Cityline Mars Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Cityline Mars’)
Cityline Mars Bigleaf Hydrangea is a compact, strong-stemmed mophead valued for bi-color blooms with crisp white edges that open pink in neutral to alkaline soils or deepen to violet in acidic soils. Dense foliage and tidy habit deliver high-impact color on a small footprint for foundations and borders.
Distinctive Features
Sturdy, non-flopping stems support large, white-edged flower heads that shift from clear pink to deep violet with soil pH; glossy, high-quality foliage and naturally compact growth reduce maintenance.
Growing Conditions
- Sun Exposure: Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal; avoid hot, reflected exposures.
- Soil: Moist, well drained, humus-rich soil; color shifts with pH and aluminum availability.
- Water: Keep evenly moist, especially during bud and bloom; do not allow prolonged dryness.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 9.
- Mature Size: About 1.5 to 3 ft tall and 2 to 3 ft wide.
Ideal Uses
- Focal Point: White-edged, pink to violet mopheads create striking seasonal displays.
- Foundation Planting: Compact habit fits windows and entry beds without flopping.
- Mixed Borders: Pairs with hostas, ferns, and summer perennials.
- Containers: Performs in large pots with consistent moisture and shade.
- Cut Flowers: Long-lasting heads for fresh arrangements.
Low Maintenance Care
- Watering: Water deeply and regularly in summer; mulch to keep roots cool and moist.
- Pruning: Bloom primarily on old wood; prune lightly after flowering to shape and remove spent heads.
- Fertilizing: Feed in spring with a balanced fertilizer; for violet tones use soil acidifiers with aluminum, for pink tones use garden lime.
- Mulching: Maintain a 2 inch organic mulch, keeping it off the stems.
- Notes: Protect swelling buds from late frosts; avoid heavy spring pruning that removes flower set.
Why Choose Cityline Mars Bigleaf Hydrangea?
- Bold Bi-Color: White-edged heads shift from pink to deep violet with soil chemistry.
- Compact Form: Strong, short internodes resist flopping and suit small spaces.
- High-Quality Foliage: Dense, glossy leaves enhance summer display.
- Versatile Placement: Equally at home in borders, foundations, and containers.
- Reliable Performance: Consistent flowering with minimal pruning needs.
Provide morning sun, afternoon shade, steady moisture, and light post-bloom pruning to maintain dense growth and richly colored, white-edged flowers.
