‘Wee Bit Grumpy’ Hydrangea is a specific, compact variety of Hydrangea macrophylla, commonly known as Bigleaf Hydrangea. Its manageable size and vibrant blooms contribute to its popularity among gardeners seeking a high-performing shrub.
Understanding the ‘Wee Bit Grumpy’ Name and Features
The name “Wee Bit Grumpy” originated as the breeder’s working name, humorously adopted due to its distinctive characteristics. This hydrangea offers deep, moody flower colors and robust performance, selected for its intense bloom color and excellent landscape presence.
This variety matures to a compact size, typically reaching about 24 inches (61 cm) in height and 30 inches (76 cm) in spread, forming a mounded habit. The large, mophead-style blooms display a deep purple-blue in acidic soils, while in neutral to alkaline conditions, they shift to bright red or pink tones. Its dark green, glossy foliage provides a rich backdrop for the flowers, resists disease, and offers better cold tolerance than some conventional hydrangeas. ‘Wee Bit Grumpy’ is a reblooming type, producing flowers continuously from early summer into fall, first on old wood and then on new growth.
Cultivating ‘Wee Bit Grumpy’ Hydrangea
Proper cultivation begins with selecting an appropriate planting site and preparing the soil. The ideal time for planting is typically in spring or early fall. Dig a hole approximately two feet wide and one foot deep, ensuring the crown of the plant is set about one inch below the soil level. This hydrangea thrives in moist, well-drained soil, as it cannot tolerate soggy conditions. Incorporating compost into the planting hole can enrich the soil, and a 2-3 inch layer of mulch helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Light requirements for ‘Wee Bit Grumpy’ vary with climate. In cooler regions (USDA Zones 4-6), it can tolerate full sun, especially with consistent moisture and mulching. In warmer areas (USDA Zones 7-9), morning sun with afternoon shade is preferable to prevent wilting and scorching. Some daily sun generally promotes better flower color and stronger stems.
Consistent watering is important, particularly during establishment and dry spells, as hydrangeas have shallow root systems. It is more beneficial to drench the plant less frequently than to water lightly often, ensuring the soil is evenly moist but not waterlogged. Container-grown hydrangeas may require more frequent watering than those in the ground.
Fertilization supports vigorous growth and continuous blooming. Apply a granular rose fertilizer in early spring, when the ground has thawed, and again in late spring. For reblooming varieties like ‘Wee Bit Grumpy’, fertilizing monthly from early spring through late July can encourage consistent new wood flower production. Avoid fertilizing after late July to allow the plant to prepare for dormancy.
Pruning is minimal for ‘Wee Bit Grumpy’ since it blooms on both old and new wood. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can negatively impact flowering. Remove any dead or damaged wood in early spring, once new growth emerges.
Winter care involves ensuring the plant is well-watered before the ground freezes. In colder climates, leaving the foliage on the plant can provide some natural insulation. If significant winter damage occurs, prune off dead portions in spring when new growth is visible.
Finding ‘Wee Bit Grumpy’ Hydrangea Near You
Locating ‘Wee Bit Grumpy’ Hydrangea involves exploring various retail options, both local and online. Many local nurseries and garden centers carry popular and new plant varieties. This specific variety is a Proven Winners selection, which can help narrow down retailers that stock their plants.
For those unable to find it locally, reputable online plant retailers offer ‘Wee Bit Grumpy’ Hydrangea for shipment. When purchasing online, check the vendor’s reviews and shipping policies, as plant size at shipment can vary by season.
When selecting a plant, whether in person or online, look for healthy, vibrant foliage, strong stems, and no signs of stress or disease.
Ideal Uses and Benefits
The compact size and mounded growth habit of ‘Wee Bit Grumpy’ Hydrangea make it highly versatile in garden design. It performs well as a border plant, adding a burst of continuous color along pathways or garden edges. Its uniform size also makes it suitable for mass plantings, creating a cohesive visual impact, or as a foundation planting near structures.
This hydrangea excels as a specimen or focal point in smaller gardens or mixed beds, drawing attention with its vibrant blooms. Its dwarf stature also makes it an excellent choice for container gardening on patios, decks, or balconies, allowing gardeners to enjoy its beauty even in limited spaces.
‘Wee Bit Grumpy’ offers several practical benefits. Its reblooming nature ensures a long season of interest, with flowers appearing from early summer through fall. The plant’s disease resistance and glossy dark green foliage maintain an attractive appearance throughout the growing season. Its relatively low maintenance requirements, especially concerning pruning, make it an accessible option for many gardeners. This variety is also salt tolerant, expanding its usability in diverse landscapes.