Lady in Red Hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla 'Lady in Red' (L)
ABOUT
The 'Lady in Red' hydrangea is known for its stunning visual appeal that draws the eye in any garden setting. This cultivar boasts distinctive blossoms whose colors can range from a deep pink to a rich violet, depending on the soil acidity. The flowers appear as large, round clusters, giving a generous display of color. In the center of these clusters are tiny, fertile flowers surrounded by larger, showy sterile flowers, creating a multi-textured appearance. Leaves of the 'Lady in Red' hydrangea are another point of interest due to their unique color change as the seasons turn. They start out green and as the year progresses, they can develop red and purple hues, adding an unexpected burst of fall color. The stems also echo this reddish pigmentation, particularly noticeable in the newer growth, which contributes further to the plant's common name. Adding to its charm, the 'Lady in Red' has a lacecap inflorescence pattern, meaning the flower heads are flat and open, resembling the intricacy of lace. This pattern provides a delicate aesthetic, contrasting with the robust look of the large spherical blooms of some other hydrangea varieties. Regardless of the soil acid levels and resulting flower color, the 'Lady in Red' hydrangea radiates a romantic, old-fashioned vibe in the garden. Its overall aspect combines the lush, ample foliage and painterly flowers emerging from spring and lasting through summer, with the foliage colors deepening as the weather cools, leaving a lasting visual impact into the fall season.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Hydrangeaceae.
Synonyms
Lady in Red Hydrangea, Red-stemmed Hydrangea, Red-stemmed Bigleaf Hydrangea, Red Hydrangea.
Common names
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Lady in Red'
- Toxicity
To humans
Hydrangea, the common name for Hydrangea macrophylla 'Lady in Red', has parts that contain cyanogenic glycosides. When any part of the plant is chewed or ingested, these compounds can release cyanide in the body, potentially causing poisoning. Symptoms of hydrangea poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, symptoms could escalate to include dizziness, headache, and rapid heartbeat. It is important for individuals to avoid consuming any parts of the hydrangea plant due to its toxic potential.
To pets
Hydrangea is toxic to pets as well. If pets consume any part of the plant, they can experience symptoms similar to those in humans, since hydrangeas contain cyanogenic glycosides. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and depression. In more severe cases, ingestion of hydrangea could lead to increased heart rate and symptoms associated with cyanide toxicity, which can be very serious. Pet owners should keep hydrangeas out of reach of their animals to prevent accidental ingestion.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
3-6 feet (0.91-1.83 meters)
Spread
3-6 feet (0.91-1.83 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Japan
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Attractive blooms: Hydrangea macrophylla 'Lady in Red' features vibrant flowers that range in color from red to pink to blue, depending on soil acidity, adding visual appeal to gardens.
- Seasonal interest: This cultivar has a long blooming season from early summer to fall, providing consistent color and interest in the landscape.
- Landscape versatility: The plant can be used in a variety of landscape designs, including borders, foundation plantings, and as a specimen or accent plant.
- Deciduous foliage: The foliage of 'Lady in Red' turns a rich burgundy color in the fall, extending the visual interest of the plant beyond its flowering season.
- Pollinator attraction: The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Shade tolerance: Unlike many flowering plants, 'Lady in Red' can tolerate partial shade, making it suitable for a range of garden locations.
- Durability: 'Lady in Red' is known for being a robust and resilient plant, able to withstand various environmental conditions once established.
- Propagates easily: The plant can be easily propagated through cuttings or layering, allowing gardeners to create new plants without the need for complex techniques.
- Ease of care: 'Lady in Red' is relatively low maintenance, requiring minimal pruning and care once it is established in the right location.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Change Indicator: Hydrangea macrophylla can be used to observe soil pH changes; blue flowers indicate acidic soils, while pink flowers suggest alkaline conditions.
- Crafts: The robust flower heads of the hydrangea can be dried and used in floral arrangements or wreaths, providing a touch of elegance and long-lasting color.
- Pigment Extraction: The petals can be boiled to create a natural dye for fabrics or paper, offering a range of colors based on the soil's pH level.
- Garden Design: With its striking red stems and deep green foliage, Hydrangea macrophylla 'Lady in Red' serves as a focal point in landscape design, particularly in cottage or woodland gardens.
- Education: This plant can be used to educate amateur gardeners or students about the impact of soil properties on plant growth and flower coloration.
- Photography Subject: Due to its beauty and color variation, Hydrangea macrophylla is often a subject for photographers and artists who wish to capture its aesthetic appeal.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not commonly consumed, the blooms can occasionally be used as a colorful, non-toxic garnish for specialty dishes in high-end culinary presentations.
