Color Fantasy® Hydrangea

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Color Fantasy'

Plants that Work®

Dual-Color Blooms Shift from Deep Red-Pink to Rich Violet-Purple Based on Soil PH
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 2-3 ft Tall and Wide
Showy Purple Blooms From Early Summer to Late Summer
Top Pick for Privacy Screen or Hedge

$37⁴⁶

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Plant Size

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant in a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade, aiming for 4 to 6 hours of direct light. While it handles more shade than other shrubs, too much shade will result in fewer flower clusters and muted leaf colors.
Soil: These hydrangeas love rich, loamy soil that holds moisture without becoming a swamp. If you have heavy clay, mix in organic compost to improve drainage, or use a raised bed to keep the roots from sitting in stagnant water.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, provide about one inch of water per week to help the root system anchor itself. Once established, Color Fantasy® is moderately drought tolerant but still requires consistent moisture during the heat of summer to prevent the large leaves from wilting. Inconsistent watering often leads to "scorched" leaf edges and smaller flower heads because the plant cannot support its lush foliage.

Pruning Tips

This hydrangea blooms on old wood, which means the flower buds for next year are set during the current summer. Only prune immediately after the flowers fade in late summer so you do not accidentally cut off next year’s "flower batteries" that are already charging. Think of it like a light haircut; remove spent blooms and any dead or crossing branches to improve airflow and keep the center of the shrub healthy.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer designed for flowering shrubs in early spring as new growth emerges. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer because this encourages tender green growth that will be easily killed by the first frost. Instead, focus on phosphorus-rich blends if you want to boost the intensity of those deep red blooms.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

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

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

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
Hardiness Zone	6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	2-3 ft
Width	2-3 ft
Watering Needs	High
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Upright
Blooms In	Summer
Flower Color	Purple
Foliage Color	Green
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors
Plant Name	Hydrangea
Botanical Name	Hydrangea macrophylla 'Color Fantasy'
Species	macrophylla
Cultivar	Color Fantasy
Class	Magnoliopsida, Cornales
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Color Fantasy® Bigleaf Hydrangea

Get ready for a spectacular burst of color with the gorgeous mopheads of the Color Fantasy® Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Color Fantasy'). This eye-catching shrub produces bold, deep red-pink blooms that stand out against its lush, dark green foliage, creating a show-stopping display from summer through fall. If grown in acidic soil, the flowers may develop into a rich, violet-purple hue, offering ever-changing beauty throughout the season.

Designed to thrive in full sun to partial shade, this reblooming Bigleaf Hydrangea keeps producing fresh flowers, ensuring a continuous wave of color in your landscape. With its compact size, strong stems, and disease resistance, Color Fantasy® is an excellent choice to create a romantic cottage garden feel or add bold accents to your outdoor space, this easy-to-grow shrub is the perfect addition!

Why You'll Love Color Fantasy® Bigleaf Hydrangea

Brilliant Deep Red-Pink Flowers ? A rich, striking color that pops in any landscape.
Color-Changing Potential ? In acidic soil, flowers may shift to a gorgeous violet-purple hue.
Long Blooming Season ? Blooms from early summer through fall, providing extended beauty.
Reblooming Variety ? Continuously produces fresh flowers for a vibrant garden all season.
Compact & Manageable Growth ? Stays a tidy 2-3 feet tall and wide, perfect for small spaces.
Hardy & Reliable ? Thrives in USDA zones 5-9, returning year after year with even more blooms.
Strong Stems & Disease Resistance ? Flowers stay upright, no drooping, even after rain! Perfect for fresh & dried floral arrangements ? Long-lasting flowers add beauty indoors and outdoors.
Perfect for Containers ? Makes a stunning patio feature or entryway statement.

