Northwest Blooms · Shrubs
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Merveille Sanguine'
Merveille Sanguine Mophead Hydrangea
- Family
- Hydrangeaceae
- Height
- 3 to 4 feet
- Width
- 3 to 4 feet
- Flower color
- Deep purple, sometimes dark pink
- Foliage color
- Dark green, turning burgundy-red in fall
- Bloom time
- Summer
- Light
- Partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Moderate; prune after flowering to shape and remove spent blooms
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees and butterflies
About this plant
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Merveille Sanguine' features large, mophead blooms that open in a soft lavender color, gradually maturing into deep purple tones as the season progresses. These striking flowers contrast beautifully with the dark, rust-tinged foliage, creating a dramatic and visually appealing display. The leaves start green with a hint of red, darkening to a deep maroon in fall, enhancing the shrub's rich, luxurious appearance.
This hydrangea is perfect for adding intense color and texture to borders, woodland gardens, or shaded areas, making it a standout feature in any landscape. Its compact, rounded habit also makes it well suited to containers and smaller garden spaces.
Works well in
Shade Gardens · Foundation Plantings · Cut Flower Gardens · Cottage Gardens
Companion plants
Mahonia · Rodgersia · Primrose · Japanese aralia · Bergenia · Maidenhair fern
Design tip
Build a rich, moody color scheme around ‘Merveille Sanguine’ by repeating burgundy and plum tones elsewhere in the design. Its deepening purple flowers and maroon fall foliage can unify the palette across multiple seasons.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
