Hydrangea macrophylla 'Black Steel Red Fox' (H)

Common name: Mophead Hydrangea 'Black Steel Red Fox'

Description: Hydrangea macrophylla 'Black Steel Red Fox' is a dramatically beautiful compact hydrangea from the Black Steel series, combining rich, deep red mophead flower heads with near-black stems that create a striking and unusual colour contrast. The deep, velvety red flowers are produced in summer and age attractively through the season, retaining their colour well as they dry. The dark stem colouring is a notable feature even in winter, providing ongoing structural interest after the leaves have fallen. It is a compact, well-branched variety that performs particularly well in containers as well as in borders.

Other benefits: dramatic near-black stems contrast with rich red flowers; flowers dry and age attractively; compact habit excellent for containers; ornamental winter stem colour

Wildlife attraction: bees and other pollinating insects

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 0.8–1m x 0.8–1m

Position: partial shade to full sun; sheltered from cold winds and late frosts; excellent in containers

Soil pH: neutral to slightly acid (pH 5.5–7.0); moist but well-drained, fertile soil

Moisture: moderate to moist; water regularly, especially in containers; mulch to retain moisture

Winter hardiness: hardy to approximately -15°C