Plants that Work®

Grape Explosion Bigleaf Hydrangea

Name: Grape Explosion Bigleaf Hydrangea
Brand: Plants That Work
SKU: 21536
Price: 89.24 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.69 (13 reviews)

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Grape Explosion'

Rare Grape Explosion Lacecap Blooms with Stunning Purple Burgundy Fall Foliage
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-9
Grows 3-4 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Purple Blooms From Early Summer to Early Fall
Excellent Privacy Screen or Hedge

$89²⁴

Shipping calculated at checkout.

In Stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Flowering, Attracts pollinators, Container Friendly, Non-invasive
Hardiness Zone	6a to 11b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	3-4 ft
Width	3-4 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Upright
Blooms In	Fall, Summer
Flower Color	Purple
Foliage Color	Green
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Plant Name	Hydrangea
Botanical Name	Hydrangea macrophylla 'Grape Explosion'
Species	macrophylla
Cultivar	Grape Explosion
Class	Magnoliopsida, Cornales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Special Selection Grape Explosion Hydrangea

Rare and Hard to Find!
Petite Plant Stays Trim and Rounded
Lovely Lacecap Hydrangea Blooms
Long-Lasting Display from Summer Through Fall
Showy Flowers Held on Outside of Foliage
Purple and Lavender Blooms in Acidic Soil pH of 6.5 or Below
Butterflies Love Them
Beautiful Purple Burgundy Foliage Fall Color
Compact, Uniform Growth Habit
Perfect Choice for Small Space Gardens
Can Be Grown in Containers
Exceptional Low Hedging
Hardy and Easy-Care
Grows in Full Sun or Partial Shade

People love purple flowers, and this well-behaved shrub really delivers. Use them as a beautiful flowering hedge, or keep them in large garden containers along your patio.

Get gorgeous lacecap blooms from summer through all with Grape Explosion Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Grape Explosion'). Go ahead and add a ton of visual interest without fuss, muss or heavy maintenance.

This excellent selection features a circlet of sterile purple-colored florets arranged around a center of star-shaped, light lavender florets. The flowers are borne all down the rounded, very uniform sides of this macrophylla.

Flower buds develop from both last year's wood, and on new growth from the current season. This means you'll enjoy plenty of flower power throughout the summer and fall.

As the lower temperatures of autumn come on and stay consistently cool, the fall foliage can deepen into an incredible Brandywine. Mature flower heads lighten in color at this time, and make an exceptional contrast to the dark fall color.

Grape Explosion is hard to come by, and we are very excited to be able to grow and sell this darling cultivar. Use it in formal settings, or work it into casual contemporary designs.

Keep them in acidic soils for the boldest purple coloration. Keep in containers, or amend your alkaline soil with aluminum sulfate to enliven your favorite shade.

Use this Bigleaf Hydrangea as a special accent at the forefront of Limelight or Phantom Hydrangea. Grape Explosion makes a sophisticated low hedge along the edge of modern, low-maintenance mixed borders. They'll be outstanding as a "Thriller" in a seasonal container garden. This hardy plant will come back year after year...just make sure it receives a little shade in the afternoon.

Gain easy access to fascinating flowers with this prolific choice. Put Grape Explosion Hydrangea to work in your landscape ... order today!

How to Use Grape Explosion Hydrangea in the Landscape

Some plants just have what it takes to be used front and center with pride. Grape Explosion is an extremely uniform growing habit, and simply shines in formal foundations.

Line your existing mature evergreens, or create a mass planting on one side of your front door. March them along the sidewalk to pump up the curb appeal.

Space them 30 inches apart on center. You'll measure from the center of one to the center of the next.

These days, people are expanding their living space into unused areas of their yard. Carve out space for yourself in the sideyard!

Create a beautiful new mulched border with a row of Grape Explosion Hydrangea in front of a privacy planting of Emerald Green Arborvitae...then put in a putting green without fear of "expert advice" from the golf pro next door!

These make the perfect mid-border plant to repeat along the length of your Cottage Garden. Keep the purple theme going with help from our extensive online catalog.

Leave the flower heads on for winter interest. In warmer climates, the flowers may stay colorful all winter long.

