1 / 3Key characteristics
- Family
- Hydrangeaceae
- Height
- Up to 5 feet
- Width
- Up to 5 feet
- Flower color
- Deep pink with red undertones, forming globe-shaped blooms
- Foliage color
- Glossy forest green
- Bloom time
- Mid-summer to early fall
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Regular
- Maintenance
- Minimal; prune after flowering to preserve buds, protect flower buds in winter
- Growing zone
- USDA Zones 5 to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts pollinators like bees
Shrubs
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Glowing Embers'
Glowing Embers Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Glowing Embers' is a mophead hydrangea prized for its rich, deep-hued blooms that range from fiery shades of red to deep magenta or even purple, depending on soil pH. These lush flower clusters emerge in early summer and continue to bloom into late summer, providing months of vibrant color. The intense coloration of the blooms contrasts beautifully with the plant's dark green foliage, creating a bold visual impact in the garden.
Works well in
- Shade Gardens
- Foundation Plantings
- Cut Flower Gardens
- Cottage Gardens
Companion plants
Mahonias · Astilbe · Heucheras · Maidenhair fern · Corydalis · Lily-of-the-valley
Design tip
The saturated flowers give ‘Glowing Embers’ enough intensity to serve as a strong color anchor. Its deep pink and red tones can carry the visual focus of a planting, allowing surrounding areas to remain quieter and more restrained.
More shrubs

Camellia japonica 'Daikagura'
Daikagura Camellia
Blooms variable; typically dark pink, rose-red, or red with white variegation
Part shade to dappled sun
Rhododendron rigidum
Rigid Rhododendron
Blooms white, rose pink, or lilac, sometimes with red flecks on the upper petals
Part shade

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Cityline Paris'
Cityline Paris Hydrangea
Blooms deep pink to red; colors may shift with soil ph adjustments
Full sun to partial shade

Rhododendron 'Looking Glass'
Looking Glass Rhododendron
Blooms deep pink, frilled funnel-shaped blooms opening from deep red buds
Part shade to mostly shade