Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
If you’re looking for a hydrangea that pops, this is the one! The blossoms are an apple-pink and the centers are a pale pink. It is the perfect hydrangea for everything from borders to containers! It provides a generous bloom season with plentiful blooms.
The foliage of this hydrangea is a deep rich green and is paired perfectly with the apple-pink blooms. The blooming season begins in June and lasts until late September. It is disease resistant. The height on the Hydrangea macrophylla 'Cherry Explosion' reaches up to four feet with a spread of three to four feet, making it a wonderful hedge. This hydrangea makes beautiful cut flowers for any arrangement. It can be planted as a border plant and it does well with mass planting. It does well in containers. Plant this Hydrangea as a focal point and your yard is sure to stand out!
Cherry Explosion Hydrangea Care
This hydrangea requires to be planted in partial sun. It thrives best with four hours of sun per day. Well drained moderately moist soil is necessary for optimal results. Water regularly as this hydrangea has medium water needs. In times of drought extra watering may be required. Controlled release fertilizer should be applied very early in the spring. The Hydrangea macrophylla 'Cherry Explosion' can tolerate most soil types with varying Ph levels. Ph levels can change the color of the blooms. Deadheading regularly will encourage more plentiful re-bloom. Place mulch around the base for root protection in the winter. Clean up all foliage and dead branches at the end of the season.
Cherry Explosion Hydrangea Spacing
Space your Cherry Explosion Hydrangea three to four feet, center on center. Proper spacing is imperative when planting as a border plant, in use for hedges, and planting near other plants. It will ensure the roots can grow and develop properly.
Interesting Fact(s): The Cherry Explosion Hydrangea was developed by McKay Nursery in Waterloo, WI.
Cherry Explosion Hydrangea Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 4 to 9 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Shade to Part Sun (3-6 Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 3 - 4 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 3 - 4 Feet
- Plant Spacing
- 3 - 4 Feet
- Habit Size
- Medium
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Growth Habit
- , Mounded
- Water Needs
- Consistently Moist
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Red
- Flower Description
- Red
- Bloom Time
- Summer to Fall
- Blooms On
-
Both New and Old Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Lightly, right after the first flush of flowers
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Green
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Plant Type
- Shrub
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!