Rotschwanz Hydrangea

Rotschwanz Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Rotschwanz') is a lacecap hydrangea about 1.2m tall and wide, with vibrant pink-red flowers from early summer. The name is German for red tail. It loves shade, shrugs off frost, and has been given the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Why you'll love it

• Vivid pink-red lacecaps. Papery petals surround a cluster of tiny true flowers, in one of the most saturated colours in the hydrangea family.
• A recognised performer. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it the Award of Garden Merit.
• At home in shade. It lights up positions in part shade to shade, and it shrugs off frost.
• A twist with acid soil. On acid soil the colour can slide towards magenta purple.
• Tidy size. About 1.2m tall and wide, so it fits most borders without crowding its neighbours, and it also lives happily in a large pot.

Where it works best

Shaded borders. Plant 1m apart in the shade of buildings or open trees, where the vivid colour lights up a dim corner.

Under trees. Rich leaf-litter soil and dappled light suit it, as long as it gets plenty of water in summer.

Cutting and cottage gardens. The lacecap heads cut well and suit informal planting.

Growing Rotschwanz Hydrangea in Australia

Position and climate. Choose a spot in part shade or shade, cool and protected from harsh sunlight. It is frost hardy and suits cool temperate and warm temperate gardens; in subtropical gardens it needs deep shade and regular water. Morning light gives the best flowering, while hot afternoon sun scorches the leaves.

Soil. Rich, moist, well-drained soil with plenty of compost. It copes with clay if the drainage is reasonable.

Water and feed. Water regularly for the first 8 to 12 weeks, then keep it well watered in dry periods. One feed of slow release fertiliser when the buds swell in spring is enough.

Pruning. Next summer's buds sit on last year's stems, so keep pruning light. Take faded heads off just above a healthy leaf pair. All parts are toxic if eaten, to people and pets.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Rotschwanz Hydrangea as tube stock only. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once potted on or planted out. Flowers build over the first couple of seasons as the plant fills out. Unpack on arrival, water, and keep it out of hot sun until planted. Plant it out within a few days, mulch well, and water deeply until the roots take hold.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse all hydrangeas
• Hydrangea care through the seasons
• Plants for full shade
• More flowering plants

Common questions

What does Rotschwanz mean?

It is German for red tail, a nod to the vivid pink-red of the flowers. The plant is a lacecap, with a ring of larger petals around a small centre.

Will it grow in full shade?

It does well in part shade to shade. A few hours of gentle morning light gives the best flowering, while deep all-day shade means fewer flowers.

Why are my flowers more purple than pink?

Acid soil can shade the flowers towards magenta purple. That is normal and not a fault.