Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Kardinal Violet’

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 bud 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.