CANR - UGA, Press Release
(Center for Advanced Nursery Research - University of Georgia)
September 9, 2003
Author: Dr. Michael A. Dirr

'Lady in Red' is remarkably beautiful throughout the growing season from leaf emergence in spring into autumn, when the leaves develop rich reddish-purple to maroon. The red veins, petioles and stems carry the color theme through the warm summer months. ‘Lady in Red’ is also unique among hydrangea cultivars because of the high mildew resistance. It remains pristine in the production phase as well as under garden culture.
Flowers are delicate lacecaps, 4 to 5 inches across, ringed with 5 to 10 clusters of showy pinkish white to pink sterile ray flowers. The fertile (center) flowers are bluish-purple. The ray flowers in acid (aluminum based) soils develop light blue coloration. As sepals mature, they reverse with the back-sides visible and gracefully age to burgundy-rose. If the flowers become unsightly as they mature, simply pinch or prune them. The ensuing growth brings a new freshness to the plant.
‘Lady in Red’ is among the easiest Hydrangea macrophylla cultivars to propagate and grow. In our hydrangea evaluations at the University of Georgia, it is the fastest to root, about 10-days, and grow off after removal from the mist.