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Description
Hydrangea Macrophylla Dark Angel Red is a stunning deciduous shrub that belongs to the Hydrangeaceae family. This plant is also known as Bigleaf Hydrangea or French Hydrangea, and it is native to Japan, Korea, and China. The Dark Angel Red variety is a relatively new cultivar that boasts large, deep red mophead blooms, making it a popular choice for gardeners who want to add a splash of color to their outdoor space.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Hydrangeaceae |
| Genus | Hydrangea |
Appearance
The Hydrangea Macrophylla Dark Angel Red shrub can grow up to 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide. The plant has large, glossy, dark green leaves that are around 4-8 inches long and 2-4 inches wide. The most striking feature of this plant is its stunning deep red mophead blooms, which can reach up to 8-10 inches in diameter. The flowers bloom in early summer and continue to bloom throughout the season, making it an excellent choice for gardeners who want to enjoy a long-lasting display of color. The flowers are also known to change color depending on the soil pH, with acidic soil producing blue flowers and alkaline soil producing pink flowers.
Care Guide
Hydrangea Macrophylla Dark Angel Red requires a moderate level of care to thrive. Here are some care tips:
- Water: The plant needs regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and blooming.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining, moist soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight, although it can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Hydrangea Macrophylla Dark Angel Red is generally a healthy plant, but it can be susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Here are some common issues to watch out for:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can suck the sap from the plant and cause damage to the leaves and flowers.
- Spider mites: These tiny insects can spin webs on the plant and cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off.
- Mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating to appear on the leaves and flowers.
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots to appear on the leaves and weaken the plant.
Habitat
Hydrangea Macrophylla Dark Angel Red is native to Japan, Korea, and China, where it grows in wooded areas and along stream banks. In the wild, the plant can reach up to 13 feet tall and has pink or blue flowers.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I grow Hydrangea Macrophylla Dark Angel Red in a container?
A: Yes, you can grow this plant in a container as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system and you provide regular watering and fertilization.
Q: How often should I prune my Hydrangea Macrophylla Dark Angel Red?
A: You should prune the plant in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged wood and cut back any old wood to encourage new growth.
Q: How can I change the color of the flowers?
A: You can change the color of the flowers by adjusting the soil pH. Acidic soil will produce blue flowers, while alkaline soil will produce pink flowers. You can also add aluminum sulfate to the soil to make it more acidic, or add lime to make it more alkaline.
Q: How long do the flowers last?
A: The flowers can last for several weeks to several months, depending on the weather conditions and how well the plant is cared for.
Related Plants
- Hydrangea Macrophylla
- Hydrangea Paniculata
- Hydrangea Arborescens
- Hydrangea Quercifolia
References
- “Hydrangea Macrophylla Dark Angel Red.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277768&isprofile=0&. Accessed 18 Aug. 2021.
- “Hydrangea Macrophylla Dark Angel Red.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/219928/i-Hydrangea-macrophylla-i-Dark-Angel-R-red/Details. Accessed 18 Aug. 2021.
- “Hydrangea Macrophylla Dark Angel Red.” Gardenia, www.gardenia.net/plant/hydrangea-macrophylla-dark-angel-red-bigleaf-hydrangea. Accessed 18 Aug. 2021.
