Hydrangea macrophylla 'Summer Crush'

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Summer Crush': Raspberry-Red Mopheads with Electric Purple Flair

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Summer Crush' from the Endless Summer® Collection brings bold, unusual colour to the classic mophead hydrangea look. Large blooms open in vibrant raspberry-red or neon purple, creating a saturated, high-impact display that stands out in the summer landscape. The plant stays upright, compact, and rounded, making it easy to tuck into smaller gardens without losing that lush hydrangea presence. It’s a standout choice for gardeners who want strong colour in a tidy, design-friendly form.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 18–36”
• Spread: 18–36”
• Flower Colour: Large raspberry-red or neon purple
• Flowering Period: Mid-season through summer
• Foliage: Green, deciduous shrub foliage
• Sunlight Requirements: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter

Uses and Benefits: Perfect for foundation plantings, mixed borders, and patio-side beds where the bold bloom colour can be enjoyed up close. Its compact size fits beautifully into smaller landscapes and makes an excellent accent in front-yard beds. The saturated flower tones add instant energy to the garden and pair well with both bright summer palettes and deeper, moodier planting schemes.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun to part shade and keep soil consistently moist, especially during establishment and summer heat. Mulch helps conserve moisture and protects the root zone. Prune lightly in spring, focusing on removing winter damage and tidying the shape, since heavy pruning can reduce flowering. Feed in spring with compost or a balanced slow-release fertilizer, and provide some afternoon shade in hotter exposures to keep foliage and blooms looking fresh.

History: Sold as SUMMER CRUSH® ('Bailmacfive') in the Endless Summer® Collection, this selection was introduced for its compact habit and its bold, unusual bloom colours that bring a fresh twist to mophead hydrangeas.

Final Thoughts: For a compact hydrangea that delivers saturated summer colour in raspberry-red and neon purple tones, Summer Crush brings a vibrant, contemporary punch to the garden.