No. Hydrangea macrophylla is native to Japan, and ‘Teller’s Blue’ is a cultivar from the Teller series, developed for its striking lacecap flower form. It is a non-native ornamental shrub, and while beautiful, it provides limited ecological benefit compared to native hydrangea species like Hydrangea arborescens or Hydrangea quercifolia.

‘Teller’s Blue’ is a lacecap hydrangea, meaning it features a flat-topped flower head with fertile flowers in the center surrounded by showy sterile florets. It is especially known for its vivid blue flowers in acidic soil, or lavender-pink blooms in neutral to alkaline soil. It typically grows 3 to 5 feet tall and wide and blooms in early to midsummer.

This hydrangea prefers part sun to partial shade (especially with morning sun and afternoon shade) and thrives in moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. It is hardy in USDA zones 6 through 9, and benefits from consistent moisture, mulching, and shelter from drying winds. Winter protection is recommended in colder zones, as it blooms on old wood.

To a limited extent. As a lacecap variety, ‘Teller’s Blue’ has some fertile flowers that may attract bees and butterflies, making it slightly better for pollinators than mophead types. However, it is not a host plant and still offers less wildlife support than native shrubs.

Not reliably. Hydrangea macrophylla is not deer-resistant, and its tender foliage and buds are often browsed. ‘Teller’s Blue’ is moderately low-maintenance—prune only after flowering, and protect stems over winter if you want to ensure blooms the following year. Maintain even moisture and adjust soil pH if you wish to influence bloom color.