Botanical: Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Berlin Rabe’
Description: A Proven Winners® ColorChoice® shrub. Tired of floppy, weak stemmed hydrangeas, especially when they’re in full bloom?  This new and improved hybrid from Germany has tight sturdy stems and excellent mildew resistance.  This maintenance free plant will require no pruning and that results in more flowers the next coming summer.  Its intense fuchsia color will pop in your garden and fill your home with beautiful fresh or dried cut flowers.  The flowers age quite nicely into fall as well.  Growing tips: Best in well-drained soils that have been amended with peat moss, leaf mold or compost.  Flourishes by the ocean.  Pruning is usually not needed, but may be pruned immediately after planting.  Fertilize in early spring by applying a slow release fertilizer specialized for trees and shrubs.  Follow the label for the recommended rate of application.  Flower color is affected by soil pH.  For blue flowers the soil must be more acidic and for pink flowers the soil must be more alkaline.  Apply aluminum sulfate to the soil to encourage blue flowers.  PP#10912, PBRAF
Height: 1-3’
Spread: 3-4’
Uses: Great landscape plant that adds a dash of bright color.  Good in groupings or masses, in a perennial or shrub border, as a specimen, screen or hedge.  Use in mixed containers and transplant into the ground in fall.
Features: Compact, cut flower, dried flower, landscape plant, disease resistant
Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soils.  May need winter protection in northern climates.
Pruning: Prune to shape after flowering.
Habit: Mounded