Hydrangea macrophylla 'Cherry Explosion'

Species

Hydrangea macrophyllaBigleaf Hydrangea

60 other cultivars

shrub

Bigleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Cherry Explosion'

$72.43

The Story

Plant Bio

Hydrangea macrophylla is a rounded deciduous shrub native to eastern Asia, widely grown for its broad leaves and bold terminal flower clusters. The species naturally produces either dense mophead blooms or flattened lacecap inflorescences that shift pigment in response to soil pH.

'Cherry Explosion' is a compact lacecap cultivar featuring bright cherry-red sterile florets surrounding a center of smaller fertile blooms. Its dark green foliage turns deep burgundy in fall, and flowers shift toward lavender-purple when grown in strongly acidic soils.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces vibrant cherry-red lacecap blooms from summer into fall, accompanied by rich burgundy foliage in autumn.

Blooms reliably on both old and new wood, ensuring floral displays even following cold winter stem dieback.

Fertile central florets provide accessible nectar and pollen for foraging native bees and generalist insects.

SpeciesHydrangea macrophyllaBigleaf Hydrangea

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

47"

Width

47"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Summer – Early fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Nature Hills

In Stock$72.43

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site receiving morning sun and afternoon shade, sheltered from drying winds.
Work organic matter into moist, well-drained soil to improve moisture retention without causing saturation.
Set the root ball level with the surrounding ground and apply a two-inch mulch layer over the root zone.
Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, drought-resilient root system.

Pro Tip

Check soil moisture at root depth before watering wilting foliage in summer heat; leaves flag temporarily under direct midday sun even when the soil contains adequate moisture.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Do water deeply during dry periods to maintain consistent, medium soil moisture.
Do deadhead spent flower clusters in early spring just behind the old bloom.

Don't

Don't prune heavily in fall, as removing live stems destroys overwintering flower buds.
Don't allow the plant to sit in standing water or poorly drained, waterlogged soil.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Foundation PlantingMixed Shrub BorderCottage GardenContainer Plant

Companion Plants

Hosta Heuchera Astilbe Polystichum munitum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bigleaf Hydrangea questions

What zones can Bigleaf Hydrangea grow in?

Bigleaf Hydrangea is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Bigleaf Hydrangea deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Bigleaf Hydrangea, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Bigleaf Hydrangea bloom?

Bigleaf Hydrangea typically blooms in summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Bigleaf Hydrangea need full sun?

Bigleaf Hydrangea does best in part shade.