Noted for its abundance of larger than average flowers, which are a rich reddish purple when grown on acidic soils, or pinker in soils with a neutral or alkaline pH. One of the new breed of hydrangeas, it often blooms throughout summer and well into autumn.
How to care for Hydrangea macrophylla Kardinal Violet:
Hydrangeas do not like to dry out. In dry weather, soak the roots with a hose and the plant will usually recover. Remove faded flowerheads in spring after the danger of frosts, cutting back the flowered stems to a strong pair of buds. Take out misplaced or diseased shoots. Mulch young plants with a well-rotted manure or compost in spring. Once established, remove a quarter to a third of the shoots to the base of the plant.
Flowering period:
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Eventual height:
1.5m
Eventual spread:
1.5m
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soil
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This shrub is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
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Humans: Skin allergen; Pets: Harmful if eaten