Panicle Hydrangea
First Editions® Berry White® Panicle Hydrangea. Image credit: Bailey Nurseries/Tracy Walsh Photography
The Tolerant Hydrangea
This reliable hydrangea is the most sun, heat and drought-tolerant of all the hydrangea types.
The panicle hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata) is a large, multi-stemmed flowering shrub belonging to the Hydrangeaceae family. It is native to East Asia, specifically China and Japan, and typically grows 6 - 8 feet tall with many smaller and larger cultivars available. This fast-growing, vigorous hydrangea produces large, cone-shaped flower clusters called panicles, which emerge white in summer and change to shades of pink and red as the season progresses. Flower color is not affected by the pH of soil. This shrub has a long season of bloom, with flowers lasting through early fall and drying naturally on the bush, turning shades of light brown and providing winter interest in the landscape.
Panicle hydrangeas are adaptable plants and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. They are hardier and more cold-tolerant than other hydrangea species, particularly the bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla). Panicle hydrangeas thrive and reliably bloom in zones 3-8 (up to zone 9a for the popular ‘Limelight’ cultivar). They prefer full sun to partial shade and organic, rich, well-draining soil, and they require a minimum of 4 hours of direct sunlight per day to ensure strong stems; otherwise, they may flop over. Panicle hydrangeas bloom on new wood, and can be pruned back annually in late winter or early spring to promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.
Due to their tolerance of various soil types, cold hardiness, reliable blooming, and overall low maintenance requirements, panicle hydrangeas are considered the easiest hydrangea to grow. There are many cultivars of panicle hydrangeas available, offering variety in flower color, size, and growth habit - read on for a list of popular, high-performing cultivars.
First Editions® Strawberry Sundae® Panicle Hydrangea. Image credit: Bailey Nurseries/Tracy Walsh Photography
How to Plant and Grow a Panicle Hydrangea
Planting: The best time of year to plant a panicle hydrangea is in the spring or fall, giving the roots time to establish before the onset of extreme hot or cold weather. Water deeply immediately after planting.
Location: Choose a location with rich, well-draining soil. Panicle hydrangeas prefer soil that retains moisture but does not become waterlogged. Select a spot with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. Panicle hydrangeas tolerate partial shade, but without at least 4 hours of sunlight per day flowering and stem strength may be diminished, leading to a floppy, anemic-looking plant.
Soil: Amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost, shredded leaves, or Leaf-gro® to improve drainage and soil fertility. Flower color is not affected by the pH of soil.
Mulch: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to retain soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weeds. Make sure the mulch does not touch the base of the plant.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during periods of drought. Deep watering is preferable to encourage the development of a strong root system (Are you in a drought? Check the U.S. Drought Monitor).
Fertilization: Hydrangeas typically do not need fertilization when they are given the rich, fertile soil they prefer. Each spring, spread a layer of compost, shredded leaves or Leaf-gro® around the base of your hydrangea, being careful to keep it away from the base of the shrub.
Pruning: Panicle hydrangeas bloom on new wood. Prune back by 1/3 in late winter or early spring to promote flowering and healthy growth.
Pest and Diseases: Diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot can be occasional problems, as can aphids and mites. Ensure good air circulation around your plants to minimize the risk of disease, and practice good watering habits (see “How to Water your Plants” to brush up on your watering skills).
Limelight Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’).
Do Panicle Hydrangeas like Sun or Shade?
Panicle hydrangeas thrive in full sun to partial shade and require at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day to ensure the development of strong, sturdy stems and flowers. Unlike other types of hydrangeas that require partial shade and protection from the hot afternoon sun, panicle hydrangeas truly flourish when they receive direct sunlight every day. Abundant sunlight promotes robust flowering and helps to prevent weak, floppy stems, spindly growth, and poor flowering. Panicle hydrangeas will grow in more shade, but the amount of flowers and strength of the stems may be diminished, leading to floppy, anemic looking plants.
Landscaping Ideas for the Panicle Hydrangea
First Editions® Strawberry Sundae® Panicle Hydrangea. Image credit: Bailey Nurseries/Tracy Walsh Photography
Mixed Borders: Plant panicle hydrangeas along with other flowering shrubs, perennials, and ornamental grasses to create dynamic mixed borders.
