Images Depict Mature Plants
Magical® Ruby Red Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla 'KOLMARU' PP#25104
If you want a red hydrangea that looks rich and intentional (not washed out), Magical® Ruby Red is a favorite of mine because it stays compact, blooms for a long stretch, and those mophead clusters deepen into gorgeous wine tones as the season rolls on. Give it morning sun, afternoon shade, and steady moisture, then prune right after flowering so you keep next year’s buds, and you will have a foundation-ready showpiece that also shines in big patio pots.
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Magical® Ruby Red Hydrangea With Long-Lasting Ruby Blooms
Ruby-Red Mophead Blooms That Hold Color For Months
Magical® Ruby Red Hydrangea is a showpiece shrub that brings saturated ruby-red mophead blooms to the garden from summer through fall. The flower clusters open in rich red tones and often deepen into wine-red shades as the season progresses, creating a layered, upscale look that stands out in mixed beds and foundation plantings. When you want a hydrangea that feels bold (not pastel) and stays colorful well beyond a few weeks, this variety delivers the kind of long-running bloom display that keeps your landscape looking “in season” for months.
Because the plant stays compact, the color lands exactly where you want it: at eye level near patios, along walkways, or tucked into smaller beds where every plant has to earn its space. The blooms also make excellent cut flowers, so you can pull a few clusters for indoor arrangements without sacrificing the overall show. If your goal is high-impact red hydrangea color in a manageable size, Ruby Red is built for it.
Compact, Mounded Habit That Fits Foundations And Containers
At roughly 3 to 4 feet tall and wide, Magical® Ruby Red Hydrangea is sized for real-life landscapes: front-of-house foundations, shrub borders, and patio containers that need structure without blocking windows. The habit is naturally mounded and upright, with deep green foliage that frames the blooms and keeps the plant looking full even when it is not at peak flower. It is the kind of hydrangea that looks intentional in a tight space, not oversized and constantly in the way.
This compact form is also why it shines in decorative pots. A single plant can anchor a part-shade patio container, and a pair can flank an entryway with color and greenery. In containers, consistent moisture is the key to lush growth and bigger blooms, so choose a pot with drainage and plan to water more often in summer heat. The payoff is a “living bouquet” hydrangea you can enjoy up close all season.
Part Shade Performance That Keeps Flowers Fresher In Summer Heat
Ruby Red performs best in part shade, especially with morning sun and afternoon shade. That light pattern supports strong blooming while protecting foliage and flowers from harsh, late-day heat that can shorten bloom life or cause leaf stress. In many gardens, this placement is the difference between a hydrangea that looks vibrant for weeks and one that looks tired the moment summer turns hot.
Moisture matters just as much as light. This hydrangea prefers consistently moist (not soggy) soil, and a mulch ring helps keep roots cool and reduces watering swings. If you live in a cooler region, Ruby Red can tolerate more sun, but you will still want steady soil moisture for the cleanest foliage and strongest bloom color. Think “bright mornings, cooler afternoons, and even moisture” for the best results.
Low-Maintenance Care With Pruning That Protects Next Year’s Blooms
Magical® Ruby Red Hydrangea is easy to care for when you follow one important rule: prune at the right time. As a bigleaf hydrangea, it sets flower buds on old wood, which means heavy pruning in fall, winter, or early spring can reduce blooms. The simple solution is to prune right after flowering, focusing on tidying spent blooms, removing weak or damaged stems, and lightly shaping the plant.
For long-term performance, a gentle approach works best. Each year, you can remove up to about one-third of the oldest stems at the base to encourage fresh growth while keeping the shrub compact. Combine that with consistent watering and a spring feeding, and Ruby Red rewards you with lush foliage and a long season of ruby blooms. It is a “small routine, big payoff” shrub that looks high-end without requiring high effort.
| Hardiness Zone: | 5-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 3 to 4 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 3 to 4 Feet |
| Sunlight: | Part shade (morning sun, afternoon shade ideal) |
| Bloom Time / Color | Summer through fall; ruby red aging to deeper wine tones |
| Soil Condition: | Any well-drained soil; prefers moisture-retentive, nutrient-rich soil |
| Water Requirements: | Water well until established; consistent moisture for best blooms |
| Wildlife Value | Attracts pollinators during bloom; good garden structure for small wildlife cover |
| Resistance | Not deer-proof; protect in high-pressure areas; avoid soggy soil |
| Landscape Uses | Foundation planting, mixed borders, massing, patio containers, accent shrub, cut flowers |
How to Care for Magical® Ruby Red Hydrangea
Before you buy a Magical® Ruby Red Hydrangea, make sure to read about the recommended care instructions to keep this plant healthy and thriving.
How should I plant Magical® Ruby Red Hydrangea?
Choose a part-shade location with morning sun and afternoon shade, and make sure the soil drains well while still holding moisture. Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep, then set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with native soil (amended with compost if your soil is poor), firm gently, and water deeply to settle the roots. Finish with a 2–3-inch mulch ring to conserve moisture and keep roots cool, but keep the mulch a few inches away from the stems to prevent rot. If you are planting more than one, space shrubs about 3 to 4 feet apart so they have room to reach their mature width and maintain airflow for healthier growth.
How often should I water Magical® Ruby Red Hydrangea after planting?
For the first 2–3 weeks, water every 2–3 days so the root zone stays evenly moist, especially in warm weather or sandy soils. After that, transition to deep watering about 1–2 times per week depending on rainfall and temperature. Check the top 2 inches of soil; if it feels dry, it is time to water. Once established, Ruby Red tolerates short dry periods better, but consistent moisture supports bigger blooms and fresher foliage. Water at the base (not over the leaves) and keep the mulch ring refreshed so the soil does not swing from “soaked” to “bone dry,” which can stress the plant and reduce bloom quality.
When should I fertilize Magical® Ruby Red Hydrangea?
Fertilize in early spring as new growth begins with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. A steady feed supports healthy foliage and strong bloom production without pushing overly soft growth. If you prefer an organic approach, compost and a light top-dressing can also provide a gentle nutrient boost. Avoid high-nitrogen feeding that can produce lots of leaves and fewer flowers, and avoid heavy fertilizing late in summer. If you want to support peak flowering, a light second feeding in early summer can help, but keep it modest and always water well after applying fertilizer.
When and how should I prune Magical® Ruby Red Hydrangea?
Prune right after flowering to protect next year’s bloom buds, because bigleaf hydrangeas set buds on old wood. Start by removing spent flower heads, cutting just above a healthy set of leaves. Then remove dead, damaged, or weak stems to improve airflow and overall plant health. To keep the shrub compact and vigorous, remove up to one-third of the oldest stems at the base each year. Avoid heavy pruning in fall, winter, or early spring, since that can remove flower buds and reduce blooming the following season.
