‘Magical Ruby Red’ Hydrangea is a captivating choice for gardens, renowned for its dramatic coloring and long-lasting floral display. Its rich, deep blooms provide a consistent burst of vibrant color throughout the growing season, making it a popular selection for adding elegance and charm.
Key Features of Magical Ruby Red Hydrangea
‘Magical Ruby Red’ Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) is a deciduous shrub that typically reaches a compact size of 3 to 4 feet in both height and width. Its lush, dark green foliage provides an excellent backdrop for the vibrant blooms, sometimes emerging with a nearly black tint and turning burgundy in the fall.
The plant produces large mophead blooms that initially open in shades of deep ruby red, sometimes appearing as a bright reddish-pink or hot-pink. As the flowers mature, they deepen to rich wine-red or burgundy hues, occasionally developing flecks of lime green. This variety blooms continuously from late spring through late summer, producing flowers on both new and old wood. It thrives in USDA Zones 5 through 9.
Planting and Site Requirements
Selecting the right location is important for ‘Magical Ruby Red’ Hydrangea. This shrub flourishes in partial shade, ideally receiving morning sun and protection from intense afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates. While it can tolerate full sun in cooler zones, consistent moisture is critical.
The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Average garden soil is suitable, but avoid perpetually soggy or excessively dry conditions. When planting, ensure the hole is at least twice as wide as the root ball and of similar depth, allowing the top of the root ball to be level with the surrounding soil. Incorporating compost or other organic amendments improves soil structure and nutrient availability.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Consistent moisture is important for established ‘Magical Ruby Red’ Hydrangea, particularly during dry spells and its initial growing season. The plant prefers consistently moist, cool soil. A generous layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark or compost, applied around the base helps conserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
Providing balanced plant food can enhance blooming. Application typically occurs in spring as new growth emerges, following product instructions. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Regular monitoring for pests and diseases helps ensure the plant’s health.
Pruning Techniques
Pruning ‘Magical Ruby Red’ Hydrangea helps maintain its shape, promote healthy growth, and encourage abundant flowering. Since this variety blooms on both new and old wood, deadheading spent blooms encourages continuous flowering throughout the season.
Structural pruning, such as removing dead, damaged, or weak branches, is best done in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. For northern regions, deadwood can be removed in late May after leaves unfurl. In southern areas, early spring after leaf unfurling is suitable for addressing dead wood. Any shaping or size reduction should be undertaken after the main flush of blooms has faded to avoid sacrificing future flowers.
Ensuring Vibrant Ruby Red Color
The ruby red coloration of ‘Magical Ruby Red’ Hydrangea blooms is a key characteristic, influenced by specific factors. As a Hydrangea macrophylla, soil pH plays a role in its color, but this variety is bred to largely maintain its vibrant red hue. Neutral to slightly alkaline soil conditions preserve the desired red color more effectively.
If the soil becomes too acidic, the blooms may shift towards purple tones. While direct pH manipulation is less common for this red variety than for blue hydrangeas, ensuring your soil is not overly acidic helps maintain the truest red. Providing morning sun and afternoon shade also contributes to color intensity, as intense sun can sometimes fade the blooms. Cooler temperatures as blooms mature naturally deepen their red and wine hues.