Serrate Hydrangea Daredevil

A very deeply coloured, compact form of serrate hydrangea, Hydrangea serrata Daredevil is a deciduous shrub of average vigour, a real talking-point for smaller gardens. The toothed leaves emerge a very deep bronze-green, turning dark chocolate-bronze, then fiery red to wine-coloured at the end of summer. From midsummer, the shrub carries masses of intense pink, flat lacecap flowers on neutral to alkaline soils, purple on acid soils, becoming red to wine-coloured at the end of summer; both flowers and foliage keep their colour well into winter. Serrate hydrangea Daredevil is small enough to be grown in a large container. Leave the flowers over winter to protect next year’s buds. Needs shelter from cold, drying wind. The flowers are good for drying, retaining their vivid colour.

Site: Sheltered
Soil: Any fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil
Position: Partial shade; tolerates full sun
Season of interest: Late summer and early autumn
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: 2-3’ (60cm-1m) Spread: 39” (1m)