Heart Throb® Hydrangea

The Heart Throb Hydrangea is a new red hydrangea from the Southern Living Plant Collection. It produces beautiful cherry red bloom clusters with green marbling. These flowers emerge through summer and into early fall. This dwarf hydrangea reaches only 3 ft. tall and wide at maturity. No pruning required. Therefore, it’s perfect for containers, mixed garden beds, low-hedges and mass plantings. They’re hardy from USDA Zones 5 to 9.  They grow best in part sun to full shade and need water 2-4 times per week for the first growing season, depending on the weather. They grow best in rich garden soil with good drainage. They are not guaranteed to be in bloom on arrival.

Heart Throb Hydrangea Care

Hardy from USDA Zones 5-9.

Plant in Partial Shade for best results. Several hours of sun in the morning with afternoon shade will support healthy bloom production.

Moreover, the Heart Throb can handle more sun than traditional mophead hydrangeas, but all day sun may result in foliage burning.

Well-draining soil is important for avoiding root rot.

Water regularly after planting. 2-3 times per week for the first growing season. This will allow the roots to establish deep into the soil, helping to ensure future success. During this time, check the soil around the Heart Throb Hydrangea. If the soil is drying out or remaining soggy, you will need to adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in spring, and reapply regularly according to your fertilizers instructions. A high phosphorus fertilizer will encourage this hydrangea to produce more blooms. However, over-fertilizing will result in decreased bloom production.

Spacing your Heart Throb Hydrangeas

Plant your hydrangeas 18-24″ apart from plant center to plant center for a seamless planting at maturity. Space them over 3 feet apart for space between plants.