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Hydrangea macrophylla 'Glowing Embers' is often confused with:
Hydrangea macrophylla Hydrangea macrophylla
Native alternative(s) for Hydrangea macrophylla 'Glowing Embers':
Hydrangea arborescens Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'
Hydrangea barbara Flowers
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Hydrangea macrophylla Hydrangea macrophylla
Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight' Hydrangea paniculata
Hydrangea serrata Hydrangea serrata
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Glowing Embers' has some other problems:
White-Tailed Deer

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Glowing Embers'

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
hy-DRAN-jee-uh mak-roh-FIL-uh
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Glowing Embers' has a compact and dense habit that makes it suitable for the smaller garden. The full and dense mop-head flowers (up to 8" across) are a deep rose-red to a rich burgundy-purple depending on the acidity of the soil.

This hydrangea grows best in moist, well-drained soil with ample amounts of organic matter. 'Glowing Embers,' like most mop-head hydrangeas, is sensitive to drought-like conditions and will be the first plant in the landscape to wilt when dry. Mulching at about 2 inches deep is highly recommended. This plant is moderately salt tolerant. 

This plant blooms during the late spring and summer on the previous year's growth, often described as "old wood." This is one of the few hydrangeas to tolerate full sun, resisting fading and scorching of the foliage and flowers but they grow best in partial shade. To ensure the clearest pink flower coloration, grow it in soil with a pH above 6.5. Tried and true in all of North Carolina, this shrub is a real showstopper.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Hydrangea macrophylla.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#purple#showy flowers#deciduous#poisonous#white flowers#shrub#pink flowers#red flowers#green flowers#salt tolerant#shade garden#cottage garden#dappled shade#moist soil#well-drained soil#rich soils#deer browsing plant#burgundy#foundation planting#showstopper#long bloom time#rounded#border planting#cutting garden#acidic soils tolerant#dried arrangements#small group plantings#sandy soils tolerant#clay soils tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#coastal plant#hedge#woodland
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#purple#showy flowers#deciduous#poisonous#white flowers#shrub#pink flowers#red flowers#green flowers#salt tolerant#shade garden#cottage garden#dappled shade#moist soil#well-drained soil#rich soils#deer browsing plant#burgundy#foundation planting#showstopper#long bloom time#rounded#border planting#cutting garden#acidic soils tolerant#dried arrangements#small group plantings#sandy soils tolerant#clay soils tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#coastal plant#hedge#woodland
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Hydrangea
    Species:
    macrophylla
    Family:
    Hydrangeaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Colorful
    Easy to Grow
    Dimensions:
    Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 3 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Poisonous
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Erect
    Mounding
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Occasionally Wet
    Available Space To Plant:
    3 feet-6 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Green
    Pink
    Purple/Lavender
    Red/Burgundy
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Corymb
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Good Cut
    Good Dried
    Long Bloom Season
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Dome
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Large mop-head type with reddish-pink to crimson flowers that can reach 8" in diameter.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Smooth
    Waxy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Dentate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    3-6 inches
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Coastal
    Container
    Patio
    Riparian
    Walkways
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Cottage Garden
    Cutting Garden
    Fairy Garden
    Shade Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Foundation Planting
    Hedge
    Mass Planting
    Small groups
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Salt
    Problems:
    Poisonous to Humans
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Gastronomical upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. They also can cause a decreased heart rate and lowered amounts of oxygen in the blood which can lead to breathing difficulties, and seizures. However, large quantities must be eaten for severe symptoms. They are more hazardous for cats and dogs due to their small relative size.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    hydracyanosides (cyanogenic glycosides).
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Flowers
    Leaves
    Stems