(Big Leaf Hydrangea) Cityline™ Mars is a compact selection which blooms in the summer with unique bi-colored flowers.  It's an incredible plant with its very big, heavy red and white variegated long lasting flowers. Cityline™ Mars blooms can be changed from red to blue with the addition of aluminum sulfate.  The flowers will also change color to an attractive green with age.  Cityline™ Mars is a knockout flowering shrub. Excellent in groupings or masses, in perennial or shrub borders, as a specimen, screen or hedge.  Use in mixed containers, containers, or for fresh and dried cut flowers. Tired of floppy, weak stemmed Hydrangeas, especially when they're in full bloom? The Cityline™ Hydrangea series is the answer. These new and improved hybrids have strong stems with large flowers and vivid colors; each variety has a slightly different color shade. They only reach 1 to 3 feet in height and have a neat, tight habit along with dark green glossy foliage. The short habits of these beauties make it easy to protect them in the winter. Simply rake leaves on top of these little plants to ensure the flower buds are protected. Cityline™ Hydrangeas are what homeowners have been waiting. These maintenance free plants will require no pruning and that results in more flowers the next coming summer. They're all noted for excellent mildew resistance. Cityline™ Mars blooms on old wood so do not trim past mid August when next year's buds are forming. Flower colors will vary depending upon soil pH and the availability of Aluminum ions. Acid pH soil tends to shift color to blue flowers. Alkaline pH soils have an outcome of red flowers. Note: An easy way to induce blue flowers to alkaline pH soils is to add one tablespoon of Aluminum sulfate to a gallon of water and soak the roots in early spring. Repeat this treatment once; wait a few weeks after the first application. Introduction Year: 2009 Patent Strings: Cityline™ Mars Hydrangea macrophylla 'Ramars'