Hydrangea macrophylla Magical Crimson

The Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Magical Crimson’ is a beautiful hybrid plant that adds a vibrant brick-red hue to its group. Its flowers are soft, dark red pompoms that gradually change to red-pink mixed with grey-red and bright green before fading to softer tones. This plant blooms generously throughout the summer and is perfect for creating fresh or dry bouquets. It has a compact habit and is suitable for growing in large containers or shaded flower beds in non-limestone soil. Additionally, it is very hardy and can withstand harsh weather conditions.

Hydrangea macrophylla, from which 'Magical Ruby Crimson' is derived, belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family, originating from China and Japan. 'Magical Ruby Crimson' is part of a series of varieties selected for their flowers changing colour throughout the season. It is a very hardy bush with a compact habit, wider than tall, 100 cm (39.4 in) in height and 120 cm in spread. It could reach 1.25 m in height in 10 years, depending on the cultivation conditions. In June, tiny flowers form dense bouquets in rich, red pompoms, with a little white-pink bud at their heart. Then, these charming flower heads will turn to fuchsia red mixed with black-grey, evolve towards fuchsia pink mixed with green leaf, and then fade, in early autumn, into a texture resembling paper. They then take on soft, old, pink and pale green hues. The flowering is accompanied by dark green, deciduous foliage. The leaves are opposite; they reach a minimum of ten centimetres in length. They are single, ovate to elliptical, dentate, ending in a sharp point. 

With excellent hardiness, hydrangeas are well known for brightening up the north side of houses. This one will thrive in flower beds as well as hedges. This variety is particularly suited to container cultivation, which can be placed on the terrace or near the entrance. Even if these plants are not fond of limestone, they are not strictly ericaceous plants. Pair them with magellanica fuchsias, annual impatiens, or plant spring flowering bulbs in front of their round silhouette. Enjoy its beautiful, long-lasting flowers in the garden or at home in bouquets.