Wee Bit Grumpy® Hydrangea

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

2 Feet

Mature Spread

2.5 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 9

You will not be grumpy around this amazing hydrangea with blooms of the deepest, richest blue you have ever seen. The dark green, glossy leaves perfectly complement the flowers. These resist wilting and provide fall interest. In acidic soil the big, full blooms are a deep, purple blue. In neutral to alkaline soil, they are bright red. This Hydrangea macrophylla grows to 24 inches high. It is a versatile deciduous shrub that better tolerates cold weather. It is a reblooming hydrangea loved by butterflies.

The shrub has a compact, mounded growth habit with sturdy stems. Its foliage is disease resistant. It is salt tolerant. This is a low maintenance plant that requires no pruning. Use it in the role of ‘thriller’ in a container. It makes a stunning focal point in the landscape or border. Plant several to create a low hedge. It is a lovely cut flower and beautiful when dried. This compact hydrangea is perfect for small spaces.

Wee Bit Grumpy® Hydrangea Care

Choose a site that is not hot and dry. Dig a large hole, approximately two feet wide and one foot deep in moist, well-drained soil. Plant with the crown 1 inch below the soil level. Water regularly with an average amount of water – this plant does not tolerate ‘wet feet.’ Add 2-3 inches of mulch. Fertilize with a granular rose fertilizer in early spring and in late spring. You may sprinkle the granules on top of the mulch, watering immediately to dissolve them and send them to the soil. It thrives in morning sun and afternoon shade – in hotter climates it prefers more shade. For blue flowers the shrub needs a pH of 5.5 plus aluminum sulphate. A soil test will show if this is necessary. Do not treat unless you are sure because you do not want to pollute the soil. A pH of 6.5, or higher, results in pink/red tones.

Wee Bit Grumpy® blooms on new wood and old wood. In the spring it blooms on the previous year’s growth, then in summer on new growth. As a result, you should avoid pruning. Remove damaged wood in the spring. If your hydrangea does not bloom, the most common reasons are winter injury, too much shade, poor fertility, or too much nitrogen.

Wee Bit Grumpy® Hydrangea Spacing

For a delightful pairing, grow Wee Bit Grumpy® with Wee Bit Giddy®. Space your shrubs 30 inches apart.