Panicle Hydrangea

Hydrangea paniculata (hy-DRAN-jee-ah pan-ick-yoo-LAY-tuh)

Family: Hydrangeaceae Non-native Understory (15-40 ft)

Panicle hydrangea is a woody, perennial shrub or small tree and a member of the hydrangea family (Hydrangeaceae). It is native to eastern and southern China, Japan, Sakhalin, Taiwan and Kuril Island. The specific epithet, paniculata , references the paniculate arrangement of the flowers. The panicle hydrangea is more tolerant of full sun than other hydrangea species. It prefers morning sun and afternoon shade, neutral to acidic soil with good drainage, and is air pollution-tolerant and cold hardy. It can tolerate harsh winters and is a good substitute for the mop-head hydrangea ( Hydrangea macrophylla ) in areas where that species is not winter hardy. It can be severely pruned in late winter or spring since it blooms on new growth and not on the woody stems formed during the previous year. The plant is shallow-rooted and will benefit from a layer of mulch. Propagate by seed or stem cutting. Panicle hydrangea is a large, multi-stemmed, woody, deciduous shrub or small tree that is rapid-growing and coarsely textured. It typically reaches a height of 8 to 15 feet tall and can grow up to 25 feet tall. This is a sun-loving hydrangea and is one of the few hydrangeas that flower on the current season's growth. The leaves are ovate, dark green above and light green beneath with serrate margins. Showy terminal, conical to pyramidal, large panicles of creamy white flowers bloom during the summer and into fall and measure 6 to 8 inches long. The bloom changes color as autumn nears, from pink to brown. The flower has both fertile and sterile flowers. It is one of winter's hardiest hydrangeas that thrives in urban conditions. Consider the panicle hydrangea for Asian gardens, children’s gardens, cottage gardens, cutting gardens and pollinator gardens. It will also do well in woodlands, naturalized areas, or play areas. Planted in groups, it works well as a border or hedge but is also delightful as a single specimen. Quick ID Hints : opposite serrate leaves, whorled at branch tips large, cone-shaped inflorescence at the ends of branches stout stem, reddish-brown streaked with gray Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Aphids, scales, nematodes and mites may be seen but are rarely a problem. This plant may be susceptible to powdery mildew, leaf spot, rust, mildew, bud blight and bacterial wilt. It may be damaged by deer, and it has brittle stems that are easily damaged by wind. VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy, and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee. More information on Hydrangea .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 71 attributes.