HelpfulGardener.com

Hello,

I am looking to add some new hydrangeas this year and I came across a red hydrangea online named Hydrangea macrophylla 'Cardinal'. I'm not sure if it will actually be red in color as some images show or if it will really be dark pink/magenta. Does anyone have any experience with this variety or any other type of red hydrangea? Thank you for your help!

Hydrangeas do not have the pigments necessary to develop a true red color so think of those advertised as 'red' as being a dark shade of pink. Kardinal is a Teller Hybrid that is very pH sensitive; its sepals have a close resemblance to a red color. If planted in acidic soil (pH below 7), its bloom's color will change. It will resist turning blue in acidic soils and would first look purple-ish.