PlantFiles: Mountain Hydrangea
Hydrangea serrata 'Blue Bird'

I have had this plant for 4 years. The first year it bloomed fine with little effort on my part. The 2nd year it bloomed then was infested with little white flying bugs. The past 2 years the plant has been very healthy, but there has been no flowering. Help.

I love this plant, it is beautiful. The grower indicates this can be grown in a pot -I am hoping that this works. I have it in virtually complete shade except for some filtered morning sun. I potted this w/ commercial potting soil, acid fertilizer, etc but as someone else noted, it is not quite blue. I have continued to add mild acidifier, but perhaps it really needs a more continuous supply of serious acid fertilier. Either way, this is a beautiful plant!

It's a pretty plant, but it did not come up blue. The last time I checked, my soil was nearly neutral (slightly acidic). It's in a area that does get some direct sun, but the soil is full of clay so it never dries out. Last year, however, we had record high temps and it wilted until it cooled down, then it would perk back up.

Just bought one and am glad to know about the shade. Was planning to plant in part shade, but may look for a slightly more sheltered location than my original choice since summers here are so hot.

Very happy with this plant's performance in my Zone 7 garden. It's planted in slightly acidic, clay soil, northwesterly exposure. Shaded by a Bradford pear tree from the hot western sun, otherwise it wouldn't make it through the summer. Does NOT like direct sun! Demands consistently moist soil during first year, to get established. I highly recommend this plant.