How to Grow Cityline Hydrangea - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Cityline hydrangea is a deciduous shrub that is native to Asia. The plant has large, dark green leaves and produces white or pink flowers in the summer. Hydrangeas are popular ornamental plants and cityline hydrangeas are commonly used in landscaping. The plants are easy to care for and require little maintenance.

How to Grow Cityline Hydrangea - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Cityline Carmen
  • Cityline Mars
  • Cityline Rio
  • Cityline Venice
  • Cityline Paris

Common Knowledge

  • Cityline hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs that can grow up to 6 feet tall and wide.
  • They have large, showy flower clusters that bloom in shades of pink, purple, and white.
  • Cityline hydrangeas are relatively low-maintenance and easy to care for.
  • They are drought-tolerant once established and prefer well-drained, moist soil.
  • Flowering typically occurs in mid to late summer.
  • Pruning is not necessary but can be done to shape the plant or remove any damaged or unwanted branches.
  • Cityline hydrangeas are relatively disease and pest-resistant.
  • They are also tolerant of salt and clay soils.
  • Cityline hydrangeas make excellent cut flowers.
  • They are suitable for use in shrub borders, foundation plantings, or as standalone specimens.

Related plant:
Cityline Paris Hydrangea

Growing Steps

  1. For cityline hydrangea, first step is to choose a location with full sun to partial sun.
  2. Prepare the soil by tilling or digging to a depth of at least 12 inches.
  3. Add organic matter to the soil such as compost, manure, or peat moss.
  4. Hydrangeas prefer a soil with a pH of 5 to Test your soil and adjust the pH accordingly.
  5. After the soil is prepared, dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball.
  6. Place the cityline hydrangea in the hole and backfill with the soils, adding water as you go.
  7. Once the plant is backfilled, water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
  8. Add a layer of mulch around the base of the plant, being careful not to pile the mulch too high on the stems.
  9. Cityline hydrangeas are generally low maintenance and do not need to be fertilizer unless the plant is not growing well.
  10. Prune as needed to maintain the desired shape.

Related plant:
Cityline Mars Hydrangea

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, the cityline hydrangea grows best in rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. It tolerates some shade, but performs best in full sun. Be sure to water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system.

About light

So, like the other hydrangeas, the cityline hydrangea needs at least 4 hours of sun each day to produce the best blooms. If you live in an area with very hot summers, it's best to plant this hydrangea in a spot that gets some afternoon shade.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is ideal for cityline hydrangeas is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Cityline hydrangeas thrive in humid environments, so they are often found in cities with high humidity levels. They can tolerate brief periods of cooler temperatures, but they will not tolerate prolonged periods of cold weather.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50%. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will begin to wilt and the flowers will drop. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will begin to yellow and the plant will become overall stressed.

Fertilizer Requirement

Mentioning fertilizer, usually the plant food that is applied to cityline hydrangeas is a water-soluble, well-balanced fertilizer that is applied every two weeks during the growing season. A 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 fertilizer is fine. If you are using a fertilizer with a lower middle number, such as 5-10-5, then use it at half the recommended rate. A good way to know if your cityline hydrangea needs fertilizer is to dig up a shovelful of soil from around the plant and look at the handful of soil. If the soil is dark and crumbly, it probably doesn't need fertilizer. If the soil is light colored and sandy, it probably needs fertilizer.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of keeping your cityline hydrangea looking its best. You should prune in early spring, before new growth begins. Cut back any dead or damaged branches, and then trim back the remaining branches by about one-third. This will encourage new growth and help keep your plant compact and full.

The Propagation

Propagation is typically done via rooting stem cuttings taken from the desired plant. The cuttings should be 6-8 inches long and taken from new growth. The bottom leaves should be removed and the cutting should be placed in moistened potting mix. The cutting should be placed in a humid environment and the potting mix should be kept moist. After a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots and can be transplanted to a new pot or location.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is reported as being between 1 and 2 feet per year. However, some gardeners have found that their cityline hydrangeas have grown much more quickly than that. One gardener reported that her cityline hydrangea grew 4 feet in one year!

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are aphids, mites, and whiteflies. These pests are usually controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. However, if the infestation is severe, you may need to use a stronger insecticide. Also, powdery mildew can be a problem, especially in shady, humid conditions. To prevent powdery mildew, make sure the plant has good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. If powdery mildew does occur, you can treat it with a fungicide.

Growing Tips

  • Do not forget to water your plant regularly. At least once a week is ideal, but more often is better.
  • Fertilize your plant monthly using a balanced fertilizer.
  • Place your plant in a location where it will receive plenty of sunlight.
  • Prune your plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  • Check for pests and diseases regularly and take action to control them if necessary.
  • Amend your soil regularly with compost or other organic matter.
  • Be patient! It can take several years for a hydrangea to reach its full potential.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment. Try different pruning techniques or fertilizers to see what works best for your plant.
  • Pay attention to the weather. Hydrangeas are very sensitive to changes in temperature and moisture levels.
  • Have fun! Growing hydrangeas can be a rewarding experience.

Alternative Plants

  • City Line Venus hydrangea
  • City line merlot hydrangea
  • City line ruby hydrangea
  • City line panache hydrangea
  • City line pearl hydrangea
  • City line burgundy hydrangea
  • City line white hydrangea
  • City line violetta hydrangea
  • City line pink hydrangea
  • City line red hydrangea

Source:
Hydrangea - North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Take a Look at Hydrangeas - Penn State Extension
Selecting Hydrangeas for the Home Landscape | Ohioline

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category