Rely on their high performance! This is a great plant to give as a gift, even to a loved one who suffers from a bit of a "brown thumb".

Use them in Cutting Gardens! Those intricate blooms look amazing in indoor cut flower arrangements.

#ProPlantTips for Care

Give Bigleaf Hydrangea morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in hot climates. They'll need at least four hours of direct sunlight a day and can burn, so please avoid the hot afternoon sun.

Supply a moderate amount of water on a regular schedule. Grow them in rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter, then mulch with pine bark or pine straw to keep the soil pH low.

They'll bloom the best purple flower color in acidic soil with a pH below 6.0. In soil pH above 6.0, the plant will produce cherry-red flowers. Maintain acidity with aluminum sulfate (following the directions!) and test your soil frequently if you want purple blooms.

Wait to trim just until the plant starts to grow in early spring, then shorten up any branch tips that are not leafing out. Remove old flower heads at this time time.

Thin oldest stems on flowering stems out to the ground if needed as the plant age. In parts of Zones 4, 5, and 6 that don't get snow cover, pile extra mulch over the crown like you would a Rose bush in late fall.

In the coldest regions, the plant may die back to the ground over winter but will bloom again on the new wood. This is a reliable performer and an excellent bloomer!

You'll love your Grape Explosion! Get ready to answer questions about this rare selection. Order this top choice today from our expert growers and at NatureHills.com!

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for 4 to 6 hours of direct morning sunlight. While Grape Explosion can handle partial shade, too much direct afternoon sun, especially in warmer zones, causes the leaves to wilt and sometimes scorch; conversely, too much deep shade will significantly reduce the intensity and number of deep purple blooms.
Soil: This plant needs rich, loamy soil that drains well but consistently holds moisture, like a well-wrung sponge. For heavy clay, mix in compost and pine fines to physically open up the soil and improve drainage; for sandy soil, add peat moss or coir to boost moisture retention capacity.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your new Grape Explosion deeply every few days to encourage a robust root system; keep the soil consistently moist until established. Once mature, 1 to 2 deep soakings per week during dry spells are usually sufficient, as these plants are not very drought-tolerant. Inconsistent watering or allowing the plant to dry out will cause immediate leaf droop, which signals stress and can result in smaller blooms the following year as the plant tries to conserve energy.

Pruning Tips

Grape Explosion is a reblooming Bigleaf Hydrangea, meaning it flowers on both old wood and new wood, so aggressive pruning should be avoided. The best time for any shaping is immediately after the first major flush of blooms in mid-summer. Limit your cuts to removing only dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter before new growth starts; pruning hard or cutting after August removes the buds for next year's early show, which is why we only "tip" or remove the oldest canes at the base.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer, like a 10-10-10 or a formulation designed for woody shrubs, in early spring just as you see new growth emerging. This gives the plant the fuel it needs for the entire season. What you want to avoid is high-nitrogen feeding after mid-July, because too much nitrogen at that time encourages new, soft growth that will not have time to harden off before the first frost, making it very vulnerable to winter damage.

Other Hydrangea varieties

Limelight Panicle Hydrangea
Hydrangea paniculata 'Limelight'

Up to 25% off

(57)

Sale price From $77⁷⁵ Regular price $103⁶⁶
Vanilla Strawberry™ Panicle Hydrangea
Hydrangea paniculata 'Renhy'

(82)

Regular price From $27⁸¹
Endless Summer® The Original Bigleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bailmer'

(17)

Regular price From $65¹⁰
Endless Summer® Summer Crush® Bigleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bailmacfive'

(17)

Regular price From $19⁹⁹
Endless Summer® BloomStruck® Bigleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla 'PIIHM-II'

(13)

Regular price From $23⁴⁹
Eclipse® Bigleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Bailmacseven'

(9)

Regular price From $24⁶⁶
Ruby Slippers Oakleaf Hydrangea
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Ruby Slippers'

(20)

Regular price From $28⁰⁴
Incrediball® Hydrangea
Hydrangea arborescens INCREDIBALL 'Abetwo'

(12)

Regular price From $48²⁹

This product has no reviews of its own. The merchant grouped it with related products, so the reviews shown are from across that group.

