage emerges an attractive blue-green hue in spring, changing to green in late spring and summer. A bonus eye-catching feature is a carpet of straw-colored flowers provides the perfect complement to other spring wildflowers.

Wood’s sedge is found in forests in the midwestern and eastern U.S. and performs equally well in both shade and sun. It was a top performer in the mowing evaluation, developing an attractive dense mat, and could be a suitable lawn substitute.

Mt. Cuba’s Top-Performing Carex:

Carex woodii (Wood’s Sedge)
Carex cherokeensis (Cherokee Sedge)
Carex bromoides (Common Brome Sedge)
Carex haydenii (Hayden’s Sedge)
Carex stricta (Upright Sedge)
Carex emoryi (Emory’s Sedge)
Carex sprengelii (Long-Beaked Sedge)
Carex pensylvanica (Pennsylvania Sedge)
Carex pensylvanica ‘Straw Hat’ (Straw Hat Pennsylvania Sedge)
Carex muskingumensis ‘Little Midge’ (Little Midge Muskingum Sedge)
Carex albicans (White-Tinge Sedge)
Carex jamesii (James’ Sedge)
Carex muskingumensis ‘Oehme’ (Oehme Muskingum Sedge)
Carex crinita (Fringed Sedge)
Carex leavenworthii (Leavenworth’s Sedge)
Carex plantaginea (Plantain-leaf Sedge)

Read the complete report which includes descriptions of all 70 Carex species and varieties @ https://mtcubacenter.org/trials/carex-for-the-mid-atlantic-region/

Mountain Hydrangeas

Posted by Hugh on July 9th, 2023

Mountain hydrangeas (Hydrangea serrata) look very much like big leaf hydrangea (H. macrophylla) except shrubs are smaller, more compact in growth habit with smaller flowers and leaves. They are native to the cool moist woodland valleys in Japan and Korea mountains. (USDA hardiness zones 6-9). These unique hydrangeas fare better in cool climates in zones 5 (protected) and 6 than bigleaf hydrangeas (H. macrophylla).

Current cultivars are listed below. Currently, Tuff Stuff™ series from Proven Winners (PW) is available through local garden centers. Currently, five cultivars have been introduced and are ideal compact hydrangeas for a small garden. Plant breeders are also crossing Mountain hydrangeas with other species.

Mountain hydrangeas begin blooming in early summer on old wood and continue to produce lacecap flowers on new wood from late June into October for a long bloom display. Utilize them as foundation planting, low hedging, front bed edging, or as a single specimen.

Leaves are toothed, ovate, dull green, up to 6 inches long) and their summer lacecap flowers are long-blooming. Most of the florets are fertile and attract pollinators. Smaller numbers of showy sterile florets form along an outer marginal ring around the tiny fertile florets. Mountain hydrangeas bloom on both old and new wood.

In alkaline soils (above 6.5 pH) pink florets are likely and blue florets in acidic soils. To achieve bluer blooms, lower the soil pH for 5.5 or lower feeding an acidic type fertilizer like Miracid™ or Hollytone™ or one specifically labeled for hydrangeas, one containing aluminum sulfate. Mulch beds with pine needles.

Mountain hydrangeas should be grown in partial shade or in and out all day filtered sun. The soil should be humus-rich, moist and well-drained. Plants will handle more sun if soils are adequately irrigated. Little pruning is necessary if properly sited. Deadhead old spent flowers and prune out weak or winter-damaged stems in early spring.

Diseases are rare with some susceptibility to bud blight, bacterial wilt, leaf spot and mildew. Aphids are occasional visitors. Because of its compact mounding habit, annual pruning of Tuff Stuff™ hydrangeas is minimal other than to remove some broken branches.

Tuff Stuff® is a small reblooming hydrangea that bears pink lacecap flowers with creamy centers in alkaline soil; they are lavender-blue in acidic soil. Its serrated leaves turn burgundy in fall. At maturity Tuff Stuff often reaches 3×3 feet tall and wide.

Tuff Stuff Aha® grows 2-3 feet tall and wide. Tuff Stuff Ah-Ha^® hydrangea will bloom pink or blue, depending on soil chemistry. Flower buds are more cold-tolerant, which ensures good blooming even in USDA zones 5 and 6.

Tiny Tuff Stuff® bears similar flowers to ‘Tuff Stuff’ but grows more compact shrub @ 2 feet high and wide.

Tuff Stuff Red™ is the newest addition to the Tuff Stuff series. Large, lacecap flowers are a deep pink-red color which is set off by lustrous, deep green foliage.

Tuff Stuff^™ Red Mountain has improved bud hardiness and is a reliable rebloomer. This dwarf hydrangea grows 24 – 36 inches high and wide with blue or red lacecap flowers.