Deciduous & Flowering Shrubs
Glowing Embers hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Glowing Embers'
Glowing Embers is a compact, rounded bigleaf hydrangea with large mophead flower clusters in summer. The blooms are usually pink to red, with purple or blue possible in acidic soil, above dark green leaves. In Southwest Washington, it suits a mixed border or smaller garden where morning sun gives way to afternoon shade. Expect a shrub generally 3 to 5 feet tall and wide, though it may approach 6 feet with time; allow for that wider size when planting. Give it moist, well-drained soil and water during dry spells. Flower buds form on previous-year stems, so frost or heavy pruning can reduce bloom.
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At a glance
- Mature height
- Generally 3–5 feet; may reach about 6 feet
- Mature spread
- Generally 3–5 feet; allow up to about 6 feet
- Light
- Partial shade; morning sun with afternoon shade
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 6–9
The right plant, the right place
Make room for something good.
The dense, rounded shrub brings summer flower clusters to mixed borders and smaller gardens. Give it enough room to mature without crowding nearby plants.
Where to plant
Allow roughly 5 to 6 feet of width. Choose morning sun and afternoon shade, especially where reflected heat could dry the leaves.
Through the seasons
Large mophead clusters appear in summer, usually pink to red; acidic soil can shift some blooms toward purple or blue. Dark green foliage lasts through the growing season.
Southwest Washington gardens
Give it a good start.
Glowing Embers is recommended for maritime Pacific Northwest gardens. During Southwest Washington's dry summers, keep the root area moist and protect foliage from the strongest afternoon sun.
Soil, drainage & water
Plant in moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly during dry periods, keeping the root zone from drying out.
A little care goes a long way
Growing well, season after season.
Prune only as needed after flowering. This hydrangea blooms on previous-year stems, so removing them can cost the following season’s flowers.
Know what to look for
Common growing concerns.
Symptoms can have more than one cause. These notes are a starting point for observing your plant and improving its growing conditions.
Few or no flowers
The shrub looks healthy but produces few or no flower clusters.
Help your plant thrive
Preserve previous-year stems, provide adequate light, and choose a site with some protection from frost.
Fungal leaf spots
Brown, black, or gray leaf spots may be followed by yellowing and leaf drop.
Help your plant thrive
Avoid overhead watering, allow air to circulate, and clear affected fallen leaves.
Leaf scorch
Exposed leaves develop dry brown patches, tips, or margins.
Help your plant thrive
Keep soil moist, mulch the root zone, and provide shade during the hottest part of the day.
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Explore this plantGood gardens start with a conversation
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