Best Ways to Use Color Fantasy® Hydrangea in Your Garden

With its rich, bold blooms and compact habit, this Hydrangea is a versatile stunner in any landscape. Try planting it to:

Create a Stunning Hedge or Border ? Line pathways or property edges with vibrant, long-lasting blooms.
Enhance Mixed Flower Beds ? Pairs beautifully with other perennials, shrubs, and evergreens of all kinds. Add a bold pop of color to Cottage gardens.
Show Off in Containers ? Adds a luxurious splash of color to patios, decks, and balconies.
Brighten Up Foundation Plantings ? Perfect for planting near entryways or front yards.
Mix in a Pollinator Garden ? Attracts butterflies and beneficial insects while adding a pop of color.
Mass Plant for a Dramatic Floral Display ? A cluster of these shrubs creates a breathtaking wave of red-pink flowers.

Easy Hydrangea Growing & Care Guide

Hydrangeas are very easy to grow deciduous shrubs!

Sunlight: Prefers partial shade to full sun; morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal in warmer climates.
Soil: Grows best in moist, well-drained soil; acidic soil may turn blooms violet-purple.
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, especially in hot weather, but avoid overwatering.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required?trim only right after flowers fade to encourage fresh growth.
Spacing: Plant 3-4 feet apart for a dense, lush display.
Bigleaf Hydrangea flowers are pH dependent ? acidic soil will make them pinker, and alkaline soils make the flowers more blue. For a purple hue, keep your soil more neutral to acid.

Order Color Fantasy® Bigleaf Hydrangea Today!

If you want continuous color, bold blooms, and easy-care beauty, Color Fantasy® Bigleaf Hydrangea is the perfect addition to your garden. Its vibrant flowers, reliable reblooming habit, and compact growth make it an excellent choice for any outdoor space. Order today at Nature Hills and let your garden shine with the dazzling blooms of Color Fantasy® Bigleaf Hydrangea!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Color Fantasy® Hydrangea change flower colors, and how?

Yes, Color Fantasy® Hydrangea flowers can shift from deep red-pink to violet-purple in acidic soil. The color change happens naturally based on your soil's pH level. Test your soil pH and add sulfur or aluminum sulfate to increase acidity if you want the purple tones.

What soil pH is needed for pink vs. blue blooms on Color Fantasy® Hydrangea?

Color Fantasy® produces deep red-pink blooms in neutral to alkaline soil, while acidic soil shifts flowers to rich violet-purple hues. For pink blooms, maintain soil pH above 7.0; for purple tones, keep pH below 6.0. Test your soil and amend accordingly when you shop at Nature Hills.

What are the sunlight requirements for Color Fantasy® Hydrangea?

Color Fantasy® Hydrangea thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. This adaptable shrub performs well with 4-6 hours of morning sunlight followed by afternoon shade, especially in warmer zones 7-9. In cooler zones 5-6, it can handle more direct sun throughout the day.

When and how should I prune Color Fantasy® Hydrangea?

Prune Color Fantasy® Hydrangea in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Since this is a reblooming variety, avoid heavy pruning that could remove flower buds. Simply deadhead spent blooms and remove any dead or damaged wood to maintain its compact 2-3 foot size.

Is Color Fantasy® Hydrangea winter hardy, and how do I protect it?

Color Fantasy® Hydrangea is winter hardy in USDA zones 5-9 and returns each year with more blooms. In colder zones, apply 2-3 inches of mulch around the base after the first frost to protect roots. Shop at Nature Hills for this reliable reblooming variety.

Can I plant Color Fantasy® Hydrangea in pots or containers?

Color Fantasy® Hydrangea thrives in containers with its compact 2-3 foot size. This makes it perfect for patios and entryways in zones 5-9. Use a large pot with drainage holes and quality potting mix for best results.

What fertilizer is best for Color Fantasy® Hydrangea?

Use a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring for best results with Color Fantasy® Hydrangea. Apply again in midsummer to support its reblooming habit through fall. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which can reduce flowering and affect the color-changing potential in acidic soils.

How is Color Fantasy® Hydrangea shipped, and is it bare root or potted?

Color Fantasy® Hydrangea ships as a potted plant, not bare root. This ensures the root system is well-established and protected during transit. Plant immediately upon arrival or keep watered until you're ready to transplant into your garden.