Hydrangea Red Angel Purple

A compact, brightly coloured, mophead hydrangea in the Black Diamonds series, Hydrangea macrophylla Red Angel Purple is a small to medium-sized, deciduous shrub of average vigour with a bushy, upright habit. The large, broad leaves with serrated edges emerge flushed deep copper and purple, turning deep green, a lovely foil for the flowers. From July to September, the shrub bears beautiful mophead flowers of a rich reddish-purple with cream eyes on maroon stems. Colour varies with the pH of the soil; acidic soil is needed to keep the colouring purple. The small size of hydrangea Red Angel Purple means it can be grown in soil-based ericaceous compost in a large pot, but be sure to keep pots well watered. Leave the dead flower-heads on over winter to protect the buds, then in early spring cut out misplaced or spindly stems to the base and the rest to a pair of fat buds. Do not let the soil dry out.

Site: Tolerates some exposure
Soil: Fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained, acidic soil
Position: Full sun or partial shade
Season of interest: July to September in particular
Hardiness: Fully hardy
Height: up to 4 (1.2m) Spread: up to 4 (1.2m)