Wee Bit Grumpy® Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Stragrum'

Proven Winners®

Compact Mophead Blooms on New Wood Flower Reliably All Season Long
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 2-3 ft Tall
Top Pick for Privacy Screen or Hedge
Pollinator-Friendly Shrub

$26¹⁴

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Plant Size

Quart Container #2 Container

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This hydrangea performs best with at least 6 hours of direct morning sun. While it can handle partial shade in the afternoon, too much shade results in muted flower colors and stems that aren't as sturdy.
Soil: Aim for rich, well drained soil that stays consistently moist but never soggy. If you are dealing with heavy clay, mix in some organic compost to improve drainage so the roots can breathe.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water your Wee Bit Grumpy® deeply twice a week to help the root system reach deep into the soil. Once established, it can handle short dry spells, but inconsistent moisture usually leads to smaller flower heads and crispy leaf edges. Think of the soil like a wrung out sponge; you want it damp to the touch but never dripping wet.

Pruning Tips

Since this variety blooms on old wood, you should only prune it immediately after the flowers fade in late summer. Avoid cutting it back in winter or early spring, as you will be cutting off the "pre-packaged" flower buds for the coming season. Pruning is mostly about shaping the plant or removing dead stems to keep the center open for better airflow.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer in early spring just as new growth begins to emerge. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because they encourage tender new growth that can be easily damaged by the first frost. If you want to keep the blooms a deep, moody purple, ensure your fertilizer or soil amendments include aluminum sulfate to maintain an acidic soil environment.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

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Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Reblooming, Flowering, Container Friendly, Attracts pollinators, Drought resistant, Fragrant
Hardiness Zone	6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	2-3 ft
Width	2-3 ft
Watering Needs	High
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Upright
Blooms In	Summer, Fall
Flower Color	Blue, Purple, Red, Pink
Foliage Color	Green
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Plant Name	Hydrangea
Botanical Name	Hydrangea macrophylla 'Stragrum'
Species	macrophylla
Cultivar	Stragrum
Class	Magnoliopsida, Cornales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Put a smile on your dreary garden's face with the Wee Bit Grumpy® Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Stragrum') from the experts at Proven Winners® ColorChoice®! Featuring glossy green foliage that is toothed and compact, it creates a wonderful backdrop for these impressive flowers! A type of Bigleaf Hydrangea, these are color-changing depending on your soil's acidity or alkalinity.

Those thicker, leathery leaves are more drought and droop tolerant, with the added bonus of sturdy stems to hold the pouting blooms aloft. Blooms appear on new wood so you'll enjoy months of color and butterflies! Strong stems are just begging to be snipped and added to your summer bouquets.

With deeply saturated hues depending on the pH of your soil Wee Bit Grumpy® Hydrangea has the most robust purples, blues and vibrant deep pinkish-red blooms in tightly packed blooms (red tones in neutral or alkaline soils and purples in more acidic soils)! The lovely foliage takes on a maroon tinge in fall as the blooms persist long into the fall and winter. The dried blooms in fall also create beautiful dried floral décor!

Planting and Application:

Lovely in containers and planters, Wee Bit Grumpy® also blends in well in a mixed shrub border and perennial beds without overtaking other plants. Cottage gardens become invigorated and as a backdrop to perennial plantings, these moody hues only reach about 30 inches tall and wide at maturity. Add this brooding darling anywhere in the garden and landscape to create a poignant display as a specimen or en masse!

Remember to plant a few extra for bouquets while fresh and dried, but also so Wee Bit Grumpy® Hydrangea is a favorite for butterflies too! So no cutting garden or pollinator border should be without one! This flowering shrub will be just the punch of color your landscape has been craving!

Full, Deep Color!
Sturdy Bigleaf Hydrangea
Blue, Purple or Pinkish-Red Blooms Depending on pH
Shiny, Glossy Foliage & Compact Growth
Cut Flowers, Containers, Low Hedges, En Masse & Great Gift Shrub

#ProPlantTips for Care

Wee Bit Grumpy® Hydrangea loves basking in full sun, but will not complain about some shade too! It does great when planted in well-drained, moist soils and only gets crotchety in soggy ground. Provide mulch and an enriched organic site. Easy care and low maintenance, you'll only need to prune right after they finish flowering. This Bigleaf Hydrangea blooms on both new wood, so only prune if needed in the early spring so you don't inadvertently remove any of those gorgeous blossoms!

Full Sun & Partial Shade
Moist Well-Drained Soil & Appreciates Mulch
Prune Bigleaf Hydrangea After Flowering
Blooms on New Wood
Dislikes Soggy Soil

Order your own Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Wee Bit Grumpy® Hydrangeas from Nature Hills Nursery today! We're sure this lovably moody flowering shrub will cheer you or that special someone up in a heartbeat!

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Growing Zones 5-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of soil does the Wee Bit Grumpy® Hydrangea need to thrive?

Wee Bit Grumpy® Hydrangea adapts to various soil types, with bloom color changing based on pH levels. Acidic soils produce purple blooms while neutral to alkaline soils create deep pinkish-red flowers. Ensure good drainage and consistent moisture for best performance.

How often should I water this hydrangea and what are its moisture requirements?

Wee Bit Grumpy® Hydrangea has good drought tolerance thanks to its thick, leathery leaves. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically 1-2 times per week. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged for best blooms. Shop at Nature Hills for this sturdy performer.

When does the Wee Bit Grumpy® Hydrangea bloom and what colors are the flowers?

Wee Bit Grumpy® Hydrangea blooms on new wood, providing months of color from summer into fall. Flower colors range from vibrant deep pinkish-red in neutral to alkaline soils to robust purples and blues in acidic conditions. Test your soil pH to predict bloom color, or amend it to achieve your desired hue.

Is this hydrangea resistant to deer and other wildlife damage?

Hydrangeas are generally not deer resistant, and Wee Bit Grumpy® is no exception. The glossy, leathery foliage may be slightly less appealing than softer plants, but deer will still browse it when other food sources are scarce. Consider using deer repellent sprays or fencing if deer pressure is high in your area.

What other plants pair well with the Wee Bit Grumpy® Hydrangea in garden designs?

Wee Bit Grumpy® pairs beautifully with perennials and mixed shrub borders without overtaking other plants at just 30 inches tall and wide. Its compact size makes it perfect for cottage gardens as a backdrop to perennial plantings. Shop complementary perennials at Nature Hills to create stunning combinations.

Can this hydrangea be grown successfully in containers or pots?

Wee Bit Grumpy® Hydrangea thrives in containers and planters. Its compact 30-inch mature size makes it ideal for pots, and the sturdy stems won't droop under the weight of blooms. Choose a large container with drainage holes and keep soil consistently moist.