Hydrangea Raspberry Crush
Hydrangea Raspberry Crush is a compact deciduous shrub celebrated for its richly coloured raspberry-pink flower heads that antique well and are held above glossy green foliage with bronze-maroon overtones. Flowering through Summer into early Autumn, it provides long-lasting garden colour and makes a standout feature in borders or patio pots.
It’s ideal for cottage-style borders, shaded courtyards, and mixed shrub plantings, and it’s an excellent choice for containers where the flower colour can be enjoyed up close. The flowers are also great for cutting, both fresh and dried.
Plant in morning sun with afternoon shade, or dappled light, in fertile soil that holds moisture without becoming waterlogged. Keep water up during dry Summer periods and mulch to protect roots and maintain even soil moisture. Space plants about 60-80 cm apart to allow a full, rounded shape and good airflow.
Mature size is typically around 60-80 cm tall and 60-80 cm m wide, forming a dense, flowering mound.
Trimming: Prune in late summer to early Autumn after flowering as these Hydrangeas flower on old wood. Remove dead, weak and crossing stems, then shorten remaining shoots to a strong pair of buds to encourage sturdy new growth. For a compact shrub, aim to reduce height by about a third. If it’s a specimen plant, focus on thinning for shape; if it’s in a mixed border, keep the centre open for airflow.
Deadheading: Remove spent flowerheads through the season for tidiness.
Fertilising: Feed in early spring with a slow-release flowering shrub fertiliser. A second light feed in late spring/early summer supports repeat flushes and strong colour. Avoid heavy nitrogen, which gives lots of leaf at the expense of flowers.
Watering: Water consistently during establishment (first 12-18 months) and keep soil evenly moist through summer. Hydrangeas are quick to flag in heat so it is best to deeply soak during dry spells and heatwaves rather than frequent light sprinkles. Mulch well to conserve moisture.
Pest control: Watch for aphids on soft tips and flower stems; hose off or use insecticidal soap if numbers build. Check for spider mites in hot, dry weather (fine webbing, speckled leaves) and increase humidity with a thorough hose-down; use a suitable miticide if severe.
Disease management:
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Powdery mildew: White powdery coating on leaves, often in dry-ish conditions with poor airflow. Remove affected leaves, water at the base, and thin surrounding growth; use a suitable fungicide if it persists.
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Leaf spot: Brown/purple spotting that can lead to yellowing. Remove affected foliage and avoid overhead watering; apply a fungicide if recurring.
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Botrytis (grey mould): Grey fuzzy mould on fading flowers/leaves in damp weather. Deadhead promptly, improve airflow, and remove infected material.
Enjoy complimentary delivery anywhere in mainland New Zealand when you purchase plants worth $250 or more*.
For orders below $250, the following flat-rate delivery charges are applicable:
- Urban delivery within mainland New Zealand: $19.95
- Rural delivery within mainland New Zealand: $39.95
- Waiheke, Chatham and Great Barrier Islands: Please contact us for shipping options.
We aim to have all orders shipped within 14 days from the order date, unless a different shipping date is specified alongside a product.
