Mophead Hydrangea Hydrangea macrophylla 'Merveille Sanguine' (H)

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Hard-care

ABOUT

The Hydrangea macrophylla 'Merveille Sanguine', commonly known as the bigleaf hydrangea, showcases a stunning display with its dense mophead flowers that possess a rich, crimson color. The blossoms create a vivid and eye-catching contrast against the dark green foliage, making this variety a striking addition to any garden. The leaves themselves are broad with a somewhat glossy texture and have serrated edges. As the seasons change, so do the flower colors, which can shift to deeper purple or blue hues depending on the soil's acidity. The striking color of the blooms is often complemented by sturdy and gracefully arching stems. This particular hydrangea is known not just for its colorful flowers but also for its robust and lush appearance, contributing to an inviting and vibrant presence in the landscape.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Hydrangeaceae.
- Synonyms
  Merveille Sanguine Hydrangea, Red-Flowered Hydrangea, Marvellous Blood Hydrangea.
- Common names
  Hydrangea macrophylla 'Merveille Sanguine'
Toxicity
- To humans
  The common name for Hydrangea macrophylla 'Merveille Sanguine' is simply Hydrangea. Hydrangeas are known to contain toxic compounds, specifically a type of glycoside called cyanogenic glycoside. Ingesting any part of the plant, particularly the leaves and buds, can lead to symptoms of poisoning. The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the amount consumed, but they may include stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some cases, especially with large ingestions, more severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, lethargy, and confusion could occur due to the potential release of cyanide in the body.
- To pets
  Hydrangea poses a similar threat to pets as it does to humans. If a pet ingests parts of the Hydrangea plant, they could potentially experience toxicity. Symptoms of Hydrangea poisoning in pets might include gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting and diarrhea. More serious cases could lead to depression, lethargy, and in severe cases, could result in increased heart rate and hyperthermia. As in humans, these effects are due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides within the plant. Pet owners should be cautious and prevent their animals from nibbling on any parts of Hydrangea plants.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Red
- Height
  4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
- Spread
  4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters)
- Plant type
  Shrub
- Hardiness zones
  6
- Native area
  Japan

Benefits

General Benefits
- Enhances Aesthetics: The 'Merveille Sanguine' variety of Hydrangea macrophylla, commonly known as Bigleaf Hydrangea, has richly colored blooms that can add striking visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: Bright and abundant flowers attract bees and butterflies, aiding in the pollination of surrounding plants.
- Versatile in Landscaping: This Hydrangea can be used in a variety of garden settings, including borders, foundation plantings, and as a specimen or accent plant.
- Seasonal Color Change: The flowers may change color based on the soil pH, providing an interesting seasonal dynamic to the garden.
- Shade Tolerance: Bigleaf Hydrangeas can thrive in partial shade, making them suitable for under-canopy planting or north-facing gardens.
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
- The dried leaves of the Hydrangea can be used to create a natural brown dye for fabric, producing beautiful earthy tones.
- Hydrangea flowers can be pressed and used in botanical art projects, as they preserve their color quite well, adding an aesthetic appeal to bookmarks, cards, and framed art.
- Larger Hydrangea blooms can be used in crafts, such as flower crowns or decorations for hats, by wiring individual hydrangea petals together.
- The wood from the Hydrangea is dense and can be carved into small items like beads or buttons for use in fashion accessories.
- The bush serves as an excellent privacy screen in gardens due to its dense foliage when planted in groups.
- Hydrangea flowers can be used to indicate soil pH; the color of the blooms will be blue in acidic soil and pink in alkaline soil, which is helpful for gardeners to identify soil properties without a test.
- Used in Feng Shui, the Hydrangea is considered to create a calming atmosphere and can be placed in areas where a peaceful vibe is desired.
- Hydrangea blooms can be floated in large decorative bowls of water for a simple and elegant table centerpiece.
- In some cultures, the vibrant flowers are used during festive occasions or ceremonies as a symbol of gratitude and heartfelt emotion.
- The distinctive shape of Hydrangea leaves can be cast in concrete or plaster to create ornamental stepping stones or garden path decorations.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The hydrangea is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The hydrangea is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Gratitude and Apology: Hydrangeas, also known as hortensias, often symbolize heartfelt emotions, gratitude, and apologies, as they were traditionally given to express these feelings.
- Pride and Vanity: In certain cultures, the hortensia is associated with boastfulness or vanity, due to its lush and abundant clusters of flowers.
- Understanding: Hortensias can represent a deep understanding between people, as it's believed to hold a message of being thoroughly comprehended.

