Red Hydrangea: The Best Varieties

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Julisa’: a stunning flowering of bright red balls

‘Julisa’ is a stunning variety of bright red hydrangea, which blooms all summer from July to September. It produces large, plump inflorescences in a vibrant crimson, turning purple at the end of the season. This bright colour even has the advantage of tolerating light morning sun, unlike most Hydrangea macrophylla that prefer shade. The flowers appear atop sturdy, upright stems.

In addition to this spectacular colour, it features an unusual dark foliage: initially purple, the leaves turn green in summer before taking on flamboyant red hues in autumn. A variety that truly showcases red tones!

This modern hydrangea offers rapid growth, a compact, well-ramified, and robust habit. Measuring 1 metre in all directions, it fits perfectly in any garden or pot. Note that, like all Hydrangea macrophylla, it dislikes calcareous soils.

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Julisa’

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Schloss Wackerbarth’: one of the most fascinating red varieties

‘Schloss Wackerbarth’ is a stunning variety of Hydrangea macrophylla known for the colour of its flowers. This red hydrangea offers a true evolving spectacle throughout the summer! Its inflorescences, which are rather flattened balls, blend apple green and pink-red, before turning dark red around a bluish central bud. A patchwork of multicoloured flowers, each unique, adds a delightful touch of originality!

This unusual flowering is highlighted by beautiful bright green foliage, which takes on a slight red hue in autumn before falling.

‘Schloss Wackerbarth’ forms a lovely compact bush, reaching between 1 metre and 1.2 metres in all directions. It will be the centrepiece of a terrace or balcony, but can also integrate well into borders or hedges, provided the soil is not calcareous. Place it in a shaded or partially shaded position. Don’t forget to use its flowers in cut flower arrangements!

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Schloss Wackerbarth’

Hydrangea arborescens ‘Ruby Annabelle’: a true gem that fits in anywhere

Hydrangea arborescens are compact bushes, typically not exceeding 1 metre in all directions. The ‘Annabelle’ cultivars are among the most popular. Here, we have selected ’Ruby Annabelle’ for its sumptuous inflorescences, forming large red balls that measure up to 30 cm in diameter. The shades vary subtly: first burgundy red, they bloom into silver-pink edged with ruby red. These flowers renew throughout the summer on the shoots of the year, enlivening the garden for several months. The sturdy stems withstand the weight of this generous flowering, even in rain.

The crinkled foliage, a beautiful dark green, serves as a backdrop to this particularly colourful flowering.

A hardy, vigorous hydrangea, tolerant of sun and adaptable to various soils: it is an easy variety to grow that will fit seamlessly into both small and large gardens.

Hydrangea arborescens ‘Ruby Annabelle’

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Rotschwanz’: the most colourful of the flat-headed hydrangeas

‘Rotschwanz’ is the reddest variety of flat-headed hydrangea. Its inflorescences measure 12 to 15 cm in diameter. They consist of almost white buds, around which magnificent raspberry-red florets emerge, turning to a wine-red colour. This particular flowering that catches the eye is what makes this variety so charming! In acidic soil, note that the flowers will take on bluish hues, giving a rather purplish colour.

Flowering occurs from June to August, enhanced by dark green foliage.

Measuring approximately 1.2 metres in all directions, this hydrangea can be grown in the ground, in a hedge or a border, or in a pot. Grow it in a partially shaded position, in non-calcareous soil.

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Rotschwanz’

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Baron Rouge’: a very popular red variety

‘Baron Rouge’ (or ‘Red Baron’) is a classic among red hydrangeas. Its abundant, colourful flowering truly makes a statement in the garden from July to October!

The inflorescences measure about fifteen centimetres in diameter. They form generous balls, with colours that evolve over time. Initially bright pink, they turn dark pink before taking on shades of intense red. The dark green foliage provides a beautiful contrast to this flowering.

This is an easy-to-grow bush with just a few requirements: a shaded position, protected from the scorching rays of the sun, a soil free from lime, neutral to acidic, and regular watering in summer.

Its compact and well-ramified silhouette, reaching about 1.2 metres in all directions, will enhance any garden, terrace, or balcony.

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Baron Rouge’

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Salsa’: bicoloured and changing flowers that never get boring

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Salsa’ is another stunning red-flowering hydrangea. In summer, from July to October, it rewards us with large bicoloured inflorescences, forming balls 14 cm in diameter. Their colour is variable, offering multiple shades: first a deep pink, almost red, with a white-pink centre, then they turn to white edged with bright pink.

This variety is ideal for gardeners who would not tire of a bright red hydrangea throughout the season. It harmoniously blends red, pink, and white, creating an elegant variety with softer colours.

But flowering is not the only asset of this variety, which also offers beautiful purple autumn foliage.

Its moderate growth and small size (1 metre in all directions) allow for numerous uses, in pots or in the garden. Also enjoy its cut flowers to create charming summer bouquets.

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Salsa’