Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
The Tuff Stuff Red Hydrangea by Proven Winners ColorChoice® is a new addition in the Tuff Stuff mountain hydrangea collection. This prolific bloomer is very reliable to produce beautiful red or pink flowers every year! These do better than other mophead hydrangeas in colder climates like zones 5 and 6.
The dark leaves create a perfect foliage backdrop to the abundant bright colored flowers. The blooms are similar to lacecap flowers, with larger florets surrounded by larger petals. This plant is native to Japan, and used to cold mountain climates.
Tuff Stuff Red Hydrangea Care
Plant these in an area with well drained soil to prevent root rot or “wet feet”. The location needs at least 4 hours of sunlight, but can handle more than that. If you are in a warmer climate, it is imperative that you provide some afternoon shade. Otherwise, this plant will burn up in hot summer afternoon days. You should also apply a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and also help protect the roots during harsh winters.
You do not need to prune the Tuff Stuff Red Hydrangea. This plant is so compact, it really isn’t necessary. It also blooms on new and old wood, so you could potentially cut of flower buds if you do trim the branches. We do recommend cutting off sick and dead branches though.
Fertilize this shrub in early spring before new growth starts to emerge. You can use common slow release fertilizer found at most stores.
Tuff Stuff Red Hydrangea Spacing
Plant these bushes 2 to 4 feet apart, center on center. If you choose to grow these into a compact hydrangea hedge, or landscaping border, you can plant these 18 to 24 inches apart, center on center. These also do well in garden planters. Use same spacing guidelines as previously stated if you choose to plant more than 1 shrub in a pot.
Compare Tuff Stuff® Hydrangeas
Compare flower style, foliage, mature size, and the features that set each Tuff Stuff® hydrangea apart.
| Variety | Flowers | Foliage | Mature Size | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delicate doubled lacecaps; blue to lavender-pink | Green; smaller, narrower leaves | 18–24" H × 18–24" W | Smallest selection for containers, edging & compact gardens | |
| Pink to purple-blue classic lacecaps | Dark green | 2–3' H × 2–3' W | Original selection with classic lacecaps and dependable rebloom | |
| Deep pink-red lacecaps | Lustrous dark green | 2–3' H × 2–3' W | Best choice for rich red-pink flower color | |
| Pink or purple-blue lacecaps with green centers | Dark blue-green, developing burgundy tones; burgundy stems | 2–3' H × 2–3' W | Best foliage interest plus burgundy stems and colorful lacecaps | |
| Pink or blue double, waterlily-like florets | Green | 2–3' H × 2–3' W | Most distinctive double flowers and prolific rebloom |
Tuff Stuff Red® Hydrangea Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 5 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 Sun to Full Sun (5+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 2-3 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 2-3 Feet
- Growth Habit
- , Mounded, Dwarf
- Water Needs
- Consistently Moist
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , Green, Pink, Red
- Flower Description
- Green, Pink, 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
- Dark Green
- Foliage Type
- , Deciduous
- Seasonal Interest
- , Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering, 3 Season Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Common Name
- Tuff Stuff Red® Hydrangea
- Botanical Name
- Hydrangea serrata 'SMNMAKTSR' USPP 28,672
- Brand
- Proven Winners
- Plant Type
- Mountain Hydrangea
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!