Hydrangea Cityline ™ Mars is another Color Choice Plant. The Hydrangea macrophylla 'Vienna Ramars' PPAF makes a welcome addition to any garden or landscape with its attractive pink and white variegated blossoms. The Cityline ™ Mars Hydrangea grows to approximately 3 feet tall and will spread 2 to 3 feet wide. With its compact shape, the Mars Cityline ™ Hydrangea also works well as a border in a sunny to partially shaded spot. Blooms on the this hydrangea fade to a beautiful shade of green as they age. Cityline ™ Hydrangeas bloom colors will be altered by the pH level of the soil. For Pink blooms add dolomite lime several times a year. Shoot for a pH of 6.0 to 6.2. Above 6.4 and they may experience iron deficiency. Choose a fertilizer with a high level of phosphorus ration (such as 25/10/10). For Blue blossoms add aluminum sulfate to soil. Authorities recommend a solution of ½ oz. (1 tsp) aluminum sulfate per gallon of water be applied to plants, which must be 2 to 3 years old, throughout the growing season. Water plants extremely well before these applications as it can burn the roots. An organic route to blue blossoms is to add coffee grounds, fruit and vegetable peels and grass clippings to the soil around the plants. Select a fertilizer with a low in phosphorus ratio such as 25/5/30. Aim for a pH of 5.2 to 5.5. Avoid superphosphates and bone meal when attempting to control the color.
Sometimes it can be easier to control the color issues when the hydrangeas are planted in containers. Hydrangeas planted in the ground near a foundation may never produce a blue shade due to the lime leaching out from the cement.
Hydrangea Cityline ™ growing and care information: The Cityline ™ series of hydrangeas will grow in areas with sun to partial shade. They perform best in soil with high organic matter. Their water level should be monitored, as they generally require a higher moisture level than other shrubs.
After planting and plant begins to grow, pinch or clip the branch tips just enough to remove the newest growth to control branching. Repeat this through the first growing season to force the plant into producing new stems. Continue pinching or lightly shearing on into the second growing season until early August. At this time stop any pruning or pinching to the plant. This allows time for the plant to set buds for blooming next season. As the plant ages, any pruning should be done by early August or immediately after blooming.
Fertilize in spring with a slow release fertilizer.
Greenwood offers the Hydrangea Cityline ™ Mars as heavily rooted plants grown in gallon containers (trade gallon). They are the perfect addition for both new and established gardens and work well as border plants.
Planting Instructions:
Planting Shrubs
Video on the basics for planting container grown plants:
http://www.youtube.com/user/GreenwoodNursery
