Hydrangea macrophylla Rotschwanz
Hydrangea macrophylla Rotschwanz
Hydrangea macrophylla Rotschwanz
Hydrangea macrophylla Rotschwanz
Hydrangea macrophylla Rotschwanz
Hydrangea macrophylla Rotschwanz
Bigleaf Hydrangea, French Hydrangea
The plant arrived last week in good condition. It made the journey lying flat but was none the worse for it. I’m waiting until next year to enjoy its flowering.
laurence, 03/10/2025
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Description
Hydrangea macrophylla 'Rotschwanz', obtained in Switzerland in the 1960s, is undoubtedly the reddest of the flat-headed hydrangeas, when grown naturally in neutral garden soil without bluing treatment. In this case, its inflorescences will display a collar of large florets in intense raspberry red, or carmine violet if the soil is very acidic. In the centre of this crown, very pale, almost white, buttons appear that become more or less pink or blue depending on the nature of the soil. Compact and unique, with an intense summer flowering, it is an absolute showstopper. It is perfect in a container, in a small hedge, or at the front of a large shrub border.
'Rotschwanz' is part of a series of hybrids called Teller, selected in 1987 at EFA in Wädenswil, Switzerland. All these hardy plants belong to the Hydrangeaceae family; their ancestors are native to China and Japan. 'Rotschwanz' forms a bush with a rounded and compact habit, reaching an average height and width of 1.2 m (3.9 ft). Its one-year-old, stiff and sturdy branches bear circular, flattened inflorescences (called "lace-cap"), measuring 12 cm to 15 cm (4.7 in to 5.9 in) wide. These are corymbs composed of fertile flowers in the centre, similar to small buttons, and larger, more showy sterile flowers on the periphery. The star-shaped sterile flowers of 'Rotschwanz' are composed of 4 elongated and slightly curved petals arranged in a cross. In neutral soil, the flowers will have a deep and intense red-pink hue, very rare in hydrangeas, before fading to wine red. The flowering period extends over beautiful dark green foliage. The leaves are opposite, reaching a minimum length of about 10 cm (3.9 in). They are simple, ovate to elliptical, end in a tapered point, and are coarsely toothed like a saw. Hydrangeas can live for at least 50 years. Their deciduous foliage falls in autumn.
'Rotschwanz' is a unique and remarkably colourful plant that won't go unnoticed in partially shaded areas of the garden or terrace. Hydrangeas are well known for brightening up the north side of houses. This one will thrive in east or west exposure without intense sun, both in flower beds and low hedges. This variety is particularly suitable for container cultivation. Although hydrangeas dislike limestone, they are not strictly acid-loving plants. Pair them with ferns, Japanese anemones, foxgloves, annual impatiens, or plant spring-flowering lilies and bulbs in front of their round silhouette. Enjoy their splendid flowering in the garden or indoors for a long time.
Advice: Don't prune too early! Leave the dried inflorescences on the plant and only cut them after spring frosts. They effectively protect the new growth and future flowers.
Hydrangea macrophylla Rotschwanz in pictures
Plant habit
Flowering
Foliage
Planting and care
Plant in spring or early autumn, preferably in a slightly shaded position, for example against an east-facing, west-facing, or even north-facing wall. Keep it sheltered from cold and drying winds. It does not require ericaceous soil, but appreciates deep, moist but well-drained, fairly fertile soil, possibly enriched with a good base fertiliser before planting.
If planting at the base of a protective wall and the soil is dry, place the root ball at least 30 cm to 40 cm (11.8 in to 15.7 in) away from it and incorporate a significant amount of well-decomposed compost to better retain moisture in the soil.
Very hardy, it can be planted in cold regions without fear.
As for pruning, remove faded flowers on the first bud or on the pair of buds directly below. Cut back a quarter or a third of the older stems to the base, when the plant is mature, to promote the formation of new shoots. Carry out this pruning every year during March and April.
Planting period
Intended location
Care
Planting & care advice
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Hardiness is the lowest winter temperature a plant can endure without suffering serious damage or even dying. However, hardiness is affected by location (a sheltered area, such as a patio), protection (winter cover) and soil type (hardiness is improved by well-drained soil).
In temperate climates, pruning of spring-flowering shrubs (forsythia, spireas, etc.) should be done just after flowering.
Pruning of summer-flowering shrubs (Indian Lilac, Perovskia, etc.) can be done in winter or spring.
In cold regions as well as with frost-sensitive plants, avoid pruning too early when severe frosts may still occur.
The harvesting period indicated on our website applies to countries and regions in USDA zone 8 (France, England, Ireland, the Netherlands).
In colder areas (Scandinavia, Poland, Austria...) fruit and vegetable harvests are likely to be delayed by 3-4 weeks.
In warmer areas (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), harvesting will probably take place earlier, depending on weather conditions.
The sowing periods indicated on our website apply to countries and regions within USDA Zone 8 (France, UK, Ireland, Netherlands).
In colder areas (Scandinavia, Poland, Austria...), delay any outdoor sowing by 3-4 weeks, or sow under glass.
In warmer climes (Italy, Spain, Greece, etc.), bring outdoor sowing forward by a few weeks.
The planting period indicated on our website applies to regions in USDA Zone 9a (East Coast and Midlands: Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny, Portlaoise). It will vary depending on where you live:
- On the west coast and in the north-west (Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Donegal, Westport), delay planting by 1 to 2 weeks in spring and bring it forward by 1 to 2 weeks in autumn compared to the dates given, preferably choosing periods without strong winds.
- In the inland hills and plateaus (Wicklow Mountains, Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, Connemara, Killarney), it is best to plant in spring (April–May) or autumn (September–October), avoiding periods of waterlogged soil in winter and strong winds, which pose the main risk to newly planted trees in these areas.
The flowering period indicated on our website applies to regions in USDA Zone 9a, such as the East Coast and Midlands, including Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Kilkenny and Portlaoise.
This will vary depending on where you live:
- On the west coast and in the northwest (Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Donegal and Westport), it will be delayed by one to two weeks compared to the given dates, due to stronger Atlantic winds and less spring sunshine.
- In the inland hills and plateaus (the Wicklow Mountains, the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, Connemara and Killarney), flowering will be delayed by two to three weeks. Flowering mainly occurs between May and July, with the limiting factors being less frost and more of the excessive humidity, strong winds and lack of sunshine that are characteristic of these areas.
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