Cherry Explosion™ Potted Bigleaf Hydrangea

About Cherry Explosion™ Potted Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘McKay’ PP 28,757

An absolute standout for color and charm, Cherry Explosion™ delivers a bold display of bright cherry-red lacecap blooms atop a naturally compact and rounded shrub. Hardy to Zone 4 and boasting a longer bloom period than many hydrangeas, it’s perfect for gardeners seeking vibrant performance with low fuss.

💐 Plant & Flower Traits

• Flower Type: Lacecap; a unique combination of large, sterile florets surrounding fertile flowers 

• Color: Vivid cherry-red (shifting to pink or lavender in more acidic soils) 

• Foliage: Deep green in summer, turning burgundy in fall 

• Plant Size: Compact and rounded, approximately 3′ tall by 3′ wide 

• Blooming: Early to mid-summer with an extended flowering window; blooms reliably even after late frosts 

• Light: Prefers morning sun with afternoon shade 

• Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–9 

🏡 Garden Use & Care

• Best For: Containers, borders, patios, foundation plantings, and pollinator gardens 

• Growth Habit: Dense, mounded, and well-branched—ideal for low-maintenance planting — requires no growth regulators 

• Soil & Water Needs: Prefers consistent moisture in well-drained soil; color may be influenced by pH levels

• Resilience: Blooms on both old and new wood; hardy enough to regenerate blooms even if frosted back 

🌿 Why Choose Cherry Explosion™

Cherry Explosion™ packs big, bright flower power into a small space—without sacrificing performance or style. Its lacecap form adds textural interest, and the rich cherry-red blooms stand out in containers and garden beds alike. With cold tolerance through Zone 4, dependable reblooming, and a season-long show including fall foliage, this hydrangea is an eye-catching choice that delivers reliable, multi-season beauty.