Akadama® Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'SK2DAMA') is a compact bigleaf hydrangea prized for its rich, deep pink to red-purple flowers, dark green foliage, and long-lasting summer color. Growing approximately 4-5 feet tall and wide, it develops a dense, upright-mounded habit that works beautifully in both landscape beds and containers.
Large, rounded mophead flowers open deep pink and develop richer reddish-purple tones as they mature, creating an impressive display against the glossy dark green foliage. During cooler spring and fall weather, the foliage may develop attractive burgundy tones, providing additional seasonal interest.
Akadama is an excellent choice for foundation plantings, mixed borders, mass plantings, shaded gardens, containers, or as a colorful specimen. Its compact habit and dramatic flower color make it particularly useful where a traditional bigleaf hydrangea is desired without an overly large growth habit.
More About Akadama Hydrangea
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Low Maintenance
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Moderate Growing
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Deciduous Flowering Shrub
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Large Mophead Flowers
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Long-Lasting Blooms
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Rich Pink to Red-Purple Flowers
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Foundation Planting, Mixed Border, Mass Planting, Container, Accent, Specimen
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Compact, Upright-Mounded Habit
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Attractive Burgundy Foliage in Cooler Weather
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Excellent Cut Flower
Height: 4-5 Feet
Spread: 4-5 Feet
Hardiness Zone: 6-9
Characteristics
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Sun Exposure: Morning Sun to Part Shade
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Season of Interest: Summer, Fall
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Soil Moisture: Average to Moist, Well Draining
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Attributes: Flowering, Compact, Upright, Mounding
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Foliage Color: Dark Green, Developing Burgundy Tones in Cooler Weather
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Flower Color: Deep Pink to Red-Purple
Care & Maintenance Tips
Planting:
Plant in morning sun to part shade. Akadama performs especially well where it receives morning sunlight with protection from intense afternoon heat. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
Watering:
Water consistently during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Bigleaf hydrangeas perform best with consistent moisture and should not be allowed to remain excessively dry during hot summer weather.
Fertilizing:
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring if needed. Avoid excessive fertilization, which can encourage excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowering.
Pruning:
Avoid unnecessary heavy pruning. If shaping is required, prune shortly after flowering. Remove dead or damaged stems as needed and avoid aggressive late-season pruning that could remove developing flower buds.
Winter Care:
In colder portions of its growing range, plant Akadama in a protected location and maintain adequate mulch around the root zone. Protecting stems and flower buds from severe winter conditions can help ensure the best flowering the following season.
