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Bluebird Hydrangea

Bluebird hydrangea is a beautiful lacecap. The large blossom clusters are pale blue in acidic soils, with dark blue tiny flowers in the center. They don't need additional acidic fertilizers to remain blue. Adding lime will turn the flowers pink.





The flowers are beautiful as cut flowers and will last up to two weeks when treated properly. Harvest them as soon as the flowers are all opened. Place the cut flowers as soon as possible into 5 to 7 inches of hot water (110 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit). Place them into a refrigerator and let the water cool there for 8 hours. Recut the stems before arranging and place them into hot water again.

Do not use floral foams with these flowers, as they can't get enough water this way. The shrub offers large green leaves that turn into a dark purple or red in the fall. This variety used to be called 'Aigaku'.

Landscaping with the Bluebird

Use bluebird hydrangeas as container plants, in borders or in shady woodland gardens. They are attractive and more drought tolerant than some others of the hydrangea family.

The flowers last the longest in shade, though the fall color is more vibrant when it gets more sun. Plant with sweetshrub, viburnum or red twig dogwood for a stunning display.

Hydrangea Care and Planting Tips

Plant in a partially shady spot with moist, well drained soil. Amend it with some compost or well-rotted manure. Plant them at the same depth they were in the pot.

Water well on a regular basis, especially in dry periods. Feed with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and when flowering has finished. While they are pretty easy on maintenance, if you notice aphids, spray them off with a hose.

Deadhead the flowers in early spring, being careful not to hurt any of the new buds. The plant flowers on old wood. Transplant established plants during the winter while the plant is dormant.

Hydrangea Information

  • Scientific Name: Hydrangea serrata 'Bluebird'

  • Best Soil: Rich, moist well drained soil

  • Light: Partial shade

  • Growth Rate: Moderate

  • Foilage: Dark green

  • Fall Color: Purple and red

  • Bloom: Lilac-blue sterile flowers on the lace cap cluster with darker blue fertile flowers in acidic soil; the flowers are pink in alkaline soil; all flowers will fade to a pinkish tone as the flowers age

  • Mature Size and Shape: Grows 4 to 6 feet tall and wide in a rounded form

  • Hardiness Zone: 6 -9

  • Plant Spacing: Plant 4 to 6 feet apart



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