Zone 7a Philly I planted this hydrangea in June, 2019. Each year it died to the ground and leafed out in the spring. No blooms….until this year. It is very beautiful, clean and compact. I would have given it 5 stars if it didn’t take 4 years to bloom (new wood only so far)
Tuff Stuff™ Red Mountain Hydrangea Hydrangea serrata
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Details
Features
This variety is no longer available from Proven Winners®. Alternatives include: Tuff Stuff Top Fun™.
Colorful, beautiful, reliable.
Tuff Stuff™ Red is the newest edition to the Tuff Stuff series of mountain hydrangeas. These unique hydrangeas fare better in cold weather than their cousins, big-leaf hydrangeas, making them the perfect choice for landscapes and gardens in USDA zones 5 and 6. Large, lacecap flowers are a deep pink-red color which is set off by lustrous, deep green foliage. This reblooming hydrangea begins blooming in early summer on old wood and continues to produce flowers on new wood through autumn, ensuring a showy, abundant display. Small, rounded habit gives Tuff Stuff Red extra versatility in the landscape - grow it as a foundation planting, low hedge, edging, or specimen.
Top three reasons to plant Tuff Stuff™ Red Mountain Hydrangea:
- Better bud hardiness than big-leaf hydrangeas means more reliable blooming
- Reblooming, so you can enjoy months of flowers
- Very compact and tidy habit
Continuous Bloom or RebloomerLong BloomingDeadheading Not NecessaryCharacteristics
Plant Type:ShrubShrub Type:DeciduousHeight Category:ShortGarden Height:24 - 36 InchesSpacing:24 - 48 InchesSpread:24 - 36 InchesFlower Colors:GreenFlower Colors:PinkFlower Colors:RedFoliage Colors:GreenFoliage Shade:Dark GreenHabit:MoundedContainer Role:ThrillerPlant Needs
Light Requirement:Part Sun to SunLight Requirement:SunThe optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours).
Maintenance Category:EasyBlooms On:New WoodBlooms On:Old WoodBloom Time:Summer through FallHardiness Zones:5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9bWater Category:AverageSoil Fertility Requirement:Average SoilSoil PH Category:Acidic SoilSoil PH Category:Alkaline SoilSoil PH Category:Neutral SoilUses:Border PlantUses:ContainerUses:Dried FlowerUses:Edging PlantUses:LandscapeUses:Mass PlantingUses:Specimen or Focal PointMaintenance Notes:For best success with Tuff Stuff Red hydrangea:
- Some sun is necessary for best flower production, color, and stem strength. The warmer your climate, the more shade the plant can take, and in very warm areas, afternoon shade is essential.
- avoid pruning this plant except to remove any dead wood or dried blossoms in early spring.
- Fertilize in early spring, after the ground has thawed and before new growth begins, if desired.
- Plant tolerates a range of soil pH, however, flower color will vary depending on whether soil is acid, neutral or alkaline.Fun Facts:Mountain hydrangeas grow in the same area of Japan as big-leaf hydrangeas, but they grow up in the chilly mountains instead of the mild coast. As a result, they've naturally developed better bud hardiness, which means that it will bloom even after harsh winters in zones 5 and 6.
Tuff Stuff™ Red Hydrangea serrata 'SMNMAKTSR' USPP 28,672, Can 5,789 -
9 Reviews
534232311Browse reviews from people who have grown this plant.-
Jodi Pollock, Pennsylvania, United States, 27 weeks ago
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I've had this for 3 years and it has not performed well for me. It does not tolerate full sun. The size is small and a bit of a disappointment.
Ann Lif, Nebraska, United States, 1 year ago -
I adore this new addition to my garden. It has lived up to its description. I'm going into my first winter with this lovely plant so I'm a little nervous. I am encouraged by other gardeners in New England who have posted their success with this cutie.
Nancy S., Massachusetts, United States, 2 years ago -
Absolutely love my Tuff Stuff hydrangea. My sister gave me hers in a pot and I've over-wintered it in it's pot for two years. Each summer the color transitions get better and better. This plant blooms on both old and new wood. Color ranges through the summer from a deep pink to a light tea rose color. The blooms last right into fall. The other great thing is that the leaves actually transition from a dark green to a reddish maroon color. I finally found a space for it and planted it in the ground in October last year and was a little concerned that it might be shocked and/or too close to the first frost but it has tons of buds. I give it quite a bit of water and it's in part sun/part shade. I'm in Maine, 5b and my sister had been growing it in a pot in Massachusetts, 6b. It is so easy to grow and such a beautiful display of color. I wish they allowed me to add photos as I have some from the last three years. Just perfect!
Margaret Colford, Maine, United States, 2 years ago -
Quite possibly the most beautiful hydrangea I’ve grown. Absolutely gorgeous blooms, but it’s the dark leaves and stems that really set this plant apart. It’s also by far the best looking plant I’ve ever mail ordered - huge, healthy and perfectly packaged.
Lisa Mason, 4 years ago -
1st year for this & I LOVE it. Has been fun watching it slowly burst into bloom . . . teaches 1 patience for sure. Its compact size drew me to it & it fit perfectly into a spot where I'd lost a plant. Thank you for always having plants I can trust & count on to perform the way anticipated. So grateful to have a Proven Winners employee in our area!!! Have a great day.
Ella Marshall, Ohio, United States, 6 years ago
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