Hydrangea macrophylla Alpenglühen

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Alpenglühen' is a variety of hydrangea that probably has the largest inflorescences among the big-leaf hydrangeas. Its big, slightly flattened heads of crimson red attract attention from a great distance. Its glossy medium green foliage provides a perfect backdrop for this flowering. This beautiful and easy-to-grow bush will thrive in neutral to acidic soil and in partially shaded areas, whether planted alone or in the heart of a mixed border.

Hydrangea macrophylla is a deciduous bush native to Japan, where its beauty has been appreciated for centuries and mentioned in poems dating back to the 8th century! In a country that attaches great importance to plants, festivals are even dedicated to this bush. Hydrangeas belong to the Hydrangeaceae family, which they gave their name to, and which includes other ornamental genera.

'Alpenglühen' is a variety that shines with its flowering, literally meaning "glowing of the Alps". In summer, it blooms for about 6 weeks, between July and September, producing very large inflorescences that can reach up to 25 cm (9.8 in) in diameter. These crimson balls are composed of numerous single florets, giving them a very romantic appearance. A medium-sized bush, reaching about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) in height and 1.3 m (4.3 ft) in width, it has an average growth rate of 15 cm to 25 cm (5.9 in to 9.8 in) per year. Like all Hydrangea macrophylla, this bush is not strictly a plant for acid soil, but it prefers neutral to acidic soils, while tolerating some limestone (in this case, make sure to enrich the soil with acidic compost mixed with the original soil). It will thrive in partially shaded to shaded areas in warm climates, and it will appreciate regular watering in summer, as it doesn't like drought (both in the soil and in the atmosphere), which can cause its leaves to wilt. This bush, with its long summer flowering, is quite hardy (-20° C (-4 ° F) or lower). Severe frost can damage the tips of the branches, but they easily regrow after pruning in spring. Easy to cultivate, it can live for a very long time.

'Alpenglühen', a classic addition to borders, is a generous plant that will make a big impact in the garden, whether planted alone or in combination with other flowering shrubs that prefer non-limestone soils. Choose plants with staggered flowering throughout the year to complement the flowering of this hydrangea. You can also create a romantic atmosphere by pairing it with the charming Magnolia 'Susan' and its springtime purple-pink blooms. A beautiful Deutzia magnifica with white flowers from May to July will provide a transition with our hydrangea. And to finish the year in beauty, a Camellia sasanqua with its fully open petals and bouquet of yellow stamens will be perfect.