Hydrangea macrophylla Bloomables® Cherry Explosion™ ('McKay') PP2877

The nectar-rich blooms of Cherry Explosion™ attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, making it an excellent choice for wildlife-friendly gardens. The dense foliage can also provide shelter for small insects and birds.

Cherry Explosion™ is a deciduous shrub, emerging in spring, blooming from summer into fall, and shedding its leaves in winter. It returns each spring with new growth and vibrant blooms.

🏡 Foundation Plantings & Borders

• Its compact habit (about 2–3 feet tall and wide) makes it ideal for front-of-border planting, along walkways, or beneath windows.
  

🪴 Container Gardening

• Perfect for decorative pots or patio containers, where its vibrant red blooms can be enjoyed up close all season long.
  

🎨 Accent or Focal Plant

• The intensely colored, semi-lacecap blooms create a bold focal point in shaded or mixed garden beds.
  

💐 Cut Flower Gardens

• Eye-catching blooms are excellent for fresh floral arrangements or small table bouquets.
  

🌳 Mixed Shrub or Perennial Borders

• Fills in beautifully in part-shade gardens, offering long bloom time and high visual impact.
  

🦋 Pollinator-Friendly Beds

• The central fertile florets attract bees and butterflies, contributing to garden biodiversity.
  
  

The foliage of Hydrangea macrophylla Cherry Explosion™ is comprised of deep green, serrated leaves that provide a striking backdrop to the cherry-red blooms. The leaves are broad, glossy, and deeply veined, creating a dense, bushy structure that remains attractive throughout the growing season. In fall, the foliage may take on a hint of burgundy before dropping for the winter.

• Flowering Season: This hydrangea is a reblooming variety, with flowers appearing from early summer through fall (typically June to September). The plant continuously produces large, colorful blooms over an extended period.
• Flower Description : The flowers of Cherry Explosion™ are large, mophead-style blooms in a brilliant cherry-red color. Each flower head can grow up to 5-6 inches wide, with an abundance of smaller star-shaped florets packed into each cluster. These vivid, eye-popping blooms bring dramatic color to the garden throughout the summer and fall.

• When to Plant: Plant in early spring or fall to allow the hydrangea time to establish its root system before the heat of summer or the chill of winter.
• How to Plant: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and plant at the same depth as it was growing in the container. Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow for mature growth and airflow.

Pruning is minimal for Cherry Explosion™, as it blooms on both old and new wood. Light pruning in early spring to remove dead or damaged branches is recommended. You can also deadhead spent flowers throughout the season to encourage new blooms. Avoid heavy pruning, as this could reduce flowering the following year.

Cherry Explosion™ requires consistently moist, well-drained soil. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil evenly moist. Mulching around the base will help retain moisture and prevent evaporation. Avoid allowing the soil to dry out completely, but also prevent waterlogging to reduce the risk of root rot.

This hydrangea thrives in partial shade, though it can tolerate morning sun as long as the soil remains moist. The ideal location provides morning sun and afternoon shade. Too much direct sunlight, especially during hot afternoons, can cause leaf scorch and fade the flower color.

The large, cherry-red blooms of Cherry Explosion™ are perfect for cut flowers and can be used in fresh floral arrangements. To harvest, cut the flowers when fully open and place them in water immediately. They can also be dried for use in dried flower arrangements and wreaths.

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to encourage healthy growth and abundant blooms. A second light feeding after the first bloom cycle can help support continuous flowering. If you want to maintain the intense cherry-red color, ensure the soil’s pH remains neutral to slightly acidic (pH 5.5-6.5).

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
• Soil: Cherry Explosion™ prefers rich, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-6.5). Adjust the pH as needed to maintain the vibrant flower color.
• Disease Resistance: This hydrangea is generally resistant to most pests and diseases. Ensure good air circulation around the plant to prevent fungal issues like powdery mildew or leaf spot.

The flowers of Cherry Explosion™ are pollinated by bees and other beneficial insects. The plant is self-fertile and does not require cross-pollination, but encouraging pollinators will support garden biodiversity.

Hydrangea Cherry Explosion™ prefers part sun to part shade, with moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. It pairs beautifully with both textured foliage and color-balanced flowering plants.

🌿 Foliage-Based Companions

• Heuchera ‘Black Pearl’ or ‘Berry Smoothie’ – foliage color complements the red blooms and provides contrast in texture.
  
• Hosta spp. – bold, architectural leaves beneath lacecap blooms add shade garden depth.
  
• Ferns (Athyrium, Dryopteris) – soft, feathery backdrop for the upright flower clusters.
  

🌾 Structural Contrast

• Buxus (Boxwood) – evergreen structure provides year-round contrast and formality.
  
• Hakonechloa macra (Japanese Forest Grass) – golden or green foliage adds movement and a base layer beneath hydrangeas.
  

🌺 Flowering Companions

• Astilbe – pairs well in part shade with complementary pink or white feathery blooms.
  
• Campanula – adds bell-shaped blue-purple flowers for color contrast.
  
• Salvia nemorosa – deep purple spires offset the cherry-red tones nicely in mixed beds.