Hydrangea Paniculata
Sun-Loving: Panicle Hydrangeas
Prized for
their showy, large conical flower clusters that bloom from summer into fall. Hydrangea
paniculata, commonly called panicle hydrangeas, have a range of bloom colors including
white, cream, pink, and red that gradually fade to brown as they mature. The long-lasting
flowers add interest to the garden and make a lovely cut or dried flower. They
are also known for their exceptional sun tolerance and can take full sun as well
as partial shade.
Your Favorite Panicle Hydrangeas
Hydrangea Limelight
This popular cultivar features large,
cone-shaped flower clusters that bloom in mid-summer and gradually turn from
lime green to pink and then to a rich bronze color in the fall. It stuns
in the landscape with its impressive size growing 6-8 feet tall and wide making
it a perfect focal point in your garden design or used as a border plant (note
it will drop its leaves in winter).
Hydrangea Little Lime
This stunning shrub features large, cone-shaped
flower clusters that start off bright lime green in mid-summer and gradually
change to shades of pink, red, and burgundy as fall approaches. It's
more compact, reaching 3-5 feet at maturity making it a perfect accent in the
landscape or even as the star in a large pot.
Hydrangea Vanilla Strawberry
This hydrangea stands proud in the landscape at
6-7 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide and is known for its cone-shaped flower
clusters that start off creamy white in early summer and gradually turn shades
of pink and then deep red as fall approaches. Its flowers also have a
fun slightly sweet and fruity fragrance and are a popular cut flower.
Hydrangea Strawberry Sundae
This lovely cultivar produces large, rounded
flower clusters that start off white in early summer and gradually turn shades
of pink and then deep red as fall approaches. Its compact size of just
3-4 feet tall and wide makes it so versatile in the landscape and even in pots.
Hydrangea Bobo
A charming compact shrub that produces an abundance
of large, white flower clusters that start blooming in mid-summer and continue
through fall. Coming in at just 2-3 feet tall and wide, it's a great choice
for smaller gardens or container gardens on a patio or balcony.
Hydrangea Quick Fire
Enjoy large, cone-shaped flower clusters that
are reddish-pink that start blooming in early summer, around Independence Day,
and continue through fall. A true statement in the landscape standing 6-8 feet
tall and wide with foliage that turns to gold and burgundy come fall.
Step-by-Step Planting Instructions
Panicle hydrangeas can be planted in the landscape or in a
container. Here are the steps for planting hydrangeas in your landscape.
1. Dig a hole twice the size of
the hydrangea pot.
2. Remove the native soil from
the hole and mix it at a 50-50 ratio with Black Gold Planting Mix. Our native
clay soil is compact and dense. It's critical to amend it with a rich, organic
planting mix to break up the soil to allow for root development and proper
drainage as well as add needed organic matter.
3. Backfill the hole to the size
of your hydrangea container and add a handful of Dr. Earth Root Zone Organic
Starter Fertilizer to the hole. This will help give your new hydrangea key
vitamins for root development and prevents transplant shock.
4. Holding the base of the
hydrangea; remove it from the grower's pot and place it in the hole.
5. Backfill the hole with the
amended soil and gently press the top of the soil to remove air pockets. The
soil line from the pot should be even with the soil level in your garden; be
sure not to plant too deep or too shallow.
6. Give your newly planted
hydrangea a good watering to help it get comfy and cozy in its new home.
Water Needs
Hydrangeas are thirsty;
especially while they are establishing in your landscape. Foliage may wilt on
our hot summer nights but rebound in the morning. To help keep your hydrangea
cooler and retain moisture, apply a two-inch layer of mulch around your
hydrangeas. Avoid getting water on the foliage in the afternoon as the water on
the leaves can cause scorch. Proper and best watering times are best in the
morning between 6am-10am.
Pruning
The best time to prune your Hydrangea Paniculata is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. It's important to prune only the old or weak wood, as this will encourage the development of new and stronger branches. Avoid cutting back the current season's growth, as this will remove the potential for new flowers. Deadheading, or removing spent blooms, can also be done throughout the growing season to encourage the plant to produce more flowers.
