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Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Kardinal Violet’

Kardinal Violet Hydrangea, Bigleaf Hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet', French Hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet', Mophead Hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet', Hydrangea macrophylla 'Kardinal Lilac', Hydrangea macrophylla Cardinal

AGM Award
Kardinal Violet Hydrangea, Bigleaf Hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet', French Hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet', Mophead Hydrangea 'Kardinal Violet', Hydrangea macrophylla 'Kardinal Lilac', Hydrangea macrophylla Cardinal

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Kardinal Violet’ produces an abundance of large, rich red to purple lace-cap flowers when grown in acidic soils. The flowers are pinker in soils with a neutral or alkaline pH. Blooming from summer and right through the fall, the profuse blossoms appear on a compact, bushy plant adorned with ovate, serrated, dark green leaves.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • This deciduous shrub has a round, bushy habit, typically growing up to 4-5 ft. tall and wide (120-150 cm)
  • A sun to part shade lover, it is best grown in rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerant of sun if the soil remains moist.
  • Perfect from foundation plantings to container plantings. Massed in a sheltered location or as an accent plant. Effective as a hedge and makes excellent cut flowers too!
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Watch for botrytis blight, bacterial wilt, leaf spot, and mildew.
  • Remove spent flowers to promote new blooms.
  • To change the color of your Hydrangea, add aluminum sulfate to the soil to make the flowers bluer or add lime to the soil to make them pinker. Treatment should occur ahead of time (late fall or early spring)
  • This beautiful deciduous shrub should be pruned after flowering by cutting back the stems to a pair of healthy buds. Prune out weak or winter-damaged stems in early spring.
  • Propagate by softwood cuttings in early summer or hardwood cuttings in winter.
  • Hydrangea macrophylla species is native to Japan. It is reported from seaside habitats as well as mountains in Japan, from Honshu southwards. This species has naturalized in China, New Zealand, and the Americas.
  • May cause mild stomach upset if ingested, and contact with foliage may aggravate skin allergies. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
  • Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

Hydrangea: Plant Care and Growing Guide


Hydrangea care: Cultivating these beautiful flowers requires attention and finesse to thrive. Here are some tips on how to plant and grow hydrangea successfully.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 6 - 9
Climate Zones 3, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Hydrangeaceae
Genus Hydrangea
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 4' - 5'
(120cm - 150cm)
Spread 4' - 5'
(120cm - 150cm)
Spacing 60" (150cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden, City and Courtyard
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Hydrangea macrophylla Wedding Gown™
Hydrangea serrata Tuff Stuff™ (Mountain Hydrangea)
Hydrangea macrophylla Cityline® Vienna
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Inspire’
Hydrangea macrophylla Cityline® Venice
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Blue Heaven’

Recommended Companion Plants

Astilbe
Dicentra (Bleeding Heart)
Hosta (Plantain Lily)
Hakonechloa macra (Hakone Grass)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

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Choosing Your Ideal Hedge: A Guide to Top Shrubs for Any Garden
Add a Splash of Color: Perfect Flowering Shrubs for Small Gardens
35 Flowering Shrubs That Thrive in Full Sun
40 Beautiful Native Shrubs for Shade
Hydrangea serrata (Mountain Hydrangea)
Hydrangea macrophylla (Bigleaf Hydrangea)
Hydrangea Types – Which one is yours?
Hydrangea paniculata (Panicle Hydrangea)
Hydrangea arborescens (Smooth Hydrangea)
Hydrangea quercifolia (Oak Leaf Hydrangea)
Beautiful Hydrangeas for the Pacific Northwest Region
Beautiful Hydrangeas for the Mid-Atlantic Region
Beautiful Hydrangeas for New England
Beautiful Hydrangeas for the Coastal South Region
Beautiful Hydrangeas for the Lower South Region
Beautiful Hydrangeas for the Middle South Region
Beautiful Hydrangeas for the Upper South Region
Plants with Purple Flowers to Add Charm to Your Garden
Plants with Pink Flowers to Add Romance to Your Garden
Hydrangea: Plant Care and Growing Guide
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 9
Heat Zones 6 - 9
Climate Zones 3, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Hydrangeaceae
Genus Hydrangea
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Height 4' - 5'
(120cm - 150cm)
Spread 4' - 5'
(120cm - 150cm)
Spacing 60" (150cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Dried Arrangements, Cut Flowers, Showy
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers, Small Gardens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden, City and Courtyard
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Hydrangea
Guides with
Hydrangea
Not sure which Hydrangea to pick?
Compare Now

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