Maintenance Landscaping Design

Cherry explosion hydrangea is a beautiful addition to any garden. With its explosion of color, it is sure to brighten up any space. This hydrangea is perfect for those who want to add a pop of color to their garden without having to worry about maintenance.

Popular name

• Bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
  
• Mountain hydrangea (Hydrangea serrata)
  
• Oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
  
• PanICLE hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)
  
• Smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)

Basic info

• The cherry explosion hydrangea is a deciduous shrub that is native to Korea and Japan.
  
• It is a member of the hydrangea family and is closely related to the hortensia.
  
• The cherry explosion hydrangea gets its name from its large, showy flowers which resemble exploding fireworks.
  
• The flowers are typically pink or white, but can also be red or purple.
  
• The cherry explosion hydrangea blooms from late spring to early summer.
  
• The shrub can grow to be quite large, up to 3 metres tall and 4 metres wide.
  
• The cherry explosion hydrangea is relatively easy to care for and is tolerant of a wide range of conditions.
  
• It is however, sensitive to frost and should be protected from cold weather.
  
• The cherry explosion hydrangea is a popular garden plant and is widely available from nurseries and garden centres.
  
• It makes an attractive addition to any garden and is sure to add a touch of excitement during the summer months.

Related plant:
Chokecherry Bush

Planting Process

1. For cherry explosion hydrangea, first step is to find a well-draining location. It is important to make sure that the plant will not sit in water.
   
2. The next step is to add a layer of organic matter to the soil. This will help the plant to retain moisture.
   
3. The third step is to plant the cherry explosion hydrangea in the hole.
   
4. The fourth step is to water the plant deeply.
   
5. The fifth step is to mulch the plant. This will help to keep the roots cool and moist.
   
6. The sixth step is to fertilize the plant.
   
7. The seventh step is to deadhead the plant. This will encourage new growth.
   
8. The eighth step is to prune the plant. This will help to shape the plant and encourage new growth.
   
9. The ninth step is to protect the plant from frost.
   
10. The tenth step is to enjoy the plant!

Related plant:
Weeping Cherry Tree

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the Cherry Explosion Hydrangea prefers moist, well-drained soils, but it is adaptable to a range of soil types. It does not like to be too wet or too dry. If the soil is too sandy, it will need to be amended with some organic matter to help it hold onto moisture.

Light condition

So, like the other hydrangeas, the cherry explosion hydrangea requires sun to thrive. Without at least four hours of direct sunlight per day, the plant will not flower as well as it could. Cherry explosion hydrangeas are not picky about soil type, but they do need well-drained soil. If the soil is too heavy, the plant will not flower as well.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for the cherry explosion hydrangea is one that is neither too hot nor too cold. This plant prefers temperatures that are on the cooler side, and will do best in a location that does not receive direct sunlight for extended periods of time. Too much heat can cause the leaves of this plant to wilt and the flowers to fade, so it is important to give it some relief from the heat if possible.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 40-50%. If the humidity level falls below 40%, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. If the humidity level rises above 50%, the leaves will start to wilt and the flowers will start to drop off.

Fertilizing

The fertilizer, this type of plant prefers, is one that is high in nitrogen and low in phosphorus. An all-purpose fertilizer will work as long as it contains these essential nutrients. The best time to fertilize your cherry explosion hydrangea is in the early spring, just before new growth begins. Be sure to follow the directions on the fertilizer packaging to avoid over fertilization, which can damage the roots and leaves of the plant.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your cherry explosion hydrangea healthy and beautiful. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. To prune, simply cut back the stems to the desired length.

The Propagation

Propagation of the cherry explosion hydrangea is best done via stem cuttings taken from new growth in the spring or early summer. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long and should have at least 2-3 sets of leaves. Cuttings can be rooted in a potting mix or directly in the ground. If rooting in a pot, be sure to keep the potting mix moist but not soggy. Once the cuttings have rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into the garden.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is slow to moderate. Some may experience a fast growth rate, however, this is not common. When conditions are ideal, such as ample sunlight and water, the plant can grow up to two feet per year.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are scale, caterpillars, and crown rot. Scale can be controlled with an insecticide. Caterpillars can be controlled with Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) or an insecticide. Crown rot can be controlled with a fungicide.

Growing Tips

• Remember to give your cherry explosion hydrangea plenty of sunlight each day. The more sun, the more vibrant the flowers will be.
  
• Be sure to water your plant regularly. Cherry explosion hydrangeas need plenty of moisture to thrive.
  
• Fertilize your plant every few weeks with a high-quality fertilizer to ensure healthy growth.
  
• Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth and prevent it from getting too leggy.
  
• Be sure to deadhead the flowers regularly to keep your plant looking tidy and encourage more blooms.
  
• Protect your plant from strong winds and harsh weather conditions.
  
• Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and treat them promptly if necessary.
  
• Regularly check the soil moisture levels and make adjustments as needed.
  
• Get to know your plant and its needs so you can provide the best care possible.
  
• Enjoy the beautiful

Related Plants

• Hydrangea plantaginea or plantain-leaf hydrangea
  
• Hydrangea radiata or radiat-flower hydrangea
  
• Hydrangea arborescens or wild hydrangea
  
• Hydrangea serrata or saw-leaf hydrangea
  
• Hydrangea quercifolia or oakleaf hydrangea
  
• Hydrangea anomala or climbing hydrangea
  
• Hydrangea macrophylla or bigleaf hydrangea
  
• Hydrangea integrifolia or entireleaf hydrangea
  
• Hydrangea paniculata or panicled hydrangea
  
• Hydrangea aspera or roughleaf hydrangea

Source:
JC Raulston Arboretum - Photographs of Cherry Explosion Bigleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea Care - University of Illinois Extension
Hydrangea Diseases - Penn State Extension