Wee Bit Grumpy Hydrangea

Wee Bit Grumpy displays pure, intense, saturated flower color and outstanding landscape performance. In acidic soils, its big, full blooms take on a moody, dramatic deep purple-blue or bright red in neutral to alkaline soils. They appear amid a neat, tidy mound of compact foliage that resists disease and stands up better to cold weather than conventional hydrangeas. It re-blooms all summer on dark green, glossy foliage.

Growth Habit

A partial sun hydrangea reaching 2-2.5' both tall and wide. Blooms on new wood. Flowers blue, pink and purple in early summer.  This plant was bred to have really strong stems, perfect to hold up the enormous flowers this shrub produces.

Care

Macrophylla hydrangeas are best pruned right after they are finished blooming. Cut the branches back by about one-third their total length. This plant tolerates a wide range of conditions, but does not grow well in soggy soil or full hot sun. Plant in full sun in zones 5-9; afternoon shade is preferable in warmer areas.

Toxicity

Chewing hydrangeas causes cyanide to be released. The leaves, buds, flowers, and bark all contain the toxin, so if your dog munches any part of your hydrangeas, he could get sick. Unfortunately, deer love to graze on the leaves, flowers, and tender tips of hydrangeas.