This compact Bigleaf Hydrangea offers mildew-resistant foliage and strong stems holding lush, 6in flower heads -- deep blue-purple on acid soils, pink on alkaline -- with striking green eyes. Cityline® Rio is part of a German series bred for low, tight-growing habit that requires little or no pruning. Flowers on old wood. 'Ragra' PPAF

Hydrangea is a valuable genus of some 100 species of shrubs and vines grown for their large and very showy flower heads. Hydrangeas are at their best in summer and fall -- quiet time for most woody plants -- and are worth having for that reason alone. For information on Hydrangea care, click on "Growing Guide."