Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Rotschwanz’

Covered in clouds of showy flowers for months, Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Rotschwanz’ is a rounded deciduous shrub laden with large flat flowers from mid to late summer. The flower heads are composed of large, fluted, and twirled, rich red-wine florets radiating around a central cluster of tiny fertile white and pink flowers. In alkaline soils, the flower heads take on purple hues. The profuse blossoms are beautifully framed by the foliage of glossy dark green leaves, which turns wine-red in the fall. ‘Rotschwanz’ is an outstanding landscape shrub for lightly shaded gardens. Great for cutting, its flowers can be used in dried flower arrangements.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society for its noteworthy qualities
• This deciduous shrub has a round, bushy habit, typically growing up to 3-4 ft. tall and wide (90-120 cm)
• A part shade lover, it is best grown in rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerant of sun if the soil remains moist.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Watch for aphids, capsid bug, hydrangea scale and vine weevil.
• Perfect from foundation plantings to container plantings. Massed in a sheltered location or as an accent plant.
• To change the color of your Hydrangea, add aluminum sulfate to the soil to make the flowers bluer or add lime to the soil to make them pinker. Treatment should occur ahead of time (late fall or early spring)
• This beautiful deciduous shrub should be pruned after flowering by cutting back the stems to a pair of healthy buds. Prune out weak or winter-damaged stems in early spring.
• Hydrangea macrophylla species is native to Japan. It is reported from seaside habitats as well as mountains in Japan, from Honshu southwards. This species has naturalized in China, New Zealand and the Americas.
• May cause mild stomach upset if ingested, and contact with foliage may aggravate skin allergies. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.