💧

Every 2-3 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Bigleaf hydrangeas like 'Merveille Sanguine' should be watered deeply to ensure that the soil becomes moist but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering depends on the environmental conditions but generally once a week with approximately 1 gallon of water per watering session should suffice. During hot, dry spells, watering may need to increase to twice a week. It's important to avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases; instead, water at the base of the plant. Ensure good drainage as these plants do not like to sit in water.
Light
Bigleaf hydrangeas, including 'Merveille Sanguine', thrive in morning sunlight and afternoon shade. The best spot for the plant would be an area that receives filtered sunlight or dappled shade throughout the day. Avoid exposing the plant to full afternoon sun, which can cause leaf scorch.
Temperature
Bigleaf hydrangeas such as 'Merveille Sanguine' prefer moderate climates and thrive between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate minimum temperatures down to around 50 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures up to about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range ensures the plant maintains its health and encourages blooming.
Pruning
Bigleaf hydrangeas like 'Merveille Sanguine' should be pruned immediately after flowers fade in late summer, as they bloom on old wood. Pruning can also be done to remove dead wood and to shape the plant in early spring. It's usually not necessary to prune every year; simply thin out weak and dead stems to encourage robust new growth.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The best soil mix for 'Merveille Sanguine' Hydrangea (commonly known as red-tinged hydrangea) is rich, moist, well-draining loamy soil with good organic content. The optimal soil pH for enhancing the red tones of the flowers is closer to neutral or slightly alkaline (pH 6.5-7.5). Amending the soil with compost or well-rotted manure will benefit overall plant health and flowering.
Repotting
Red-tinged hydrangeas should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when they become root-bound. When repotting, select a container that is just slightly larger than the previous one to avoid overpotting, which could lead to water retention issues.
Humidity & Misting
Red-tinged hydrangeas thrive best in environments with moderate to high humidity. Aim for humidity levels between 60% and 70% for optimal growth and to prevent stress, which can lead to reduced flowering and vigor.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright, indirect light with ample moisture.
- Outdoor
  Part-shade, moist soil, shelter from harsh sun.
- Hardiness zone
  6-9 USDA
Life cycle
The life of a Merveille Sanguine hydrangea begins with seed germination, which occurs in warm, moist soil conditions, typically in spring. Following germination, the seedling grows into a juvenile plant, developing its root system and foliage in the first growing season. As it matures, the hydrangea enters the vegetative stage, where it focuses on leaf growth and expanding its root structure; this can take several years before it reaches maturity. Once mature, the hydrangea enters the flowering stage annually, usually during late spring to summer, producing its characteristic large, colorful flower heads that can range from pink to red. After pollination, the plant produces seeds towards the end of the growing season, which can be dispersed to begin new life cycles. Finally, in the dormant stage during the colder months, the hydrangea conserves energy by shedding leaves and temporarily halting growth, before reemerging in the following spring.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- The most popular method for propagating Hydrangea macrophylla 'Merveille Sanguine', commonly known as the French hydrangea, is through softwood cuttings. This process is typically carried out in late spring to early summer when the plant's new growth is still tender and flexible. To propagate, one must cut a segment of the stem about 3 to 5 inches (approximately 7.6 to 12.7 centimeters) long, just below a leaf node. It's essential to remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. The cutting should then be planted in a pot filled with a moist potting mix, ensuring that at least one leaf node is buried beneath the soil. The pot needs to be placed in a warm area with indirect light and covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. With proper care, the cutting should root within a few weeks, at which point it can gradually acclimate to less humid conditions before being planted out.