Hydrangea Red Sensation is a stunning variety of Hydrangea macrophylla with large, vibrant red blooms that make a bold statement in any garden or landscape. This compact shrub is easy to grow and thrives in partial shade, producing an abundance of flowers throughout the summer. Its striking color adds a pop of brightness to any outdoor space.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Hydrangea macrophylla Red Sensation also called as Red Sensation Hydrangea, is a cultivar in the genus Hydrangea. This cultivar was discovered by Gert van Buren in a controlled environment in Hillegom, The Netherlands in 2001.
Hydrangea macrophylla Red Sensation is a naturally-occurring branch mutation of the Hydrangea macrophylla cultivar Early Sensation. Asexual reproduction of the plant by vegetative cuttings in a controlled environment in Hillegom, The Netherlands since 2001, has shown that the unique features of this plant are stable and reproduced true to type in successive generations.
It is a bushy perennial shrub which reaching 30 cm tall by 45 cm spread with inverted triangle, moderately vigorous growth, upright and mounded plant habit. When pinched, the plant is freely branching with about ten lateral branches per plant. The leaves are opposite, about 8 cm long by 5.8 cm wide, broadly oval to broadly elliptic to oblong, apiculate apex, acuminate base, serrate base, green colored.
Red Sensation Hydrangea blooms in mid-summer through fall on the large, 11.7 cm long by 16.3 cm in diameter, globular terminal panicles with about 30 fertile flowers and about 105 sterile flowers per panicle. The plant flower during the first year of production. The light red purple-colored flowers last about three weeks on the plant.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Hydrangea macrophylla Red Sensation love the warm morning sun, but they dislike the heat of the afternoon. The best place for the plant is in a sheltered location with sunny mornings and shady afternoons. Avoid planting directly underneath trees, which can lead to competition for water and nutrients. High winds can rip and damage leaves and destroy the flowers. Although they can be successfully grown in full shade, they will not bloom well.
Temperature
Red Sensation Hydrangea prefers a cool location, from 18° to 24°C. The plant may suffer from considerable branch dieback during the cold months and will benefit from winter protection. Winter protection can be provided by constructing a wire framework around the plant and filling the space with shredded leaves to a depth of approximately 10-12” for insulation. Cold winters and late spring frosts can often kill flower buds, preventing plants from blooming in the spring.
When unexpected cold weather is predicted in late spring or early summer after winter protection has been removed, it may be necessary to cover tender plant with cloth, burlap, or heavy paper to protect flower buds. Plastic should never be used as winter protection because it may damage tender plant tissue.
Watering and Humidity
Red Sensation Hydrangea prefers consistent moisture but dislike wet feet. The plant should be watered thoroughly at least 3 times a week. Always water the plant all the way around the container, not just in one place. Water should come out the bottom of the pot. Never let it sit in water which will cause the roots to rot away. Mulch to help conserve moisture and cool the root system. A two- to three-inch layer of mulch will help to conserve moisture.
Soil
Hydrangea macrophylla Red Sensation are best planted in well-drained, moist soil, preferably a fertile sandy or silt loam with greater than 1% organic matter. The plant can also grow in clay soils with proper water management. When grown in container, the plant needs a well-drained substrate with sphagnum peat moss to increase substrate water holding capacity, and perlite or pumice to maintain adequate air space.
Try to maintain media pH in the 6.0–6.2 range, especially during the finishing stage of production. Higher pH can be maintained by amending the potting media with sufficient levels of calcitic or dolomitic limestone.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing is generally not recommended unless a nutrient deficiency is observed. The plants may need little fertilizer in rich soil with organic matter applied yearly. Avoid using too much nitrogen, too much nitrogen can produce excessive green growth at the expense of flowers. If you do fertilize, do a little research to find out exactly what your plant might need, and always apply as directed and read and follow all label directions.
Pruning
The plant blooms on new and old wood and provide a longer bloom season. They tolerate more severe pruning while still blooming each year. Prune out one half to all of the older stems (they have side branches) at ground level in June and July when you are cutting flowers for arrangements or drying. This pruning method will allow more light and air circulation within your plant for disease control, while at the same time reducing size and increasing flower cluster size. Remove dead branches or frost-damaged leaves and stems as soon as you notice them.
Propagation
Hydrangea macrophylla Red Sensation is mainly propagated by softwood cuttings. The cutting should be taken from non-flowering green woody stems and cut at the base. Each cutting should have at least one leaf node or terminal bud. It is important not to damage the buds while obtaining the cuttings.
Dip your cutting into your rooting hormone, then place into the sterile media that should consist of one part peat and one part medium to fine grade perlite, vermiculite, or sand. Spray the plant until wet but dont over water it. Watering is important for the first week, three times a day is recommended for the first week when top soil feels dry. Dont place the plant in direct sunlight or wind. After a few weeks you should see growth from your cuttings.
Pests and Diseases
Red Sensation Hydrangea are almost trouble-free. However, certain pests and diseases can attack. The most common time for them to do so is in the summer months. They most commonly suffer from powdery mildew, aphids, spider mites, yellow leaves and leaf spots. All of these are common to spot and treat, providing you catch the disease or pest early.
III. Uses and Benefits
Growing in a rounded mound to about 3 feet tall and wide, Red Sensation Hydrangea is ideal for use as an accent, in groupings, or as a colorful hedge in landscape borders and home foundation plantings. A fine addition to cut flower gardens, cottage gardens, red or pink theme gardens and Hydrangea gardens.
