I planted three of these last year in a new garden. If you prune your hydrangea down, it will quickly grow right back to its original size. It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. Please note: our guarantee does not cover plants grown outside of their recommended growing zones. They advised including additional protection or repellant, particularly in the winter. Tiny Tuff Stuff is a very hardy hydrangea that produces blue flowers in acidic soil and pink in more alkaline soil. {%- if image.width > 1512 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '1512x' }} 1512w {{ 1512 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} The action you just performed triggered the security solution. This shrub packs a colorful punch, with beautiful flowers that rebloom all season long. We want to ensure your plants establish in your garden and return the following spring. The flowers are irresistible, their unusual lacecap form making them look delicate (ha!) As mentioned, extremely bud-hardy, each year it produces abundant lacecap flowers comprised of doubled sepals. Once they are a little stronger I'll start selecting every other one to put in other long term places - I'll choose somewhere west that has great morning sun and protection in the afternoon heat since that seems to have worked for them. Photos of the plant(s) will be required so that we may provide the best assistance possible. I have had two Tiny Tuff Stuff's in my Zone 5 garden and they are truly tough. {% if variant.options[optionIndex] == value%}{% assign checked = "checked" %}{% endif %}, {% capture add_to_cart %}Neptune.cart.add({ id:{{ variant.id | json }}, quantity:{{ variant.quantity }}, properties:{ '_growingzone':['4a', '4b', '5a', '5b', '6a', '6b', '7a', '7b', '8a', '8b', '9a', '9b'],'shipping_exclusions':''} }, '.atcprod-{{ variant.id }}', { quantity: {{ variant.quantity }}, image: '//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0472/6394/0775/products/Hydrangea_Tiny_Tuff_Stuff_2P.jpg?v=1608001990', title: 'Tiny Tuff Stuff Mountain Hydrangea', option: 'One Quart' }); return false;{% endcapture %} Guessed wrong. Just make sure it has plenty of water. You may safely remove any dead or very old/non-productive stems at the base to increase air flow and enhance the plant's habit. Aluminum availability in the soil is dependent on pH; in acidic soils, aluminum is more easily obtainable, which contributes to the blue hue of the flowers. Deer will consume almost any plant if they are sufficiently hungry. No reviews. Indoor and Outdoor Plant Food at least two times during summer. Plant arrived perfectly in tact and absolutely happy in the space I planted it. Given that bigleaf hydrangeas are drought-sensitive, it is crucial to consistently water them. The foliage can occasionally become infected with powdery mildew, especially in humid places with poor air circulation. Consider growing it in a container or as a low hedge. {% endif %} It is not a large hydrangea like my endless summer; it is much smaller but the blooms are very vibrant and it has a much nicer shape than the floppy ahi variety. This reblooming hydrangea is incredibly high-performing and reliable. Extremely bud-hardy, each year it produces abundant lacecap flowers comprised of doubled sepals which appear on both old and new wood. They receive about 5 hours of early morning sun. {%- if image != blank -%} If you choose to grow these as a landscaping border, you can plant 14 to 18 inches apart, center on center. This technique also works well for bigleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) and oakleaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea quercifolia).For more information on pruning download our Pruning Demystified guide https://www.provenwinners.com/learn/garden-maintenance/pruning-demystifiedSo pretty, it's hard to believe it's so tough!But indeed, Tuff Stuff mountain hydrangea lives up to its name. {% endfor %} Prune only the dead wood in the spring. The blooms tip down in a distinctive arching fashion and the shrub's narrow leaves and an abundance of flowers cover the plant every summer. 2023 Proven Winners North America LLC. {% assign tier_ceiling = 10000 %} {%- if image.width >= 3024 -%}{{ image | img_url: '3024x' }} 3024w{%- endif -%} Arrived healthy and is doing well. Maintain about 2-4" of organic mulch to minimize soil moisture evaporation and protect the roots from hot/cold temperature extremes. We take great pride in our packaging. But in mid- to late-fall, stop deadheading hydrangea shrubs, leaving any spent blooms in situ. The foliage is lovely as well. They grow well. The smooth hydrangea Invincibelle Mini Mauvette may appear little, but it is formidable! Our plants arrived on good condition. Plants might be shortened or pruned all the way to the ground if they are not pruned in the spring. Mine get about 3-1/2 hours of sun and blooms like mad. Our team of gardeners is standing by to help! Fertilizer:Fertilize once in early spring with a rose fertilizer ifdesired. This bush produces flowers all through the growing season and blooms on both old and fresh wood. Flowering the first year was skimpy. These folks know how to produce quality plants. Otherwise, it will have to be properly overwintered or planted in the landscape in the fall. We highly recommend spraying your plants with a deer repellant spray. This shrub packs a colorful punch, with beautiful flowers that rebloom all season long. {%- if image.width > 2160 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '2160x' }} 2160w {{ 2160 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} It has never failed to bloom in our western Michigan trial gardens. Find a garden center near you at https://www.provenwinners.com/retailers/locateSpend more time with Tiny Tuff Stuff mountain hydrangea at https://springmeadownursery.com/plantfinder/tiny-tuff-stuff-43900Have questions about this or another Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrub? Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice, Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations. They are amongst the very first plants in my yard to start budding and opening leaves in spring. But indeed, Tuff Stuff mountain hydrangea lives up to its name. {%- if image.width >= 1100 -%}{{ image | img_url: '1100x' }} 1100w,{%- endif -%} {%- if image.width > 1944 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '1944x' }} 1944w {{ 1944 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} Bought my Tiny Tuff Stuff Hydrangea last year and it did great. The ideal amount of sunlight or shade for each plant to thrive is: Part sun (four to six hours), full shade, and full sun (up to 4 hours). Super bud-hardy and reliable rebloomers, Tiny Tuff Stuff Hydrangea Serrata are perfect for any sized garden year-round. {%- if image.width >= 2800 -%}{{ image | img_url: '2800x' }} 2800w{%- endif -%} Its scientific name is Hydrangea serrata, and while its flattened heads resemble those of lacecap hydrangeas, its flowers and leaves are much smaller. Hydrangeas are not like other shrubs, such as boxwood or holly, which can be pruned to maintain a smaller size. {% if discount.min_quantity > variant.quantity %}{% break %}{% endif %} {% if variant.available %}, {% assign count = 0 %} Deep, bright blues typically result from a pH below 5.0, however as the pH rises, blooms can range from blue to lavender to mauve to a vivid deep pink at pH 7.0. {% assign discount_amount = discount.discount_amount | times: 100 %} Before growth appears in the early spring, fertilize the plant. Get plant information, garden quotes, & exclusive offers directly to your inbox. Allow up to 2 weeks for processing refunds.After 60 days, we cannot be responsible for the plants in your care and will not cover problems with overwintering, animals, insects, diseases, improper planting, drought, flooding, poor drainage, etc. These shrubs should be planted 18 to 24 inches apart, center on center. Share your public wishlist on social media, through links, and via custom email. The first time I fed them they produced a thick cover of pink lilac colored flowers , re blooming later in summer a smaller show of flowers. This page allows you to manage and add wishlist items directly to the cart. Fertilize in early spring using a controlled release fertilizer. Dont let that fool you though. {% for v in product.variants %} If no fall pruning was done, stems can be trimmed down by a third in the spring if necessary, although doing so would prevent shrubs from blooming until late summer and will sacrifice the old woods ability to blossom. You can enjoy these lovely shrubs in your garden by planting dwarf hydrangeas, which dont need as much pruning to stay compact. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. If I had it to do again, would have planted in spring to allow them to root enough to make it through winter. We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty whether youre new or an expert. The afternoon shade is useful in hotter areas. I planted three of these on the north side of a cedar fence where they get sun and shade in the location. The blooms tip down in a distinctive arching fashion and the shrub's narrow leaves and an abundance of flowers cover the plant every summer. {%- if image.width > 1296 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '1296x' }} 1296w {{ 1296 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. {% assign discount_amount = discount.discount_amount | times: 100 %} The flowers age to an attractive pink, and tip down in a distinctive arching fashion. or option.name contains 'Weight' The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all the unknowns and will replace your plant if it moves on to the plant afterlife. Posted by Jacqueline Sporna on May 31, 2021, Plants all arrived well packaged and in great shape. Though mountain hydrangeas suffer if grown in wet soils, they can also become drought stressed readily and should be watered regularly. We do offer a wide variety of deer resistant plants here: https://www.greatgardenplants.com/collections/deer-resistant, I put in 10 plants in great well drained soil late last summer. Light/Watering: The majority of types prefer midday shade in the South but flourish in full sun in the North. I ordered 8 of the tiny stuff hydrangeas and was very excited when they arrived. For optimal results, plant these where there is at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. 