Hydrangea macrophylla Rotschwanz

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.