Everlasting® Crimson Ruby Hydrangea Shrub

Everlasting® Crimson Ruby is a trade-named bigleaf hydrangea for a leafy, flowering presence in a partly shaded garden. Bigleaf hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs whose flowering and color response can vary among selections and with soil conditions. ## Profile The species, Hydrangea macrophylla, is a woody shrub with broad green leaves and summer flower clusters. It is commonly grown in partial or dappled shade, where the foliage receives bright light without prolonged hot afternoon exposure. Flower color can respond to soil chemistry, so nearby plants of the same species may not display identical shades. Read the [NC State Extension profile for bigleaf hydrangea](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/hydrangea-macrophylla/) for species-level identification, light, soil, and seasonal context. ## Garden care Use humus-rich soil that holds moisture but drains freely. Water deeply during dry spells, especially while the shrub is establishing and during warm weather; a mulch layer can help moderate soil moisture and temperature. Allow room for the mature shrub’s broad foliage and flower heads, and avoid placing it where roof runoff or persistently saturated soil will stress the roots. ## Maintenance Remove dead or damaged stems and old flower heads if desired. Pruning needs depend on whether a bigleaf hydrangea blooms on old wood, new wood, or both; check the plant’s flowering habit before shaping, since cutting at the wrong time can remove developing buds. The [University of Minnesota hydrangea pruning guide](https://extension.umn.edu/garden-and-home/yard-and-garden/lawns-and-landscapes-in-minnesota/trees-and-shrubs/pruning-hydrangeas) describes these timing differences.