23% Off Sitewide: Use Code PREORDER2023 . {%- if image.width >= 375 -%}{{ image | img_url: '375x' }} 375w,{%- endif -%} In terms of USDA hardiness zones, the cold and heat tolerance of mountain hydrangeas is similar to that of bigleaf hydrangeas, zones 5-9. {% if v.option1 == variant.option1 and v.option2 == variant.option2 and v.option3 == value %} Pruning Season: Prune immediately after flowering, flowers on old wood: Soil Condition: Any well drained soil: Water Require: Water well until . Summer: Cut off old flowering stems as soon as the blooms start to fade. No significant diseases or pests. Pruning is generally not needed, but the plant may be shaped immediately after the first bloom of the season. They are thriving now and producing TONS of blooms are are gorgeous when I tweaked their care. Allow up to 2 weeks for processing. This year the *** deer found it and have munched on it quite a bit. The fertilizer should be formulated for woody plants such as roses or trees. Keep the soil continuously moist for the first year to help the roots take hold, and then soak it once a week during hot, dry spells. We also recommend adding a layer of mulch, which does two things. Ensure you contact us with images, your order number, and a description of the problembeforeMay 31. Guide to Growing Climbing Hydrangea + False Hydrangea Vine, https://www.greatgardenplants.com/pages/our-guarantee, https://www.greatgardenplants.com/collections/deer-resistant. The Tiny Tuff Stuff Hydrangea by Proven Winners ColorChoice is the smallest, most compact hydrangea we offer. Cities are developing and there are more deer, which increases the pressure on deer to find food. Your input is very much appreciated. . We recommend choosing a container a few inches larger than the current plant size. I wish I could post a photo of them in full bloom they are gorgeous. Cant say enough about this outstanding little shrub!!! {% assign discount_amount = 0 %} Don't be fooled by the delicacy of its myriad lacecap blooms: Tiny Tuff Stuff mountain hydrangea is a high-performance hydrangea that you can count on. Details: Name: Hydrangea serrata'MAKD' pp#24,842, cbr#5125 Hardiness:USDA zones 4-9 Height x width:2-3' tall and wide Light:Full to part sun. {%- if image.width >= 750 -%}{{ image | img_url: '750x' }} 750w,{%- endif -%} Depending on the above criteria well ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. You can subscribe to get update about your wishlist items. All of our plants are covered by our warranty! They will turn lavender-pink in morebasic soils. {% for tier in group.tiers %} The only dwarf Annabelle hydrangea in existence, Invincibelle Wee White smooth is the first and only one of its kind. Paris hydrangea from Proven Winners Cityline Paris hydrangea from Proven . You wont be disappointed by its bright white blossoms or dark green foliage. In extremely hot temperatures, additional water may be required. It's tough, but delicate - Tiny Tuff Stuffhydrangea is extremely cold tolerant and beautiful. The Tiny Tuff Stuff hydrangea reviews are in, this is a real winner! Please add product to your wishlist to see them here. Quart Tuff Stuff Ah-HA (Mountain Hydrangea) Live Shrub, Pink to Blue Flowers, Beautiful Flower for Decoration, 1 Pc Hydrangea Live Rooted 3" Pot Tiny Tuff Stuff Mountain Hydrangea Live Roots, Outdoor/Indoor Flower - Get Free Sticker for Gift - JFS2210 | #YY108E, Proven Winners - Hydrangea pan. {% else %} This year the *** deer found it and have munched on it quite a bit. {%- if image.width > 900 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '900x' }} 900w {{ 900 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} Posted by Christina Belcher-Ugolini on Sep 23, 2021. {% if v.option1 == value %} {% endfor %} {%- if image.width > 2160 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '2160x' }} 2160w {{ 2160 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} The optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours). Jennie. Signup to receive promotions and gardening tips. Mountain hydrangeas are similarly trouble-free as bigleaf types, but as a close relative, may be susceptible to the same problems: Powdery mildew can be managed by providing good air circulation (move any plants that are crowding it), avoiding pelting the leaves with water when you irrigate, and cleaning up any fallen foliage in autumn, as the mildew spores will overwinter on it and re-infect the plant the following spring if conditions are right. Click to reveal All Rights Reserved. Serrata, sometimes known as mountain hydrangeas. They are 3 to 5 feet tall and feature lovely light green blossoms that eventually become light pink. It's tough, but delicate - Tiny Tuff Stuffhydrangea is extremely cold tolerant and beautiful. Most Hydrangea serrata varieties bloom on old wood. Tuff Stuff ships in 4.5 inch quart and 1 gallon containers. Compact, bud-hardy reblooming hydrangea. We're here to help you be successful in the garden! Of the 8 plants, 2 have some greenery left on them, the rest are all woody. Here is what I did to get them established and flourishing. {% endcapture %}, {% capture DiscountGroup %}1{% endcapture %} Extremely bud-hardy, each year it produces abundant lacecap flowers comprised of doubled sepals which appear on both old and new wood. After 60 days, we cannot be responsible for product that is in your care. {% if group.id == DiscountGroup %} No more than 2 feet high and wide, Tiny Tuff Stuff is a quick grower, establishing itself readily in moist soils receiving full sun (in the far north only) to part shade. The compact size of Tuff Stuff Hydrangeas make it the perfect plant to fit in