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Hydrangea macrophylla 'McKRed'

Status: In stock

Product ID#: hcher
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$77.99
Starting at: $63.99
Product Description
Sun Exposure Sun, Part Sun/Shade
Bloom Time Summer, Fall
Soil Conditions Normal
Fall Color Burgundy/Purple
Flower Color Red
Mature Plant Size (H x W) 3-4' x 3-4'
We're proud of our McKay Nursery exclusive, Cherry Explosionâ„¢ Hydrangea! A rare selection of a hardy macrophylla variety with cherry red florets arranged in a circle with a profusion of tiny, star-like light pink flowers in the center of this gorgeous bloom. A beautiful, rounded selection with flowers all around top to bottom. The fall color of the foliage is burgundy when the cool weather comes on long and slow. Cherry Explosionâ„¢ Hydrangea likes protection from the hot afternoon sun. When grown in acid soils, the flower color is lavender. When this plant dies back over winter, it rebounds vigorously with some flowering on new wood. Mature growth might be more vigorous in warmer climates where it does not die back in the winter.
  • sunshade Sun, Part Sun/Shade
  • Mature Plant Size (H x W) Mature Plant Size (H x W): 3-4' x 3-4'
  • Bloom Season Bloom Season: Summer, Fall
Key features
  • Attracts Bees
  • Salt Tolerant
  • Long Blooming
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Cut Flower
  • Attracts Pollinators
Planting Care

Planting & Care for Hydrangea Plants/Shrubs

Preparation
  • These shrubs need damp soil high in organic matter.
  • Improve poor soil areas by digging in plenty of well-decayed manure or compost a few month ahead of planting.
  • Hydrangeas can be planted March-November.
  • Pick a spot that has dappled sunlight or morning sun and afternoon shade.
  • Make sure they are sheltered from frosty winds, which will damage blossoms.
Opening Plant Material
  • Completely saturate all container plants by putting in a larger container of water until stops bubbling, then remove the plant from the container. 
Planting
  • Hydrangeas can be planted March-November. 
  • Dig a hole no deeper than the depth of the container and 6" or more wider on the sides.
  • Slide plant from pot by tapping on the bottom of the pot.
  • With shovel or knife trim bottom 2" off of the root ball for plants in plastic containers.
  • Rotate the plant to the proper position. Never lift or move plants by the tops.
  • Place the root ball in the hole.
  • Adjust the plant height so the root crown is slightly higher than the ground.
  • Place fertilizer packets into the bottom of the hole (if purchased). *Use Our Recommended Fertilizer
  • Back-fill the hole with soil, making sure the top of the root ball is visible and slightly higher than the soil around it.
  • Firm the soil around the plant. Water well to settle soil around the root ball.
  • Water frequently when newly planted. 
  • Mulch plants with well-rotted organic matter after planting. 
Pruning - After Planting
  • Although it is not essential for container plants to be pruned after planting, a light pruning to remove any broken branches during shipment and improve shape will help the looks of your new planting.
Pruning - Through-out the Season
  • Hydrangea macrophylla - cut off spent flowers in spring and remove crowding shoots. 
Watering - After Planting
  • Plants typically take approximately 6 weeks to establish new roots in your soil. During this period, water plants as often as every 2-4 days at the start and at least a minimum of once per week.
  • Beyond the 6 week establishment period, water once per week, unless rains occur.
  • Stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.
Watering - Through-out the Season
  • After the first season, plants should only be watered during extended periods without rain.
  • How do you know if your plants need water? The easiest way to tell is to touch the soil around the roots. If it is moist, there is no need to water. If it is dry, give it a good soaking with the hose end (no nozzle) watering the soil only, not the leaves.
  • Stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.

Planting & Handling Help

Download our Planting and Handling Guide below to plan for a successful arrival and install of your plants. Be sure to water all plants as soon as they arrive and every day until you’re ready to plant. Keep any bare root bundles in a shady, cool spot with the roots covered at all times.

Learn More

Watch our videos on handling bare root plants, how your order is prepared for shipment and more.

Plant Sizing

What is the difference between Containers, Grow Bags, Bare Root, and Balled & Burlap (B&B)?

Shipping Times

Our FedEx and local shipping times depend on two factors, one is by the region and the second is the type of product being shipped. For example, small fruits are only shipped in spring, but majority of our perennials are shipped from spring until fall. Keep in mind the dates below act as a general guide. Due to unpredictable weather, staffing, inventory and industry demands these timelines can change. Therefore, we cannot guarantee any of these times.

 

Shipping Dates by Region*

 

Northern Cold Region: April 22nd - November 7th

Northern Region: April 15th - November 7th

Middle Region: April 1st - November 7th

Southern Region: March 15th - November 7th

Local Delivery (small radius from Waterloo, WI): April 22nd - November 7th

 

Shipping Dates by Season*

 

Spring Shipping: Region Start Date (above) - May

Fall Shipping: September - November

 

Due to unpredictable weather, these times may vary. Some varieties are exceptions due to heat and plant health reasons. Enter your shipping zip code at the top of this page and be sure to check the shipping information on each product before you add it to your cart. If the product is too large or restricted in your state, you will not be able to checkout with that item in your cart.