Shipping package was great

Shipping package was great, no fungus growth and plants looked really healthy. They’re actually doing much better than another variety I bought online with a different company.

Healthy plants right out of the box is exactly what we aim for, Alfie, so it's great to hear the packaging held up well on its way to you. BloomStruck is a tough, reliable hydrangea, and it sounds like it's already showing you what it can do. Thanks for giving it a good home.

Nature hills is the best!

Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful. Healthy. Vibrant. This nursery is spot on!

Hi Dennis, thank you so much for your fantastic feedback on your Endless Summer® BloomStruck® Bigleaf Hydrangea. I’m delighted to hear it arrived healthy and vibrant in your garden.

To keep those lush blooms coming, water deeply once or twice a week during dry spells and apply a 2–3-inch layer of organic mulch around the root zone to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. BloomStruck® performs best with morning sun and afternoon shade—too much midday sun can scorch the leaves.

After the first flush of flowers fades, gently deadhead spent blooms to encourage rebloom later in the season. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring will support strong growth and abundant flowering. If you’d like to tweak bloom color, you can adjust soil pH with garden lime (for pink tones) or aluminum sulfate (for blue tones), though BloomStruck® holds its color beautifully on its own.

Thank you again for choosing Nature Hills. We’re here to help with any questions as your hydrangea continues to grow.

Growing with you,
Nature Hills Nursery – Your Trusted Plant Specialists

Beautiful

Beautiful

Hi,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your lovely feedback! We’re thrilled to hear that you find the plants beautiful. If you ever have questions about caring for them or want recommendations for new additions to your garden, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help ensure your garden continues to thrive and bring joy.

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Beautiful

Beautiful

Hello Kelly,

Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re delighted to hear that you find your purchase beautiful—it truly means the world to us to know our plants bring joy and beauty to your space. If you ever have any questions or need tips to help your plants thrive, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to support your gardening journey.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

color for shade area

The BloomStruck is tough enough to take a little sun in my yard and still produce a bunch of colorful blooms. So far this hydrangea has been super easy to grow,

Long blooming

We truly do get blooms all summer lawn in a shady spot in our yard. Great plant.

Hi Jj,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Endless Summer® BloomStruck® Bigleaf Hydrangea! We’re delighted to hear that it’s thriving and providing blooms all summer long, even in a shady spot—that really speaks to this variety’s versatility and hardiness. Be sure to keep an eye on watering in those shadier areas, as consistent moisture will help it maintain such vibrant blooms. If you ever want to encourage even more lush growth, occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer can work wonders.

We appreciate you choosing NatureHills.com and sharing your success with this wonderful hydrangea!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

color for shade area

The BloomStruck is tough enough to take a little sun in my yard and still produce a bunch of colorful blooms. So far this hydrangea has been super easy to grow,

Dear Nite N.,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Endless Summer® BloomStruck® Bigleaf Hydrangea! We're thrilled to hear that it is thriving in your yard, even with a bit of sun, and that it continues to produce vibrant, colorful blooms. This hydrangea really is a superstar when it comes to ease of care and hardworking performance in partial sun to shade.

If you ever want to enhance the color intensity further, remember that soil acidity plays a significant role. For deeper blue tones, maintaining more acidic soil with additions like garden sulfur or aluminum sulfate can help, whereas adding lime to the soil tends to encourage pinker finished blooms. Given your shade conditions, it’s also great to ensure watered evenly and protect from harsh afternoon sun to keep those luscious blooms coming all season long.

Feel free to check out our planting tips and care guides on our website to get the most from your BloomStruck hydrangea, or reach out if you have any questions along the way — we're always eager to help your garden flourish!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Shade garden

I have used hydrangeas in my shade garden for many years. Some of the Endless Summer hydrangeas like Bloomstruck are simply wonderful. Mine adds so much color and makes my shady area look bright.

Hardy

When you live in a zone 4 climate, you need a hardy plant. I just cannot believe how hardy this plant is here and still produces the awesome blooms it does. I really like this plant!

