Panicle Hydrangea

Cheryl Boyer, Nursery Crop Specialist at Kansas State University tells us about Panicle Hydrangea, or Tree Hydrangea just starting their annual bloom period in our area. 

Perfect for an early August wedding or just plain enjoyment in your own garden space, Hydrangeas can sometimes be tricky. High soil pH is commonly a problem for many species, but not panicle hydrangea which is pH adaptable. There are quite a few wonderful cultivars from which to choose within the H. paniculata species.  In the case of panicle hydrangea, the main guideline is that they need more water during times of drought than the average low-maintenance shrub.

Panicle Hydrangea is an upright, vase-shaped, medium-sized shrub, reaching 5 to 10 feet in height (can be pruned into a small tree shape). It grows quickly and has large inflorescences which may reach 12 to 18 inches long and 6 to 12 inches wide.  They start out white and change to purple-pink over the course of the flowering season (mid-July through September). It prefers sun to partial shade and protection next to a structure is ideal. However, it is one of the most cold-hardy hydrangeas available and is quite tolerant of urban conditions.

Modern cultivars of panicle hydrangea offer wonderful features in such a gorgeous plant. Quick Fire™ (‘Bulk’) flowers early (May to June), while ‘Tardiva’ flowers open later in September. For pink flowers, look no further than Pinky Winky™ (‘DVPpinky’), which has inflorescences that appear two-toned as they open white and mature to a dark pink and ‘Pink Diamond’ which has light pink flowers.

Some recent cultivars have lime-green inflorescences. These include Limelight™ and Little Lime™ (‘Jane’), which is a more compact plant.

Another compact cultivar is ‘Little Lamb’ which has white flowers. I must confess, however, that I’ve been more than a little infatuated with Vanilla Strawberry™ (‘Renhy’), a new introduction from the First Editions® plant series out of Bailey Nurseries. Its large inflorescences emerge a creamy vanilla white and mature through soft pink and finally strawberry red at the base of the inflorescence. All of this color and they are also supported by red stems. I’m in love and I have the perfect spot for one. Now if I could only find the time to go buy it! Race you?

Read more about Hydrangeas here: http://franklincountymgs.blogspot.com/2010/07/hydrangeas-in-my-landscape.html