Foundation Plantings: Use panicle hydrangeas as foundation plantings around the perimeter of your home. Their upright growth habit and attractive foliage can provide year-round interest, while their summer blooms add a pop of color to the landscape. Choose shorter cultivars that fit nicely under a windowsill, like Strawberry Sundae®.
Hedge or Screen: Plant multiple panicle hydrangeas in a row to create a dense hedge or screen. This can be particularly effective for adding privacy to your garden, marking property lines, or dividing different areas of the landscape.
Specimen Planting: Showcase a single panicle hydrangea as a focal point in the garden. Plant it in a prominent location where its beautiful blooms can be appreciated up close, such as near a patio or entryway.
Mass Plantings: Create impact by planting a large group of panicle hydrangeas together in a mass planting. This approach works well in larger landscapes, where the abundance of blooms can create a stunning visual display.
Container Gardens: Grow panicle hydrangeas in containers on patios, balconies, or sunny entryways. Choose compact varieties suited for container growth, and pair them with trailing or upright annuals for added interest. Containers dry out quickly and will require frequent watering.
Panicle Hydrangea Cultivars
Which is the Best Panicle Hydrangea?
Selecting the ideal panicle hydrangea for your garden depends on the desired size and preferred flower color. It's crucial to consider the plant's mature size, as some varieties can grow quite large, potentially obstructing views or extending into walkways and sidewalks. Compact cultivars are better suited for small yards and foundation plantings, while bigger ones may be ideal for hedges and wide open landscapes. Choose the cultivar based on your landscaping goals. Here are some popular varieties known for their performance and beauty:
Dwarf (under 3’ in height)
Bobo® (Hydrangea paniculata ‘ILVOBO’): A dwarf, compact shrub with profuse large upright white blooms, turning to pink as summer progresses. Grows 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide.
Firelight Tidbit® (Hydrangea paniculata ‘SMNHPK): A small, tidy, compact plant with white mophead flowers that turn bright pink and red, growing just 2-3 feet high and wide. Leaves turn vivid pink and red in autumn - an unusual trait for a panicle hydrangea.
Midsize (3 - 6’ feet in height):
Diamond Rouge® (Hydrangea paniculata ‘RENDIA’): White flowers turn intense watermelon pink and change again to wine red. Flowers turn pink earlier than other panicle hydrangeas. Reaches a mature size of 4-5 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide.
Little Hottie® (Hydrangea paniculata ‘BAILPANONE’): A compact shrub for smaller landscapes, growing 3-5 feet tall and wide. Brilliant white flowers stand up to the summer heat, eventually turning pink when temperatures cool down in the fall.
Limelight Prime® (Hydrangea paniculata ‘SMNHPPH’): Similar to ‘Limelight’, but with improvements - a longer season of flowering, vivid flower colors, stronger stems, and a smaller size. Grows 4-6 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide.
Little Lime® (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Jane’): A 3-5 foot tall and wide shrub with lime green blooms atop strong stems. Flowers age to a rich pink.
Little Lime Punch™ (Hydrangea paniculata ‘SMNHPH’): Multicolored flowers transform from green to shades of pink, red and white; grows 3-5 feet tall and wide with a mounded habit.
Little Quick Fire® (Hydrangea paniculata 'SMHPLQF’): A miniature version of the popular Quickfire® hydrangea, with white flowers turning to deep pink and a smaller 3-5 foot tall and 2-4 foot wide size.
Quick Fire Fab® (Hydrangea paniculata ‘SMNHPM’): The earliest blooming panicle hydrangea with full, showy mophead flowers changing from white to pink to deep red. Grows 5-6 feet tall and wide.
Puffer Fish® (Hydrangea paniculata ‘NCHP1): A compact, heavily-flowering, 3-5 foot tall and wide shrub with fluffy white flowers almost obscuring the foliage. White flowers turn lime green and stay upright on strong stems.
Strawberry Sundae® (Hydrangea paniculata ‘RENSUN’): Creamy white flowers change to a uniform pink color; grows 4-5 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide.
White Diamonds® (Hydrangea paniculata ‘HYPMAD’): Showy flowers open green, change to sparkling white, and finish as a rosy pink. Grows 4-6 feet tall and 5 feet wide.
