Hydrangea macrophylla 'Merveille Sanguine'

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Key characteristics

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

Shrubs

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Merveille Sanguine'

Merveille Sanguine Mophead Hydrangea

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.

Light

Partial shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Summer

Find this plant

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.