Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
The Tuff Stuff reblooming mountain Hydrangea by Proven Winners ColorChoice® is the original plant in the Tuff Stuff collection. The pink lacecap flowers on this shrub are very dependable, even in cold climates. This hardy shrub flowers every year. The blooms are either pink or blue, depending on soil pH.
This is a great substitute in the garden where macrophylla hydrangeas struggle to bloom. Give this plant a try and you won’t be disappointed!
Tuff Stuff Hydrangea Care
The Tuff Stuff hydrangea needs well drained soil. Plant these in an area with at least 6 hours of sunlight for best results. Apply a layer of mulch to help retain moisture as well as to protect the roots during cold winter weather.
Pruning Tuff Stuff hydrangeas is not necessary because this shrub is so compact. Feel free to cut off dead or sick branches throughout the year. This bush blooms on old and new wood, and continues to produce flowers all through the growing season.
Fertilize the plant in early spring before growth starts to emerge. Use controlled release fertilizer formulated for woody plants, such as roses or trees.
Tuff Stuff Hydrangea Spacing
Plant these shrubs 3 to 4 feet apart, center on center. For a small compact hedge, that is covered in flowers, you can plant these 18 to 24 inches apart, center on center. You can also plant these in garden planters. Provide extra protection in winter if you choose to grow in pots.
Compare Tuff Stuff® Hydrangeas
Compare flower style, foliage, mature size, and the features that set each Tuff Stuff® hydrangea apart.
| Variety | Flowers | Foliage | Mature Size | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delicate doubled lacecaps; blue to lavender-pink | Green; smaller, narrower leaves | 18–24" H × 18–24" W | Smallest selection for containers, edging & compact gardens | |
| Pink to purple-blue classic lacecaps | Dark green | 2–3' H × 2–3' W | Original selection with classic lacecaps and dependable rebloom | |
| Deep pink-red lacecaps | Lustrous dark green | 2–3' H × 2–3' W | Best choice for rich red-pink flower color | |
| Pink or purple-blue lacecaps with green centers | Dark blue-green, developing burgundy tones; burgundy stems | 2–3' H × 2–3' W | Best foliage interest plus burgundy stems and colorful lacecaps | |
| Pink or blue double, waterlily-like florets | Green | 2–3' H × 2–3' W | Most distinctive double flowers and prolific rebloom |
Tuff Stuff® Hydrangea Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 5 to 9 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Sun to Full Sun (5+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 2-3 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 2-3 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Mounded, Dwarf
- Water Needs
- Consistently Moist
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Blue, Pink, Purple
- Flower Description
- Blue, Pink, Purple
- Bloom Time
- Early Summer to Late Summer
- Blooms On
-
Both New and Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Lightly, right after the first flush of flowers
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Summer Flowering, Fall Interest, 3 Season Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Tuff Stuff® Hydrangea
- Botanical Name
- Hydrangea serrata 'MAK20' USPP 24,820
- Brand
- Proven Winners
- Plant Type
- Mountain Hydrangea
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!