tight areas in the landscape. Ultimate in easy care and beauty. We make it easy to place a claim via email or use the chat bubble. The color may range from a soft blue to pale pink depending on your soil ph. If you live in a cold climate and/or want plants to fill in more quickly, plan to space at the shorter end of the range. End-of-Season Maintenance: Remove and burn any fallen leaves that has powdery mildew or other fungi on it. I planted 3 in 2018 and bought 3 more this past summer! {{ product.price | money | replace: ' ', '' }}, Check out the Help Center or emailinfo@greatgardenplants.com. A PROVEN WINNERS COLORCHOICE Flowering Shrub. {%- if image.width > 2376 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '2376x' }} 2376w {{ 2376 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} Hydrangea macrophylla normalis, also called lacecap hydrangeas. {% if product.tags contains 'Graphic Overlay' %} If you received your order after September 1, your order is covered until May 31, 2023. They usually become more apparent later in summer, and particularly if a plant becomes stressed. {% capture thumbRepsonsive %} Great for indoor decorating as their flowers are easily dried. This is easily one of my favourites! {% assign imgOffset = 0 %} {%- if image.width > 3024 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '3024x' }} 3024w {{ 3024 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} We're here to help you be successful in the garden! Hopefully I'll be able to update later this year with a happy story. Because all of the mountain hydrangeas we offer are rebloomers, you may wish to make additional applications monthly through late July to encourage the vigorous growth that results in the rapid development of abundant new wood flower buds. This shade-tolerant shrub is perfect for under trees and in the shadows of buildings. This means that if bigleaf hydrangeas don't always bloom reliably for you, a mountain hydrangea might make a much better choice. So far plants are doing great. I planted in dappled shade so it never gets a full blast of sun. {%- if image.width > 360 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '360x' }} 360w {{ 360 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- if image.width > 2592 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '2592x' }} 2592w {{ 2592 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} Using a fertilizer low in phosphorus will help you grow blue blooms because this nutrient binds up aluminum in soils. Deer do, however, favor some plants more than others. Mountain hydrangeas grow in the same areas of Japan as bigleaf hydrangeas, but instead of growing along they mild coast, they grow high in the chilly mountaintops. I'm very excited, on the edge of my seat awaiting the next stage as late June arrives. 1.5-2 feet tall and wide at maturity; Grow in zones 5-9 {{ image.src | img_url: image_size }} {{ image.width }}w {{ image.height }}h I planted 3 of these in spring 2017. However died off over the winter in my zone 5 garden. houseplants). Spend $100.00 more and get free shipping! They flourish in hardiness zone 6, and their blossoms can be purple, blue, or pink. {% assign inventory_quantity = 0 %} Disappointing to not have blooms. Our calculator gives you the exact amount of plants required for your space. {% if variant.price < variant.compare_at_price %} If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. It is an extremely reliable, producing flowers consistently every year, from summer to early fall, in zones 5 to 9. Plant size: 1-2 feet; Plant zones: 5-9 Mulch should be applied to assist maintain moisture and to shield the roots from the chilly winter temperatures. Tiny Tuff Stuff Mountain Hydrangea super-compact Mountain Hydrangea is prepared to wow you from border or container with handsome deciduous foliage and two flushes of magnificent blooms every year! Purple flowers or a hybrid of blue and pink flowers will grow in soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. {%- if image.width > 3024 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '3024x' }} 3024w {{ 3024 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} If the issue is severe, use a suitable fungicide and be sure to rake up and remove all fallen foliage in the fall. Plants are growing so should be established by Winter. Hello! While this plant leans to blue, the flower color may range from blue to pink to white. We may ask for photos for documentation purposes but again well try to make it as easy as possible. Tiny Tuff Stuff Hydrangea Categories: Plants, Shrubs, Small Shrubs (Deciduous) An attractive, re-blooming shrub featuring showy white to light-pink lacecap flowers with creamy centers, that turn more blue in acid soil; re-blooms on new and old wood; deep green leaves turn burgundy in fall Characteristics Ornamental Features Landscape Attributes Although typically not necessary, an annual spring spreading of a balanced, organic granular fertilizer is beneficial. Proven Winners 4.5 in. In spring, only prune out dead wood. Plants in full sun and/or warmer climates will need more water than those in less sun and/or cooler areas. Deer are mainly attracted to plants that have exposed branches poking out in the winter. This is a little hydrangea, growing to be only one to two inches tall and broad. The plants that I placed in morning sun afternoon