Heart Throb Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla hortmagitri 'Heart Throb'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
36 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
High
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Deciduous shrub, 10-20 years
Native To
Japan
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Hydrangea macrophylla, or bigleaf hydrangea, is a beloved deciduous shrub known for its large, lush leaves and spectacular mophead or lacecap flower clusters in summer. 'Heart Throb' is a remarkable reblooming variety that produces stunning, large, ruby-red mophead flowers. Unlike many hydrangeas, its vibrant color is genetically stable and not affected by soil pH.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site with morning sun and afternoon shade.
- Amend the soil with compost for richness and good drainage.
- Dig a hole twice the width of the plant's container.
- Gently place the plant in the hole, with its crown at soil level.
- Backfill with soil and water deeply to settle.
- Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch to retain moisture.
Pro Tip
Provide consistent moisture and morning sun with afternoon shade to protect the lush foliage and vibrant flowers from scorching.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water deeply 2-3 times a week, especially in hot weather.
- Mulch well to keep the roots cool and moist.
- Fertilize in spring and early summer to support blooming.
- Provide winter protection in the colder parts of its range (Zone 5).
Don't
- Do not plant in full, hot afternoon sun.
- Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as it will wilt dramatically.
- Do not prune heavily in the fall or spring; you may remove flower buds.
- Don't worry about changing the soil pH; the red color is stable.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Heart Throb Hydrangea questions
What zones can Heart Throb Hydrangea grow in?
Heart Throb Hydrangea is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Heart Throb Hydrangea deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Heart Throb Hydrangea, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Heart Throb Hydrangea bloom?
Heart Throb Hydrangea typically blooms in mid-summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Heart Throb Hydrangea need full sun?
Heart Throb Hydrangea does best in part shade.
More Hydrangea to compare
Incrediball Hydrangea
Hydrangea arborescens 'Incrediball'
Limelight Hydrangea
Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'
Bobo Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bobo'
Little Lime Hydrangea
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Little Lime'
Bloomstruck Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bloomstruck'
All Summer Beauty Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla 'All Summer Beauty'
Keep exploring
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Heart Throb Hydrangea with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
