Species

Hydrangea serrataMountain Hydrangea

7 other cultivars

shrub

Let's Dance Can Do Hydrangea

Hydrangea serrata 'Lets Dance Can Do'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hydrangea serrata, the mountain hydrangea, is a deciduous shrub from Japan and Korea. It is similar to H. macrophylla but generally has smaller, more delicate leaves and lacecap-style flowers, and is often more bud-hardy.

Let's Dance Can Do ('SMNHSI') is a remarkable reblooming hydrangea that reliably flowers on both old and new wood. It is exceptionally floriferous because it has the ability to create flower buds all along the stem, not just at the tips.

Uses & Benefits:

This hydrangea is an ornamental powerhouse, providing a long season of color from early summer through fall. The lacecap flowers offer a delicate, refined beauty. Its ability to change color from pink to blue based on soil pH adds a fun, customizable element to the garden design.

Its compact size makes it perfect for foundation plantings, mixed borders, and decorative containers on patios or decks. The flowers are excellent for cutting for fresh or dried arrangements. Its reblooming nature ensures a reliable flower show even after a harsh winter or a pruning misstep.

The fertile flowers in the center of the lacecap are more accessible to pollinators like bees and hoverflies than the sterile florets of mophead types. This makes it a better choice for a pollinator-friendly garden than many other bigleaf hydrangeas.

SpeciesHydrangea serrataMountain Hydrangea

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

42 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

20-30 years

Native To

Japan, Korea (species)

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Early summer – Early fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Prepare well-drained, humus-rich soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the pot.
Place the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
To get blue flowers, amend soil with aluminum sulfate.
Water thoroughly after planting and mulch to retain moisture.

Pro Tip

For the best performance, provide consistent moisture and protect from hot afternoon sun, which can cause wilting and stress.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent water; hydrangeas are thirsty plants.
Mulch well to keep the roots cool and moist.
Fertilize in spring to support vigorous growth and flowering.
Amend the soil to achieve your desired flower color (pink or blue).
Protect from harsh afternoon sun.

Don't

Do not plant in full, all-day sun, especially in hot climates.
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Don't prune heavily in fall or spring; you may remove old-wood flower buds.
Avoid planting in windy, exposed locations.
Don't use a high-nitrogen lawn fertilizer nearby.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Deadhead
Fertilize
Mulch
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Prolific bloomer for mixed bordersColorful container specimenCharming foundation planting

Companion Plants

Hosta 'Frances Williams'Astilbe 'Fanal'Heuchera 'Dolce Wildberry'Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'Digitalis purpurea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Let's Dance Can Do Hydrangea questions

What zones can Let's Dance Can Do Hydrangea grow in?

Let's Dance Can Do Hydrangea is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Let's Dance Can Do Hydrangea deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Let's Dance Can Do Hydrangea, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Let's Dance Can Do Hydrangea bloom?

Let's Dance Can Do Hydrangea typically blooms in early summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Let's Dance Can Do Hydrangea need full sun?

Let's Dance Can Do Hydrangea does best in part shade.