Cityline® Rio Hydrangea

The Cityline® Rio Hydrangea is a small and compact shrub with dramatic color. It is a German hybrid developed for its low and tight-growing habit. It is virtually maintenance free due to its small and compact nature and resistance to mildew. Extravagantly colored 6 inch flower heads rest atop stems that are highly pigmented in color. Color varies due to pH level of the soil, but each flower boasts lime green centers upon first opening up.

Features: The Cityline® Rio Hydrangea is a small and compact shrub that requires no pruning to stay neat and tidy. The small structure and size of The Cityline® Rio Hydrangea allows it to be placed in many areas with no worries of over growth. The plant may be petite in size, but that does not inhibit the flowers from being very large and vibrant. Acidic soil produces blue to purple colored flowers while alkaline soil produces pink flowers. All flowers, no matter the pH level of the soil, will produce unique, lime green centers upon first opening up.

When planting your Cityline Rio Hydrangea be sure you have the right location and conditions for your new plants to thrive. Spring and Fall are ideal times to plant Hydrangeas. Avoid planting hydrangeas in summer when temperatures are mid80s or higher.

The Cityline Rio Hydrangea requires full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained, fertile soil. In hot climates, hydrangeas will do best with some shade. If you have alkaline soil and want a blue hydrangea, be sure to amend your soil. To acidify your soil, amend with aluminum sulfate or elemental sulfur. If you are seeking a pink color, add lime several times per year. Keep the soil moist, but not saturated, especially in summer and in the first year after planting. Throughout its life Hydrangeas will do best with a deep watering once weekly during hot temperatures. Mulching at about 3 inches deep is highly recommended for hydrangeas. Mulching will cut back on watering needs and protect your plant in extreme temperatures. Choose a slow release fertilizer for flowering plants. Fertilize once in spring after the last chance of frost and again in early summer for best results. You don’t need to prune hydrangeas, but pruning after they are done blooming can help encourage a bushier growth and renew an older plant.

The best way to prevent disease and pests is by providing the appropriate care for your plants. Proper location choice, watering, and fertilization are the keys to your success. You can treat mites, scale, whiteflies, and aphids naturally with neem oil or insecticidal soap. For severe infections you can use pesticides like carbaryl, also known as Sevin. Fungal infection can be prevented by making sure the planting site has good drainage and by avoiding overhead watering. Fungal infections can be treated with a fungicide. Generally, treating fungus after infection isn't effective so if you have problems with other plants or in a prior year, treat preventatively in early spring.

The Cityline® Rio Hydrangea can be used anywhere in your landscaping. The small and compact nature of this shrub allows it to fit in smaller spaces without the worry of it becoming to big and hard to maintain. Use is as a border or even a hedge. Plant it in groups in front of a privacy tree fence to add contrast and pops of color. This shrub will even do well in a container or as a lone specimen.