Hydrangea macrophylla Cherry-Go-Round™ ('Hokomaburlac')

• Pollinators: The white and cherry-red flowers attract a variety of pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies, providing essential food sources during the growing season.
  
  

Birds: While Cherry-Go-Round™ does not typically produce ornamental berries, the dense foliage offers shelter and protection for small birds throughout the year.

• Spring to Summer: Cherry-Go-Round™ begins to show its beauty in early summer with its striking cherry-red and white flowers that continue blooming into the fall. The foliage provides a lush green backdrop for the flowers during the growing season.
  
  
• Fall: In fall, the flowers continue to offer color, and the foliage may change to warm autumnal hues of red, orange, and yellow, providing additional interest.
  
  Winter: In winter, this hydrangea enters dormancy, but its sturdy structure adds visual interest to the landscape, especially if left with its dried flower heads.

• Leaves: Large, dark green, and glossy, these leaves provide a solid backdrop to the stunning blooms. The foliage is broad and ovate, adding texture to the overall plant appearance.
  
  
• Fall Color: As the temperatures cool, the leaves of Cherry-Go-Round™ transition to hues of red, orange, and yellow, creating an attractive display of fall color before they drop in winter.
  
  

• Flower Description: The flowers of Cherry-Go-Round™ are large, mophead-shaped clusters that feature a unique two-tone effect. The blooms start off with a soft white color in the center, surrounded by vibrant cherry-red petals. This color contrast intensifies as the flowers mature, creating a stunning display of bright and dynamic color.
  
  

Flowering Longevity: The blooms last for an extended period, making this hydrangea a reliable source of color throughout the growing season.

• Best Time to Plant: The best time to plant Cherry-Go-Round™ is in early spring after the danger of frost has passed or in fall before the first frost. This allows the plant to establish roots before extreme weather conditions.
  
  
• Planting Instructions: Choose a location with well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Dig a hole that is at least twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring that the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill with soil and water well to settle the roots.
  
  

Spacing: Space plants about 3–4 feet apart for a more compact hedge or closer if planting as a specimen plant.

Pruning: Cherry-Go-Round™ hydrangea blooms on old wood, so prune carefully. After the plant finishes blooming in late summer or early fall, prune back any dead, damaged, or faded flowers to maintain a neat shape. Avoid pruning in late fall or winter, as you may remove flower buds for the following season.

Deadheading: Remove spent blooms after flowering to improve the appearance and help the plant conserve energy for the next bloom cycle.

• Watering: Hydrangeas need regular watering, especially during dry spells. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week, ensuring the roots receive sufficient moisture.
  
  
• Drought Tolerance: Cherry-Go-Round™ is moderately drought-tolerant once established but will perform better with consistent moisture throughout the growing season.
  
  Watering Tip: Avoid overhead watering, as this can promote mildew. Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry.

• Light: Cherry-Go-Round™ hydrangea thrives in partial to full shade. It will bloom best with morning sun and afternoon shade. In areas with hot climates, partial shade is ideal to prevent the flowers from fading due to excessive heat.
  
  
• Sun Exposure: Full sun can be tolerated in cooler climates, but in hotter regions, afternoon shade will help protect the plant from stress.
  
  

The flowers of Cherry-Go-Round™ can be harvested for floral arrangements. Cut the flowers when they are fully developed, but before they begin to fade. For dried arrangements, cut the flowers and hang them upside down in a cool, dry location to dry naturally.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring when the plant begins to leaf out. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can promote excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms. If the soil is poor, an annual application of organic compost can also support the plant’s health and flowering.

Soil Amendments: Amend the soil with organic matter such as compost to improve drainage and provide essential nutrients.

Cherry-Go-Round™ is self-pollinating, meaning it does not require another plant to produce flowers. However, planting multiple hydrangeas nearby can encourage cross-pollination and lead to even better blooming.

• Perennials: Combine with Astilbe, Hosta, or Heuchera to create a lush, multi-textured planting bed.
  
  
• Shrubs: Pair with Spiraea, Weigela, or Viburnum to create a vibrant shrub border.
  
  
• Trees: Works well with flowering trees like Magnolia or Japanese Maple for added height and interest.