- Event Decor: Hydrangeas can be utilized in event settings such as weddings or parties for table centerpieces or venue decorations, enhancing the atmosphere with their lush flowers.
- Seasonal Indicator: The plant serves as a seasonal indicator, blooming in summer and providing visual cues to the changing seasons in a garden or park.
- Art Classes: The variety of flower colors can be used in art classes to teach students about shading and color mixing, using the flowers as a direct reference for painting or drawing.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
Hydrangeas are not specifically used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
Hydrangeas are not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Understanding: Hydrangeas are often associated with genuine, heartfelt emotions and can symbolize a deeper understanding between individuals.
- Gratitude: Given as a thank-you gift, this plant is a way of expressing gratitude for another person's understanding or kindness.
- Pride: The Hydrangea, with its full, lavish blooms, can represent pride or boastfulness, especially in relation to an achievement.
- Abundance: The lush quality of hydrangea blooms is often linked to abundance, either of opportunities or prosperity.
- Heartlessness: In some cultures, hydrangeas are paradoxically associated with frigidity and heartlessness due to their lavish appearance but lack of edible fruit or fragrance.
- Fourth Wedding Anniversary: The hydrangea is a traditional gift for the fourth wedding anniversary, symbolizing appreciation and enduring love.
- Water
Lady in Red hydrangeas require consistent moisture, and it's best to water them deeply once a week, providing about 1 gallon of water per plant. During hot or dry spells, they may need water twice a week. It's important to avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of leaf diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. In winter, reduce watering but do not allow the soil to become completely dry. Monitor the soil moisture level regularly and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
- Light
Lady in Red hydrangeas thrive in morning sun and afternoon shade. The ideal spot would provide bright, indirect light for a few hours in the morning, with protection from the strong afternoon sun. The gentle morning light encourages blooming while preventing the leaves from scorching, ensuring the plant remains healthy and vibrant.
- Temperature
Lady in Red hydrangeas prefer temperatures between 60°F and 75°F for optimal growth, although they can survive in temperatures as low as 50°F and as high as 80°F. It's important to protect the plant from frost and harsh winter conditions, which could damage the buds and leaves. Providing a layer of mulch can help insulate the roots during colder months.
- Pruning
Lady in Red hydrangeas should be pruned after they have finished blooming in late summer or early fall. Prune to maintain shape and remove any dead or weak stems, enhancing air circulation and plant health. Prune sparingly, as excessive cutting can reduce the number of blooms for the following year. Always use clean, sharp pruning shears for clean cuts.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The Hydrangea, commonly known, prefers a rich, moist but well-drained soil mix with organic matter like compost or peat moss. The ideal soil pH for this hydrangea is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 5.5 to 7.0, which can affect the bloom color—more acidic for blue shades and more alkaline for pink flowers.
- Repotting
Hydrangeas should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. While repotting, it's important to increase the pot size to ensure adequate space for roots to spread.
- Humidity & Misting
Hydrangeas thrive best in environments with moderate to high humidity levels. They prefer a humidity range of 50-70% which is typically ideal for robust growth and lush foliage.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright, indirect light and maintain moist soil.
Outdoor
Provide partial shade and keep soil consistently moist.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
- Life cycle
'Lady in Red' hydrangea begins its life cycle as a dormant, bare root plant or as a potted nursery plant. Upon planting, it enters a vegetative state where it grows leaves and stems vigorously, particularly in spring and early summer. As the plant matures, it develops flower buds which bloom in the late spring or early summer, showcasing the large, distinctive pink to red lacecap flowers that this cultivar is known for. Following pollination, which can involve bees and other pollinators, the flowers may gradually change color as they age, and the plant will eventually produce seeds by late summer or fall. Once the blooming season is over, the hydrangea enters a period of senescence in the fall where the leaves may change color and fall off, and the plant prepares for winter dormancy. During winter dormancy, growth ceases and the hydrangea survives on stored energy until the next spring when the cycle begins anew.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Late spring to early summer
The hydrangea, specifically Hydrangea macrophylla 'Lady in Red', can be most commonly propagated through softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings during the late spring to early summer months, when the plant is actively growing and the new stems are still somewhat pliable. To successfully propagate, a healthy stem tip cutting about 5 to 6 inches (approximately 12 to 15 centimeters) long with several leaves is selected. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cutting is then planted in a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or a well-draining potting soil, ensuring that the leaf nodes where roots will form are beneath the soil surface. The pot is placed in a warm, brightly lit area out of direct sunlight, with high humidity maintained by covering the pot with plastic or keeping it under a humidity dome. Regular misting and ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged are key to successful root development. It typically takes a few weeks for roots to form, after which the new hydrangea plant can be transplanted to a larger pot or directly into the garden.