Hi Jimmy,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Endless Summer® BloomStruck® Bigleaf Hydrangea! We’re thrilled to hear how well it thrives in your Zone 4 climate and that you’re enjoying those stunning blooms despite the colder conditions. It's truly a testament to how robust and resilient this variety can be.

If you’d like to keep your hydrangea at its best through the seasons, we recommend mulching in late fall to protect the roots and ensuring it gets a balanced fertilizer in spring to encourage vibrant blooms. Also, some light pruning after flowering can help maintain its shape and health.

We’re here any time you want tips or care advice to keep your garden flourishing!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Large blooms

Hydrangeas produce some of the most amazing blooms and the Bloomstuck is one of best I have tried so far. The stems and the foliage add so much to the attractiveness of this plant

Hi Denny,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Endless Summer® BloomStruck® Bigleaf Hydrangea! We’re delighted to hear that its large blooms, sturdy stems, and attractive foliage have made such a lovely addition to your garden. Hydrangeas really are a seasonal showstopper, and the BloomStruck® variety is especially admired for its vigor and vibrant colors.

If you’d ever like tips to help those beautiful blooms keep coming all season, consistent moisture during hot periods and occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer can work wonders. Also, making sure the plant gets morning sun and some afternoon shade really helps maintain bloom health and prevents wilting.

Thank you again for your thoughtful review—we’re thrilled the BloomStruck® Bigleaf Hydrangea is one of your favorites!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Shade garden

I have used hydrangeas in my shade garden for many years. Some of the Endless Summer hydrangeas like Bloomstruck are simply wonderful. Mine adds so much color and makes my shady area look bright.

Hi Bell,

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with the Endless Summer® BloomStruck® Bigleaf Hydrangea! We’re thrilled to hear that it’s been such a bright and colorful addition to your shade garden. Hydrangeas are truly wonderful for adding life to those shadier spots, and it sounds like you’ve mastered raising them beautifully.

If you’re ever looking for tips on extending blooming season or enhancing color intensity, make sure your soil is slightly acidic (pH around 5.2–5.5) and keep the plants consistently moist — they do appreciate regular watering but good drainage too. We also have some great care guides on our website that might inspire your next garden project.

Thanks again for your kind words, and happy gardening!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature size of Grape Explosion Bigleaf Hydrangea?

Grape Explosion Bigleaf Hydrangea stays compact and rounded with a uniform growth habit, making it perfect for small spaces. This petite variety works well as low hedging or in containers. Plant it where you need controlled size without sacrificing flower power.

What are the planting instructions for Grape Explosion Bigleaf Hydrangea upon arrival?

Plant immediately after arrival in well-draining, acidic soil (pH 6.5 or below) for best purple bloom color. Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and space for its compact, rounded growth habit. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch around the base to retain moisture.

How often should I water Grape Explosion Bigleaf Hydrangea, especially in the first year?

Water deeply 1-2 times weekly, keeping soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. In the first year, check soil moisture every few days as roots establish. Container plants need more frequent watering than ground plantings.

Is Grape Explosion Bigleaf Hydrangea cold hardy, and does it need winter protection like burlap wrapping?

Grape Explosion Bigleaf Hydrangea is hardy and easy-care, blooming on both old and new wood for reliable flowers. Since it flowers on current season's growth too, it doesn't require burlap wrapping like traditional macrophyllas. Simply mulch around the base in late fall for best results.

When and how should I prune Grape Explosion Bigleaf Hydrangea to avoid removing next year's blooms?

Prune Grape Explosion Bigleaf Hydrangea immediately after flowering ends in late summer. Since this cultivar blooms on both old and new wood, avoid heavy pruning that removes developing buds. Light shaping and deadheading work best to maintain blooms.

Is Grape Explosion the same as Hydrangea 'McKay', and what are the differences if any?

Grape Explosion and Hydrangea 'McKay' are different cultivars with distinct characteristics. McKay typically produces pink/white blooms and larger growth, while Grape Explosion stays compact with purple lacecap flowers in acidic soil. Choose Grape Explosion for smaller spaces and consistent purple color.

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

Grape Explosion Bigleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Grape Explosion'

Special Selection Grape Explosion Hydrangea