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Posted 05/09/2023 in Shrub

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Glowing Embers'

Glowing Embers: A Hydrangea that Lights Up the Garden

The Hydrangea 'Glowing Embers' is a true showstopper, adding a vibrant splash of color to any landscape. This captivating plant boasts large, lacecap flowers that erupt in a fiery display of deep pink to red hues, resembling their namesake. Unlike some hydrangeas, the color of 'Glowing Embers' remains consistent, regardless of soil pH, making it a reliable choice for gardeners.

Blooming from late summer to early fall, 'Glowing Embers' provides a welcome burst of color when many other plants are starting to fade. Its compact size, reaching 3-5 feet tall and wide, makes it ideal for smaller gardens, borders, or even container plantings. The lush, dark green foliage adds further beauty and provides a striking contrast to the vibrant flowers.

Hydrangea 'Glowing Embers' Value to Your Landscape:

Beyond its visual appeal, Hydrangea 'Glowing Embers' offers several valuable benefits to the landscape:

  • Pollinator Magnet: The abundant flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects, adding life and vibrancy to your garden.
  • Long-Lasting Beauty: The flowers dry beautifully, adding a touch of elegance to winter landscapes and providing long-lasting enjoyment.
  • Versatile Use: The compact size and adaptability of 'Glowing Embers' make it suitable for various planting situations, from borders to containers.
  • Low Maintenance: This variety is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and care.

Interesting Facts about 'Glowing Embers':

  • This hydrangea is a cross between Hydrangea macrophylla and Hydrangea serrata, inheriting the best qualities of both parents.
  • It was introduced in 1995 and quickly gained popularity for its stunning blooms and easy care.
  • The unique lacecap flower structure displays fertile flowers in the center surrounded by larger, sterile florets, creating a captivating visual effect.
  • 'Glowing Embers' has won several awards, including the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

Bringing Glowing Embers to Your Garden:

If you're looking for a hydrangea that offers vibrant color, long-lasting beauty, and easy care, Hydrangea 'Glowing Embers' is an excellent choice. With its fiery blooms and lush foliage, this captivating plant will add a touch of magic to your landscape and bring joy to your garden throughout the season.

Tips for Growing Hydrangea 'Glowing Embers':

  • Plant in well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
  • Provide ample sunlight, but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
  • Water regularly, especially during hot and dry periods.
  • Fertilize in early spring and again after flowering.
  • Prune in late winter or early spring, removing spent flowers and dead or damaged branches.


Other Plants You May Be Interested In:

Juniperus conferta ‘Golden Pacific’
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bloomstruck'

About RightPlantz - RightPlantz is your go-to source for all things gardening. RightPlantz grows better gardeners.

Post Details

Latin Name
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Glowing Embers'
Common Name
Bigleaf Hydrangea
Planting Zone
Zone 6 Zone 7 Zone 8 Zone 9
Light Condition
Full Sun Part Shade
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Special Interest
Attracts Butterflies
Bloom Season
Spring
Flower Color
Red Pink Purple
Height
3-5 ft
Spread
3-5 ft
Suggested Uses
Grouping Accent Cottage Garden Pollinator Garden Mass Specimen
Potential Pests
While Hydrangea 'Glowing Embers' is generally considered a pest and disease-resistant variety, it is still susceptible to a few common issues. Here are the most likely problems you may encounter: Aphids, spider mites, lace bugs, powdery mildew, Botrytis blight, leaf spot diseases.

Plant Story

Glowing Embers: A Hydrangea that Lights Up the Garden

The Hydrangea 'Glowing Embers' is a true showstopper, adding a vibrant splash of color to any landscape. This captivating plant boasts large, lacecap flowers that erupt in a fiery display of deep pink to red hues, resembling their namesake. Unlike some hydrangeas, the color of 'Glowing Embers' remains consistent, regardless of soil pH, making it a reliable choice for gardeners.

Blooming from late summer to early fall, 'Glowing Embers' provides a welcome burst of color when many other plants are starting to fade. Its compact size, reaching 3-5 feet tall and wide, makes it ideal for smaller gardens, borders, or even container plantings. The lush, dark green foliage adds further beauty and provides a striking contrast to the vibrant flowers.

Hydrangea 'Glowing Embers' Value to Your Landscape:

Beyond its visual appeal, Hydrangea 'Glowing Embers' offers several valuable benefits to the landscape:

  • Pollinator Magnet: The abundant flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects, adding life and vibrancy to your garden.
  • Long-Lasting Beauty: The flowers dry beautifully, adding a touch of elegance to winter landscapes and providing long-lasting enjoyment.
  • Versatile Use: The compact size and adaptability of 'Glowing Embers' make it suitable for various planting situations, from borders to containers.
  • Low Maintenance: This variety is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and care.

Interesting Facts about 'Glowing Embers':

  • This hydrangea is a cross between Hydrangea macrophylla and Hydrangea serrata, inheriting the best qualities of both parents.
  • It was introduced in 1995 and quickly gained popularity for its stunning blooms and easy care.
  • The unique lacecap flower structure displays fertile flowers in the center surrounded by larger, sterile florets, creating a captivating visual effect.
  • 'Glowing Embers' has won several awards, including the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society.

Bringing Glowing Embers to Your Garden:

If you're looking for a hydrangea that offers vibrant color, long-lasting beauty, and easy care, Hydrangea 'Glowing Embers' is an excellent choice. With its fiery blooms and lush foliage, this captivating plant will add a touch of magic to your landscape and bring joy to your garden throughout the season.

Tips for Growing Hydrangea 'Glowing Embers':

  • Plant in well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
  • Provide ample sunlight, but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
  • Water regularly, especially during hot and dry periods.
  • Fertilize in early spring and again after flowering.
  • Prune in late winter or early spring, removing spent flowers and dead or damaged branches.


Other Plants You May Be Interested In:

Juniperus conferta ‘Golden Pacific’
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bloomstruck'

About RightPlantz - RightPlantz is your go-to source for all things gardening. RightPlantz grows better gardeners.

Special Care Instructions

Hydrangea 'Glowing Embers' is relatively low-maintenance, there are a few things you can do to ensure it thrives and produces vibrant blooms year after year:

Soil:

  • Prefers moist, well-drained, and slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
  • Adding organic matter like compost or peat moss can help improve drainage and acidity.
  • Avoid planting in areas with heavy clay soil or where water tends to pool.

Watering:

  • Requires consistently moist soil, especially during hot and dry periods.
  • Aim to water deeply at the base of the plant, avoiding overhead watering which can promote fungal diseases.
  • Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilization:

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and again after flowering.
  • Avoid overfertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth and fewer flowers.
  • You can also use a fertilizer specifically formulated for acid-loving plants.

Pruning:

  • These plants produce buds in late summer to early fall (August-September) that will form next year's flowers. 
  • Prune 'Glowing Embers' after they finish blooming until August.
  • For best results, cut just above a pair of healthy buds facing outward.

Winter protection:

  • In colder climates, apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant in late fall to protect the roots from freezing temperatures.
  • You may also need to wrap the plant in burlap or a frost blanket to further protect the foliage.

Additional tips:

  • Deadhead spent flowers to encourage further blooming.
  • Monitor for pests and diseases and take appropriate action if necessary.
  • Avoid planting in areas with strong winds, which can damage the flowers.
  • Enjoy your beautiful Hydrangea 'Glowing Embers' blooms!

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