If you’re looking for red hydrangeas, you’re in luck! While hydrangeas are often known for their blue, pink, or white blooms, several varieties produce beautiful, rich red flowers. Here are four of the best red hydrangea varieties that I absolutely love:
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Fire Light’
- Type: Bigleaf Hydrangea
- Why I Love It: ‘Fire Light’ stands out with its deep red to dark pink flowers, which intensify to a fiery red as they age—especially in cooler climates. The plant has a compact, sturdy growth habit, making it perfect for small to medium-sized gardens.
- Bloom Time: Late summer to fall.
- Height: 3–5 feet.
- Hardiness: Zones 3–8.
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Strawberry Sundae‘
- Type: Panicle Hydrangea
- Why I Love It: ‘Strawberry Sundae’ starts with creamy white blooms that gradually turn pink and deepen to a rich, strawberry-red color in the fall. The large, cone-shaped blooms create a striking visual effect that catches everyone’s eye. I also recommend reading my other post “What Are New Hydrangea Varieties? “.
- Bloom Time: Mid to late summer.
- Height: 3–5 feet.
- Hardiness: Zones 3–8.
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Fire Light Tidbit’
- Type: Panicle Hydrangea
- Why I Love It: A dwarf version of the ‘Fire Light’, this variety produces rich red and pink blooms in late summer to fall, with the color deepening as it matures. Its compact size makes it perfect for smaller spaces or containers.
- Bloom Time: Late summer to fall.
- Height: 2–3 feet.
- Hardiness: Zones 3–8.
Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Ruby Slippers’
- Type: Oakleaf Hydrangea
- Why I Love It: While oakleaf hydrangeas are known for their large, lobed leaves, ‘Ruby Slippers’ stands out with beautiful red-tinged blooms in late summer. The flowers start white, gradually turn pink, and then deepen to a rich red as fall approaches. Plus, the leaves take on stunning red-purple hues in autumn, adding even more visual interest.
- Bloom Time: Summer to fall.
- Height: 3–4 feet.
- Hardiness: Zones 5–9.
These red hydrangea varieties each bring their own unique beauty to the garden, offering rich, fiery colours that transform over time. Whether you’re looking for a compact shrub for a smaller space or a larger statement plant, there’s a perfect red hydrangea for every garden.
Why I Think These Varieties Are the Best:
- Colour Transformation: I love how each of these hydrangeas offers vivid, intense colours that evolve throughout the growing season. From deep reds to pinks and even purples, their changing blooms ensure my garden stays dynamic and visually interesting all year long.
- Variety of Sizes and Forms: Whether I need a compact variety like ‘Summer Crush’ or something larger like ‘Strawberry Sundae’, these hydrangeas come in different sizes and shapes, so I can find the perfect fit for my garden.
- Hardiness and Versatility: These hydrangeas are adaptable to various climates. Whether I’m gardening in a cold northern zone (like Zone 3) or a warmer area (Zone 9), a red hydrangea will thrive in my space.
- Reblooming Capability: Many of these varieties, such as ‘Summer Crush’ and ‘Fire Light’, are re-bloomers, meaning I get multiple flushes of flowers throughout the season, extending their colour show into the fall.
- Fall Foliage: Besides their blooms, several of these hydrangeas, like ‘Ruby Slippers’ and ‘Fire Light’, have spectacular fall foliage, adding another layer of interest after the flowers have faded.
The End,
These five red hydrangea varieties stand out to me for several reasons. Each one offers unique features that make them perfect for gardeners like me who want vibrant, long-lasting colours in their landscapes.
I think these red hydrangea varieties are the best for every garden because of their stunning colour, hardiness, compact sizes, and seasonal interest. Whether I’m looking for continuous blooms, vibrant colours, or the perfect fit for a small space, these hydrangeas deliver both beauty and performance.
Elahe Rabiei
Hi, I’m Elaheh. My Academic major is plant protection, and houseplants are my expertise. As a houseplant lover, my house is full of indoor plants and it is my passion to take care of them. Hence, I’m here to share my knowledge and experience about growing healthy houseplants. I am also a plant protection advisor, so feel free to ask me any questions you may have.