shade as of early June year 2 are taking off. They will be 2ft x 2 ft eventually - right now they are 12x12+ and the smaller ones planted in direct sun 6x6 - not shown. The flower heads are composed of large, showy sterile sepals radiating around a central cluster of tiny fertile florets. First, the mulch helps protect the shallow roots in cold climates. {% if product.type == 'Shrubs & Trees' %} Big leaf mophead hydrangeas are Hydrangea macrophylla. Whether or whether you should be concerned about deer eating your plants will depend on a number of environmental factors. Tiny Tuff Stuff The plants are covered with blooms this year, and I see more tiny buds coming up. {% endfor %} After transplanting, prune the top growth to minimize water loss. Once your plant is shipped youll receive an email with tracking information. {%- if image.width > 1728 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '1728x' }} 1728w {{ 1728 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s). prefers soil that is wet and well-drained. This not only adds beauty to the winter landscape but also guarantees that the buds that will bloom the following spring are not removed. Pruning is generally not needed, but the plant may be shaped immediately after the first bloom of the season. Soil will affect bloom color. You can stow it away in any location in your yard because to its diminutive size. Find out where you fall in the USDA Hardiness Zones database. Smooth Hydrangea Photo credit: Rosie Lerner / Purdue Extension Hydrangea species In acidic soils with good aluminum availability the flowers will be light blue. Pruning: Only minor pruning is required, but by the end of August, trim back stems by about one-third if shrubs are too big. Pruning Tuff Stuff Ah Ha Hydrangeas is not necessary. {% if tier.id == DiscountTier %} {%- if image.width > 540 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '540x' }} 540w {{ 540 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} All Pre Orders will ship during selected week. Hello! Mountain hydrangeas bloom on old and new wood, and as such, pruning should be avoided. It was a freaky cold spring zone 5a - extended periods of -20 and probably a bit below that. Posted by Janice Thompson on Sep 07, 2021. Thank you for making these available to me to purchase, they are already giving me joy before coming into their real abilities. Even though it was June they look great and the deer (knock on wood) have not eaten them. Though mountain hydrangeas suffer if grown in wet soils, they can also become drought stressed readily and should be watered regularly. Doesn't get any easier than that! These arrived during a heatwave and I was worried, but they were fine. Your IP: {% if tag contains 'discontinued' %} %} Use same spacing guidelines as stated above if you want to plant more than 1 shrub per container. {% endif %} {%- if image.width >= 2000 -%}{{ image | img_url: '2000x' }} 2000w,{%- endif -%} Plant spacing is based on the ultimate width of the plants. Hydrangea macrophylla ssp. {%- if image.width > 1080 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '1080x' }} 1080w {{ 1080 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} I sent pictures in to Richard to review waiting for a reply. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. A 2-3" layer of shredded bark mulch is recommended in all areas, all year round. Did we mention that Tiny Tuff Stuff pumps out color all summer long? {%- assign image_size = image.width | append: 'x' -%} Water: Average to high water needs. Early summer is a riot of color thanks to the deep pink lacecap flowers, and the plant keeps blooming until the first frost. These fungal leaf spots manifest as brownish-purple dots on the leaves, ranging from tiny to quite large. {%- if image.width > 720 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '720x' }} 720w {{ 720 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} It is just wonderful! Though most mountain hydrangeas have lacecap flowers, you'll still enjoy the fantastic blue, purple, or pink color and handsome glossy foliage you seek in bigleaf types. The name says it all! Pruning: Blooms on old and new wood; do not trim or cut back, but dead wood may be removed in early spring. Water:Average to high water needs. Truly one of my favorite plants. You cannot be combine products which specify a ship week with those that prohibit pre-orders (e.g. Living up to its name, Tiny Tuff Stuff is the smallest mountain hydrangea we grow, reaching just 1.5-2 tall and wide, eliminating the need to prune or trim this shrub to manage its size. Simply send us a photo of your plant, your order number, and a brief description of the problem within 60 days of receipt of your order. {{ image.src | img_url: image_size }} {{ image.width }}w {{ image.height }}h I'm loving everything about them this year. They will be blue/purple in acidic soils that contain aluminum unless otherwise indicated in the description.As with bigleaf hydrangeas, if you buy a mountain hydrangea online or in a garden center, it will most likely bloom pink unless it was specifically treated to bloom blue. If your plant consistently gets powdery mildew in its spot, consider moving it.Leaf spots like alternaria and cercospora can develop on mountain hydrangeas, though this is generally less likely than on bigleaf types due to the reduced leaf surface.