Contrary to the use of the word 'red' in the name of hydrangeas, many hydrangea mopheads will have blooms that react to the soil acidity. That includes Lady in Red (LIR). As a result, LIR lacecaps should bloom pink/white to blue/white -depends on the soil pH- and then turn a shade of pink as they age. Adding lime to acidic soil and ammending the soil with super triple phosphate will make the soil less acidic (ph of 6.2 is a start) and eventually make the blooms come out a shade of pink/red. The shrub produces very nice fall foliage once established. See the link below for more information. Luis

Here is a link that might be useful: Lady In Red Website

Luis, Thank you for the information you sent to me re Lady In Red. I have printed it all and will follow the advice given. I still am shocked with the length of her branches, and now will have to take the pruners in hand, along with the lime and triple phosphate and get to work. The info describes LIR as a "compact" bush. They haven't seen mine!
On another subject, the leaves on my other hydrangeas that have turned yellowish with dark green veins, is no doubt an iron deficiency, but I need help when purchasing the correct iron product (by name) if you know it. Thanks again, Luis.

You can use aluminum sulphate (as long as you keep it away from azaleas and rhodies) or garden sulphur or iron-chelated liquid products. The first two are available here at most local nurseries while the last one is available at most all nurseries including HD and Lowes.

One thing that puzzles me though... If you are having an iron chlorosis problem then that means that the soil is alkaline and, if it is alkaline, why are the blooms coming out blue? If the acidity went down after the blooms opened, maybe that might explain it.

Here is a link that might be useful: Iron Chelated Product by Greenlight

Mine is sulking also, but I suspect she isn't getting enough watering. I think I'll move her and see if I get some 6' shoots, and blooms. I'd be thrilled as she has not bloomed yet and was planted in the fall of 2006...sigh.

Sue

I have used Ironite to treat chlorosis problems, but be aware that it contains trace amounts of inert Lead and Arsenic. If you want an organic product, you can use Milorganite, which contains 4% Iron(Fe). It is in pelletized form and does not need to be watered in.
Most soils contain sufficient amounts of Iron, but it is sometimes unavailable to plants because it becomes bound by other chemicals into compounds.
Iron sulphate is probably the least expensive form of treatment. Mix a half-cup into about 5 gallons of compost and spread around the plant and water it in. Spring & fall are best times to apply.
Rb

Donna, have you ever had a soil test done? It might be a good idea before attempting to adjust your ph so you know exactly what you are dealing with.

Unless in an area where somewhat new cement drives or patios, house foundation have been poured, there really are only acidic soils here on the W Coast, perfect for rhododendrons and azaleas, many other things, not so good for the pink or red hydrangeas. And that's OK with me, I let nature take its course and am content with healthy plants - and I like blue :)

Thanks to all who have written to assist me with LADY IN BLUE and the iron deficiency problem. What do any of you think about the crazy branches growing and growing so long? And from each long branch, now laying on the soil, upright growth is thick and growing. I haven't pruned them because I wanted to enjoy the flowers but I cannot have this monster spreading everywhere. The plant is now taking up about 14 feet in a spread. Wish I had a camera and scanner to send a pic! Thanks again all of you.

14' in spread?!
Have you look under the branches? To be a such large shrub branches must be ground layered themselves and created several new shrubs.

On July 14 this year, I wrote about my Lady In Red plant, and received many helpful ideas, as when my plant finally grew and bloomed, the flower heads were BLUE - and the branches spanned at least 14 feet from side to side. Today, July 23, the petals are turning pink to red. The branches are red and so are the leaves. There are still some blue petals - but are turning. I had a long talk with LIR again about 1 week ago, and surprise! There may be hope yet. Thank you all. AND: Yes, there are some 6-7 inch branches on the long, long branches that are rooting!

Since donna cannot post a picture, is there anyone else who is having success with Lady in red? Our local HD has them on sale and I'm interested, but would like to see one in action. Not in a catalog pic, but in a real persons yard!
Cathy

Cathy,
I don't have any photos, but my sister in law has two that are gorgeous. She is between Zone 6/7. She has them in lots of morning sun and evening bright shade. I believe it is perfect for great blooming. They are just a year old and bloomed beautifully this year with pink/red color. The leaves are a wonderful color, even more so in the fall, with lovely red stems. I had never been a lace cap fan until I saw these and just had to have one! Now I am enjoying several different lacecaps, all thanks to Lady in Red.

I would be thrilled to see a picture of a Guinness record wide 14'(fourteen feet!) LiR, but in a mean time here is the pic of LiR in acidic soil at the beginning of July when if not the less saturated blue, dark stems and leaf midveins I can't define it from nearby Blue Bird.
July 7

At the end of July, when sterile florets reverses and show their red underneath. July 28

August 5

Fall foliage is very attractive (October 13)

thanks for the pics ego, I really like the dark wine colored stems and the fall color.
Cathy