Zinfin Doll® (Hydrangea paniculata ‘SMNHPRZEP’): A 4-6 foot tall shrub with full, mophead blooms emerging white, transitioning to pink and eventually red from the bottom up. Strong stems and an upright habit.
Large (over 6’ in height):
Berry White® (Hydrangea paniculata ‘RENBA’): Large flowers emerge white and turn shades of dark pink and red. Color is especially vivid in colder zones. Mature size of 6-7 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide.
Firelight Tidbit® (Hydrangea paniculata ‘SMNHPK’): Creamy white flowers age to vivid red atop a 6-8 foot tall and wide shrub.
Limelight (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’): A classic, popular cultivar with large green flowers aging to shades of pink and red. Grows 6-8 feet tall and wide in zones 3-9a.
Pinky Winky® (Hydrangea paniculata ‘DVP Pinky’): Large, two-toned pink and white flower panicles grow up to 16 inches long. Grows 6-8 feet tall and wide.
Quick Fire® (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Bulk’): An early-blooming cultivar with pure white flowers turning rosy pink and eventually to red; grows 6-8 feet tall and wide.
Vanilla Strawberry™ (Hydrangea paniculata ‘Renhy’): Flowers emerge pale green, transition to white, then turn shades of rosy pink and red. Grows 6-7 feet tall and 5-6 feet wide.
What is a Peegee Hydrangea?
“Peegee hydrangea” is the common name for Hydrangea paniculata 'Grandiflora.' This cultivar was introduced from Japan in 1862, and is one of the most popular and widely grown panicle hydrangeas. The name "Peegee" is derived from the initials "PG," referring to the plant’s species and cultivar names. Peegee hydrangeas are known for their large, cone-shaped flower clusters that emerge in mid to late summer. Flowers emerge a creamy white and gradually turn pink as they mature. These hydrangeas typically grow as large shrubs or small trees and can reach heights of 10 - 15 feet or more with a similar spread.
Peegee hydrangeas are popular choices for landscape borders, specimen plants, and even as small ornamental trees; however, they do come with some downsides. One potential drawback is their size - peegee hydrangeas can grow quite tall and wide, which may be overwhelming for small gardens and tight spaces. Another consideration is the tendency of the stems to droop and flatten under the heavy weight of large flower heads, especially after a heavy rain.
Recent breeding efforts have made significant strides in addressing the issues of floppy stems and the large size associated with the peegee hydrangea. One key approach has been the development of compact cultivars with sturdy, upright stems that are better able to support the weight of their abundant flower clusters. Breeders have also focused on creating more manageable sizes, offering options for smaller gardens and landscapes. Through selective breeding, new varieties have emerged that maintain the classic, old-fashioned beauty of the peegee hydrangea while addressing these practical concerns.
Why isn’t my Panicle Hydrangea Blooming?
Several factors could contribute to a panicle hydrangea not blooming:
Young plant: Panicle hydrangeas may take a few years to establish before they start blooming. If your plant is still relatively young, it might just need more time to mature and establish itself - be patient!
Pruning: Pruning at the wrong time or too aggressively can remove the flower buds. Panicle hydrangeas bloom on new wood, so pruning in late winter or early spring before new growth starts is ideal.
Insufficient sunlight: For best flowering, panicle hydrangeas need at least 4 hours of direct sunlight per day. If they're not getting enough sunlight, they may produce fewer blooms or fail to bloom altogether.
Watering issues: Inconsistent or inadequate watering can stress the plant and affect flowering. Ensure your panicle hydrangea receives sufficient water, especially during hot and dry periods.
Deer: Deer like the taste of hydrangeas, particularly the flowers and buds. They may visit your yard and nibble the buds off your panicle hydrangea, leaving no evidence of their presence other than the absence of flowers.
Are Panicle Hydrangeas Poisonous to Dogs?
Panicle hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) contain compounds that can be toxic to dogs if ingested, specifically cyanogenic glycosides. These compounds can release cyanide when broken down in the digestive system. However, the level of toxins in panicle hydrangeas are relatively low, and instances of dogs getting poisoned by consuming these plants are rare.
While the risk of severe poisoning is low, it’s important to monitor your dog's behavior in outdoor spaces. If you suspect your dog has ingested a toxic plant, seek immediate veterinary care or contact the Pet Poison Hotline (read “Which Plants are Toxic to Dogs” for more information on plants poisonous to dogs).