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Hydrangea macrophylla Ruby Blossom™ (bigleaf hydrangea)
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Ruby Blossom bigleaf hydrangea is more than a mophead, it's a spherical meta orb of round, double-stacked florets.
These double florets are fascinating to gaze upon - the inner circle of sepals are smaller than the outer circle, appearing nestled like a stack of 3 kitchen bowls.
In alkaline soils Ruby Blossom is colored hot crimson, as shown in the pictures. In acid soils flowers are purple.
Ruby Blossom is not wimpy about flowering - it's a heavy bloomer and sets lots of flower buds.
This is a new type and we planted one in the garden this summer (2018). We'll keep writing about it here as we learn more.
- double sterile florets on a mophead
- deeply saturated mophead
- single specimen and accent use
- large container use
- grouping and massing - large swaths
- flower and shrub borders
- tolerant of salt spray so great for maritime climates
- heat tolerant
- cut flowers
- long flowering period
Common Name
Ruby Blossom bigleaf hydrangea, bigleaf hydrangea, mophead hydrangea, hydrangea, hortensia
Other Names
n/a
USDA Hardiness Zones
6a-9b
Size
small
Class
flowering shrub, deciduous
Shape
round
Height
3-4'
Width
3-4'
Growth Rate
average
Flower Color
pink, purple
Showy Flower?
yes
Flower Season
spring
Leaf Colors
- Spring: medium green
- Summer: medium green
Fall Leaf Color Quality
n/a
Native to USA?
no
Native To
Japan
Soil Moisture Requirements
moist-but-draining, no standing water
Soil pH Requirements
acid, neutral, alkaline
Light Requirements
sun, part shade, shade
To Make It Thrive
Give Ruby Blossom rich soil plus consistent moisture in a soil that drains. It may require extra watering, but avoid standing water. Grow it in full shade or afternoon shade in the deep south (zones 8 and 9), not only for the foliage, but so the flowers don't get sun scald. Full sun is okay farther north. For flowering in cold climates, situate it in a warm sheltered location. During the ups and downs of spring temps here in Zone 8a - we cover to protect flower buds.
Plant Patent
'B-003' PP26,823
The flower color is not as you described, it's paler.
Yes, I've come to the conclusion that Hydrangeas don't like to have their flower color profiled and clinically categorized like we humans try to do to everyone and everything. Please keep in mind that flower color varies widly and wildly depending on soil pH and the amount of aluminum actually in your soil, the amount of time aluminum has been availalbe to the plant (did you add Al only last month?), the unique propensity of how each cultivar reacts to Al, and if the flower heads get a touch of sunshine as they age.
The flower color is not as you described, it seems darker to me.
Same issues as when it's paler; say after me, "a-lum-i-num-a-vail-a-bil-i-ty plus time plus cultivar plus a touch of sunshine."
This is science for sure, but also a whole lot of art. Enjoy the outcome Mother Nature deals!
Yes, I've come to the conclusion that Hydrangeas don't like to have their flower color profiled and clinically categorized like we humans try to do to everyone and everything. Please keep in mind that flower color varies widly and wildly depending on soil pH and the amount of aluminum actually in your soil, the amount of time aluminum has been availalbe to the plant (did you add Al only last month?), the unique propensity of how each cultivar reacts to Al, and if the flower heads get a touch of sunshine as they age.
The flower color is not as you described, it seems darker to me.
Same issues as when it's paler; say after me, "a-lum-i-num-a-vail-a-bil-i-ty plus time plus cultivar plus a touch of sunshine."
This is science for sure, but also a whole lot of art. Enjoy the outcome Mother Nature deals!