Hydrangea macrophylla Forever&Ever® 'RED' mop-head hydrangea

RED is a Forever@Ever® hydrangea with the deepest red possible. To achieve this colour your soil should be alkaline with pH of 6.0-6.2. If you are unsure about your soil pH buy a simple testing kit and if needed add some dolomitic lime to reduce soil acidity.

It produces large, globular, mop-head flowers on both old and new wood so you don’t have to worry about pruning or unexpected frost or any other damage. You will always have flowers. This variety is supposed to start blooming on the first hot days of spring which can be as early as May, and will continue until the first frosts. Deadheading will enhance flowering and speed up forming of new flower buds. The leaves are deep green and thicker compared to common hydrangea. Branches are strong and always upright, never drooping with the weight of flowers. They turn burgundy red before flowering. The plant is compact.

Grow it in fertile, moist but well-drained soil, you should never let the soil dry out especially in the first year before it gets established. The name hydrangea suggests it will need a lot of water but should never stand in water in heavy clay soil. It will love part shade or filtered sunlight, you can also grow it in full sun if you provide extra watering on hot days. Good mulch is advisable at all times. Fertilizing is crucial for this type of hydrangea if you want a pretty plant with many flowers. Fully hardy to -27°C (USDA zone 5b).

Last update 11-02-2010; 25-11-2010.