Bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla 'Berlin Rabe' CITYLINE BERLIN)
The compact Hydrangea macrophylla 'Berlin Rabe' CITYLINE BERLIN offers showy pink-to-blue mophead blooms from July to August in Zones 6-9.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Berlin Rabe’ CITYLINE BERLIN, a celebrated Bigleaf hydrangea cultivar, brings reliable, rounded summer color to temperate gardens. This compact deciduous shrub is valued for its snowball-like mophead inflorescences that provide a long-lasting focal point from mid-summer into early fall. Gardeners appreciate the flexibility of its color, which shifts from pink to blue based on soil chemistry, making site selection critical for achieving the desired hue.
As part of the CITYLINE SERIES, this specific variety offers a manageable size, typically reaching only 2 to 3 feet tall. This makes Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Berlin Rabe’ CITYLINE BERLIN ideal for smaller spaces or formal foundation plantings where larger hydrangeas might overwhelm the structure. Its glossy, dark green foliage provides excellent summer texture, framing the vibrant blooms beautifully.
Reliable growth in USDA Zones 6 through 9 ensures this Bigleaf hydrangea is a dependable choice for many regions seeking medium-maintenance shrubs with high visual impact. Ensure medium moisture levels and part shade exposure for optimal performance of Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Berlin Rabe’ CITYLINE BERLIN during its long blooming season.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Hydrangeaceae
- Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-3 ft
- Spread: 3-4 ft
- Bloom Time: July to August
- Bloom Description: Pink to blue
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
For the best establishment, plant Bigleaf hydrangea in rich, medium-moisture, well-drained soils during the spring or fall. While Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Berlin Rabe’ CITYLINE BERLIN prefers part shade, it can tolerate full sun if the soil conditions remain consistently moist throughout the hottest parts of the day. Soil pH management is key for color manipulation; acidic soils (via aluminum sulfate) yield blue flowers, while alkaline soils (via lime) encourage pink coloration.
Watering should be consistent to maintain even soil moisture, reflecting the “Medium” water needs of this shrub. Pruning is minimal for this variety. If necessary, prune immediately after flowering concludes by cutting back the stems that have bloomed to a set of healthy, visible buds. Always remove any weak or winter-damaged wood in the very late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Mulching annually with about 3 inches of shredded bark, compost, or peat helps conserve soil moisture and moderate soil temperatures around the roots. While winter hardy to Zone 6, gardeners in Zone 5 or colder microclimates should site plants in sheltered areas and consider adding winter protection to safeguard flower buds from severe cold snaps or unexpected temperature fluctuations.
Landscape Uses
The compact stature of Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Berlin Rabe’ CITYLINE BERLIN makes it incredibly versatile in landscape design. Consider using it for formal or informal hedges where a controlled height of 2 to 3 feet is desired. They also serve excellently as foundational plantings near homes or patios, offering controlled height that won’t obscure windows.
For mass plantings, group several of these Bigleaf hydrangeas together along shrub borders for a sweeping display of summer color. For gardeners looking for year-round interest, Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Berlin Rabe’ CITYLINE BERLIN functions well in large containers, allowing for relocation based on seasonal needs or sun exposure optimization. Pair them with shade-tolerant perennials like hostas or astilbes that share similar soil and moisture preferences.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Good Cut
- Good Dried
Noteworthy Characteristics
Hydrangea macrophylla, commonly called big leaf hydrangea, is a deciduous shrub with a rounded habit that, in the St. Louis area, typically grows 3-6’ tall and as wide unless damaged by harsh winters or pruned smaller. The specific cultivar, ‘Berlin Rabe’, commonly sold under the trademark name of CITYLINE BERLIN, is a mophead type growing to 2-3’ tall and 3-4’ wide, featuring rounded snowball-like 6-inch diameter inflorescences. These blooms transition between bright pink in alkaline soils and deep blue in acidic soils, offering reliable summer color on old wood.
Potential Problems
Some susceptibility to bud blight, bacterial wilt, leaf spot and mildew can occur. Aphids are occasional visitors that should be managed if populations become heavy. Maintaining good air circulation through proper spacing and responsible pruning helps mitigate fungal issues like leaf spot and mildew. Treating aphids early with insecticidal soap can prevent significant infestation.
Tolerances
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Bigleaf hydrangea suitable for?
Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Berlin Rabe’ CITYLINE BERLIN is winter hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 9, allowing for reliable perennial growth across a wide temperate range.
How large does Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Berlin Rabe’ CITYLINE BERLIN grow?
This specific cultivar is quite compact, typically maturing to a height between 2 and 3 feet, with a spread ranging from 3 to 4 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Bigleaf hydrangea need?
This shrub thrives best when provided with part shade, though it can tolerate full sun if the gardener ensures the soil remains consistently moist throughout the growing season.
When does Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Berlin Rabe’ CITYLINE BERLIN bloom?
You can expect rounded clusters of flowers on this Bigleaf hydrangea from July through August, displaying shades of pink to blue depending on soil pH levels.
Conclusion
The compact, colorful display offered by Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Berlin Rabe’ CITYLINE BERLIN makes it an excellent addition for gardeners seeking mid-sized shrubs with rich summer impact. Its ability to shift flower color based on simple soil amendments adds a layer of horticultural fun to this reliable Bigleaf hydrangea. Check your historical winter temperatures and ensure your site offers part shade, then plan to plant in spring for season-long enjoyment.
Companion Planting
Selecting appropriate neighbors helps Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Berlin Rabe’ CITYLINE BERLIN thrive visually and ecologically. Since this shrub requires medium moisture and part shade, consider pairing it with other woodland edge plants. Hostas, ferns, and Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa) provide excellent textural contrast beneath the large leaves of the hydrangea while sharing similar cultural needs regarding shade and consistent hydration.
For color companions during the summer bloom period, try linking the mophead texture of this Bigleaf hydrangea with plants that offer slender vertical lines, such as white or purple salvias or tall shade-tolerant digitalis (foxglove). Keeping companion species mulched heavily will help retain the moisture critical for both the hydrangea and its understory partners.
Design Ideas for Mophead Hydrangeas
The mophead form of Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Berlin Rabe’ CITYLINE BERLIN, with its large, globe-shaped flowers, works perfectly as a repeating element in formal garden designs. Planting them in odd-numbered groups along a walkway establishes rhythm and guides the eye. Because these blooms last well into late season, they can anchor mixed borders that transition from spring bulbs to late-summer perennials.
Utilize the bloom color manipulation to control the scheme. A series of blue Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Berlin Rabe’ CITYLINE BERLIN shrubs can create a cooling effect alongside silvery foliage plants like Lamb’s Ears or Artemisia. Conversely, emphasizing pink tones looks vibrant when combined with warm-colored blooms like deep red astilbes or coral heucheras planted nearby.
